Vitamin C

Objectives After reading Chapter 6, completing a

concept map and class discussion, you will be able to:

Describe characteristics of Vitamin C Identify food sources of Vitamin C Discuss roles of Vitamin C

Antioxidant Collagen formation cofactor Stress reaction Relationship to common cold

Vitamin C SourcesSOURCESFunctions

Vitamin CFunctionsOther Facts

Vitamin C Other name:

ascorbic acid 2000 RDA

Men: 90 mg/day Women: 75 mg/day Smokers: + 35

mg/day Upper level for

adults: 2000 mg/day

Characteristic of Vitamin C

Destroyed by: Heat, high

temperature Exposure to

light, oxygen alkali

Antioxidant-prevents discoloration of cut fresh fruit.

Functions Collagen synthesis

Strengthens blood vessel walls, forms scar tissue, provides matrix for bone growth

Antioxidant Thyroxin synthesis Amino acid metabolism Strengthens resistance to infection Helps in absorption of iron

Antioxidant Function

Deficiency Symptoms Poor wound

healing, bruising, irritability

Reduced resistance to infections

Spongy, swollen, bleeding gums and loose teeth

Bone and joint pain

Anemia and Scurvy

Vitamin C & Scurvy Vitamin C

deficiency known since biblical times

Most common on long sea voyages

Prevented by lemon (lime) juice

British sailors nickname “limeys”

Vitamin C & Common Cold Frequent claims of Vitamin C as a cure for

the common cold Research is conflicting and controversial Dose of 1 gm/day decreased duration of

less than one day “Placebo effect” Vitamin C deactivates histamine

Adverse Effects of C Side effects: nausea,

abdominal cramps, diarrhea Formation of kidney stones Interference with medical

regimens Urine testing in diabetes Anticoagulation therapy Iron overload

Food Sources

Citrus fruits

Food Sources Vegetables:

Broccoli, cabbage, potatoes, tomatoes, green peppers

Fruits: Cantaloupe,

watermelon, strawberries, kiwi

The End!

Vitamin C