Description

Ascorbic Acid, commonly known as Vitamin C, is a water-soluble vitamin. It is an essential nutrient that the human body cannot produce on its own and must be obtained from diet or supplements. It is a powerful antioxidant and plays a vital role in numerous biological processes, including tissue repair, immune function, and the synthesis of neurotransmitters.

Indication

Ascorbic Acid is indicated for the prevention and treatment of a condition caused by its deficiency, as well as for its supportive role in other health contexts. Its main indications include:

• Scurvy: This is the classic disease caused by severe vitamin C deficiency, characterized by symptoms such as fatigue, gum disease, joint pain, and impaired wound healing. Ascorbic acid is the primary treatment for this condition.

• Nutritional Supplementation: It is used as a dietary supplement to ensure adequate intake of the vitamin, especially in individuals with poor diets, malabsorption issues, or increased requirements (e.g., smokers, pregnant women).
• Enhanced Iron Absorption: It is often prescribed alongside iron supplements to enhance the absorption of non-heme iron (iron from plant-based sources).

Mechanism of Action

Ascorbic Acid’s therapeutic effects are a result of its various biochemical functions, particularly its role as an antioxidant and an enzyme cofactor.

1. Antioxidant Action:
   • Ascorbic acid is a potent antioxidant. It can donate electrons to neutralize harmful molecules known as free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS).

• • Free radicals can cause oxidative stress, leading to cellular damage and contributing to the development of chronic diseases. By neutralizing these molecules, ascorbic acid helps to protect cells from damage.

2. Enzyme Cofactor for Collagen Synthesis:
   • This is the most crucial mechanism that explains its role in scurvy. Ascorbic acid is an essential cofactor for the enzymes prolyl hydroxylase and lysyl hydroxylase.

• • These enzymes are responsible for hydroxylating the amino acids proline and lysine during the synthesis of collagen.

• • Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body, providing structural integrity to skin, blood vessels, bones, cartilage, and other connective tissues. Without adequate vitamin C, the collagen produced is unstable and weak, leading to the symptoms of scurvy.

3. Iron Absorption:
   • Ascorbic acid enhances the absorption of non-heme iron in the small intestine.

• • It does this by reducing the ferric form of iron (Fe3+) to the more soluble and more readily absorbable ferrous form (Fe2+), and by forming a chelate complex with iron that maintains its solubility in the small intestine.

4. Immune Function:
   • Ascorbic acid is found in high concentrations in immune cells and is involved in various aspects of the immune response. It supports the function of phagocytes and lymphocytes and helps to protect these cells from oxidative damage.