Metabolism of Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)

Vitamin C is a member of the water-soluble vitamin group which is found in a variety of foods and even sold as a supplement. Vitamin C is one of the essential nutrients for humans and other animals. Most animals are able to make vitamin C in their own bodies. However, there are humans, monkeys, bats and other animals that cannot make vitamin C, so they must meet their vitamin C needs through food sources or supplements. 

Metabolism of vitamin C:

Ascorbic acid is a crystalline sugar and can be synthesized from D-glucose or D-galactose in most organisms except primates, guinea pigs, Indian fruit-eating bats and some birds.

Naturally occurring vitamin C is L-xylo-ascorbic acid. L-xylo-ascorbic acid is oxidized to copper, heat, or mild alkalinity to L-dehydroascorbic acid. Both L-ascorbic acid and L-dehydroascorbic acid are physiologically active forms of vitamin C. L-dehydroascorbic acid is subsequently oxidized to form more 2,3-diketo-l-gulonic acid and oxalate, and the reaction is unilateral.


The main route of oxidation of ascorbic acid is ascorbate free radical (AFR) and then removal of two electrons to form dehydroascorbate. The two molecules of AFR react together to form an ascorbate molecule and a dehydroascorbate molecule. AFR is less responsive than any other free radical, so Ascorbate plays a protective role as a free radical chain terminator. Ascorbate is highly soluble in aqueous liquids, so it can easily spread to tissues. An important function of ascorbate is that it maintains the toxic state of vitamin-E. Ascorbic acid is a powerful reducing agent  and it acts as an  antioxidant  and cofactor in hydroxylation reaction.

Know more about the COMPLICATIONS OF VITAMIN C DEFICIENCY.


Location: Dhaka, Bangladesh

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