2. VITAMIN - C

3. Ascorbic Acid Ascorbic acid is commonly known as vitamin C
Lactone Ring

4. Vitamin C exists in two forms,
Ascorbic acid Most vitamin C is present in this form
Dehydroascobic acid.
Both are equally well utilized by humans

5. Functions
This vitamin is essential for hydroxylation of amino acids Proline and Lysine to hydroxyproline and hydroxylysine respectively
Important components of collagen , found in cartilage, bone, dentin and vascular epithelium.
Vitamin C is important in wound healing

6. Functions 2. Other functions include:
Synthesis of epinephrine and antiinflamatory steroid by adrenal gland
White blood cell functions phagocytosis
Folic acid metabolism –Redues folic acid to THFA and helps in maturation of RBCs

7. Functions Tryptophan metabolism to serotonin by hydroxylation
Tyrosine metabolism to homogenestic acid by oxidation
Iron metabolism facilitates the conversion of ferric to ferrous state which is preferentially absorbed

8. Functions Reconversion of methaemoglobin to hemoglobin
Helps in the synthesis of bile acid from cholesterol
Antioxidant,may prevents cancer
Catract formation risk is reduced

9. Absorption and Metabolism
Vitamin C is quickly absorbed form gastro-intestinal tract and distributed in various tissues of body
Highest concentration are found in adrenal gland, with appreciable amounts in kidneys, spleen, liver, pancreas, thymus and pituitary
Once the tissues are saturated, is excreted by the kidneys

10. Recommended Dietary Allowances
60 mg/day is required by both males and females
Children have higher vitamin C requirement than do adults, on a weight basis

11. Food Sources Vitamin C is present in variety of fruits and vegetables
Fresh, frozen or raw fruits and vegetables are best sources. citrus fruits, cabbage, spinach etc.
Vitamin C is easily destroyed by prolonged cooking at high temperatures due to oxidation

12. Deficiency manifestations
Deficiency of vitamin C results in faulty/ defective formation of collagenous intracellular substances.

13. Clinical Manifestations
Joint pains
Poor growth
Anemia
Increased susceptibility to infections and
Poor wound healing

14. Advanced form of vitamin C deficiency results in scurvy
Manifested clinically as
Easy bruising,
Bleeding gums and
Hemorrhages

15. Toxic Effects Generally considered to be nontoxic
gastro-intestinal symptoms may be experienced by some individuals