Vitaminquick Reviews - Antioxidant Function of Vitamin C

1. ANTIOXIDANT FUNCTION OF VITAMIN C Vitaminquick Reviews

2. 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

3. 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

4. CHARACTERISTIC OF VITAMIN C Destroyed by: Heat, high temperature Exposure to light, oxygen alkali Antioxidant-prevents discoloration of cut fresh fruit.

5. 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

6. ANTIOXIDANT FUNCTION

7. 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

8. 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”

9. 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

10. 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

11. FOOD SOURCES Citrus fruits

12. FOOD SOURCES Vegetables: Broccoli, cabbage, potatoes, tomatoes, green peppers Fruits: Cantaloupe, watermelon, strawberries, kiwi

13. Vitamin C The End!