VITAMIN C :::
Chemistry it is chemically ascorbic acid and is active in the levoform it is water soluble thermolabile and is easily oxidisable
Source::
Acid fruits lemon amala papaya and pineapple are its rich sources Vegetables like spinach lettuce cabbage cauliflower and germinated pulse contain vitamin C Animal source is poor in ascorbic acid but adrenal cortex stores good amount of ascorbic acid milk meat and fish are its poor sources
It is not stored in the body and excess is excreted soon in the urine
Functions ::
1.It helps in the maintenance of germinative cells like fibroblasts osteoblasts etc
2.It maintains the normality of intercellular matrix by controlling collagenous metabolism
3.It builds up protein and deposits Ca and P to build the bones
4.It speeds up the repair of wounds
5.It takes part in RBC formation in the bone marrow
6.It has some role in carbohydrate metabolism
7.In cell metabolism it acts as a hydrogen carrier
8.Vitamin C aids insulin production
9.It has its role in tyrosine metabolism
10.It increases iron absorption from the intestine
11.It increases the resistance against infections and allergy in adequate does is can abort common cold
12.It aids the conversion of folic acid to folinic acid which is essential for RBC formation andot metabolism of the cell nucleus
Deficiency ::
As it is not much stored in the body its deficiency occurs faster its deficiency syndrome is called Scurvy it is characterised by capillary bleeding gum beeding petichinal haemorrhages (under the skin) and the haemorrhages under the periosteum of bones it gives rise to green stick fracture of bone in children its deficiency also gives rise to bad teeth
Vitamin C is essential for life since its deficiency increases susceptibility to infections it also strengthens the body framework especially of the blood capillaries biochemically it is closely related with the suprarenal corticosteroids
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