 VITAMIN C L-ascorbic acid, ascorbate Synthesized from glucose by most animals Vitamin C is an electron donor

F UNCTIONS OF V ITAMIN C Enhances absorption of iron reduces iron to more absorbable ferrous form chelates with ferrous ion to make it more soluble

F UNCTIONS OF V ITAMIN C Involved in the biosynthesis of the protein, collagen, found in connective tissues such as cartilage, ligaments, and tendons Involved in the biosynthesis of the protein, collagen, found in connective tissues such as cartilage, ligaments, and tendons

F UNCTIONS OF V ITAMIN C Biosynthesis of the catecholamine norepinephrine Biosynthesis of the catecholamine norepinephrine (neurotransmitter) Bile acid synthesis

 O THER FUNCTIONS Promotes the healing of cuts, abrasions and wounds Promotes the healing of cuts, abrasions and wounds Helps fight infections. Helps fight infections. Inhibits conversion of irritants in tobacco smoke Inhibits conversion of irritants in tobacco smoke and certain foods into cancer-causing substances. and certain foods into cancer-causing substances. Appears to dilate blood vessels and thereby Appears to dilate blood vessels and thereby lessen the risk of developing high blood pressure lessen the risk of developing high blood pressure and heart disease. and heart disease. Helps regulate cholesterol levels. Helps regulate cholesterol levels.

F OOD S OURCES OF V ITAMIN C Citrus fruits Potatoes Green peppers Cauliflower Broccoli Strawberries Romaine lettuce Spinach Easily lost through cooking Sensitive to heat Sensitive air

 D AILY REQUIREMENTS Recommended Dietary Allowance mg per day adult male 90 adult female 75 Children 4-13 years 25 Tolerable Upper Intake Level(adult male) 2,000 mg per day Tolerable Upper Intake Level(adult female) 2,000 mg per day

 D EFICIENCY OF VITAMIN C When there is a shortage of Vitamin C, various problems can arise like : Scurvy disease ;a disease characterized by weakness, fatigue, anemia, swollen joints, bleeding gums and loose teeth and skin discoloration due to "pinpoint" hemorrhages under the skin and a tendency to bruise easily Scurvy disease ;a disease characterized by weakness, fatigue, anemia, swollen joints, bleeding gums and loose teeth and skin discoloration due to "pinpoint" hemorrhages under the skin and a tendency to bruise easily

poor wound healing poor wound healing Edema (water retention) Edema (water retention) weakness, a lack of energy weakness, a lack of energy poor digestion poor digestion painful joints painful joints bronchial infection and colds. bronchial infection and colds.  D EFICIENCY OF VITAMIN C

 T OXICITY Diarrhea Diarrhea nausea nausea skin irritation skin irritation burning upon urination burning upon urination depletion of the mineral copper. depletion of the mineral copper. development of kidney stones due to oxalate formation or hemochromatosis or other diseases related to excessive iron accumulation. development of kidney stones due to oxalate formation or hemochromatosis or other diseases related to excessive iron accumulation.

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