Vitamin C Functions and Information |
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Vitamin C also known as, ascorbic acid, L-ascorbic acid, dehydroascorbic acid, the antiscorbutic vitamin, L-xyloascorbic acid and L-threo-hex-2-uronic acidy-lactone, is a much talked about vitamin, with people claiming it as a cure-all for may diseases and problems - from cancer to the common cold. Vitamin C is a water-soluble antioxidant and can quench both reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species. This antioxidant activity diminishes lipid peroxidation, oxidative DNA damage and oxidative protein damage. Oxidation of low density lipoprotein (LDL) has been suggested to be a factor causing atherosclerosis. Vitamin C prevents LDL from being oxidized. Vitamin C increases high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, probably resulting in decreased risk of atherosclerosis. How Much Vitamin C Is Enough? Women and men should consume at least 60 milligrams of vitamin C each day. People who smoke need to consume more vitamin C because smoking interferes with the body's ability to use vitamins. Women who smoke should consume 110 milligrams per day of vitamin C, and men who smoke should consume 125 milligrams per day of vitamin C. Functions of Vitamin C Vitamin C is required for the synthesis of collagen, an important structural component of blood vessels, tendons, ligaments, and bone. Vitamin C also plays an important role in the synthesis of the neurotransmitter, norepinephrine. Neurotransmitters are critical to brain function and are known to affect mood. In addition, vitamin C is required for the synthesis of carnitine, a small molecule that is essential for the transport of fat to cellular organelles called mitochondria, for conversion to energy . Recent research also suggests that vitamin C is involved in the metabolism of cholesterol to bile acids, which may have implications for blood cholesterol levels and the incidence of gallstones Another important function of vitamin C is in the formation of collagen, the connective tissue basis, which is mostly found in skin, teeth, and bones. This vitamin is then needed to give support and shape to the body, to help heal the wounds, and to maintain healthy blood vessels. Some studies have also linked vitamin C with its ability to prevent a number of cancers, to reduce the risk of heart disease, to prolong life, and to keep skin healthy. |
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