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Vitamin C
Water-soluble vitamin and reducing agent that serves as cofactor for collagen hydroxylases, carnitine and norepinephrine synthesis, and as the principal aqueous-phase antioxidant in plasma.
Also: Ascorbate, Ascorbic acid
Adult RDA is 90 mg/d men, 75 mg/d women, with smokers needing an additional 35 mg/d. Vitamin C enhances nonheme iron absorption by reducing Fe3+ to Fe2+ and chelating. Pharmacologic IV ascorbate (>1 mM) generates hydrogen peroxide selectively cytotoxic to some cancer cells, an active research area. Megadose oral supplementation is not associated with benefit and can cause GI symptoms and predispose to oxalate kidney stones in susceptible individuals.
How each textbook covers it
duyff-complete-food-and-nutrition-guide-5e
Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease, 12th ed. — Ch 22: Vitamin C
Adult RDA is 90 mg/d men, 75 mg/d women, with smokers needing an additional 35 mg/d. Vitamin C enhances nonheme iron absorption by reducing Fe3+ to Fe2+ and chelating. Pharmacologic IV ascorbate (>1 mM) generates hydrogen peroxide selectively cytotoxic to some cancer cells, an active research area. Megadose oral supplementation is not associated with benefit and can cause GI symptoms and predispose to oxalate kidney stones in susceptible individuals.
Related terms
Collagen, Iron, Oxidative stress, Scurvy