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 ac...