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Metabolism and Metabolic Interactions of Vitamin C

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Vitamin C

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Abstract

Ascorbic acid is the most effective, least toxic, water-soluble antioxidant “free radical scavenging” vitamin known. It is important in the prevention of scurvy [1], in the processes of collagen synthesis [2], norepinephrine synthesis [3], amidation of peptide hormones [4], and regeneration of vitamin E [5] and provides protection against oxidative damage in a variety of tissues, including the eye (reviewed in [6]). Even though since 1990 over 5000 research studies have appeared, more information is needed regarding the mechanisms of vitamin C metabolism, the dietary requirement for maintaining optimal health, and the causes of deficiencies in disease states (reviewed in [7]). A major research focus in our laboratory is to determine the role of ascorbate in maintaining healthy physiologic function. A long-term goal is to understand the metabolic interactions of ascorbate with other antioxidant molecules (e.g., glutathione) under normal and disease conditions (e.g., diabetes) which result in an alteration in antioxidant metabolism. The following text will give a condensed background of what is known regarding ascorbate metabolism.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physiology, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, North Dakota, 58202, USA

    A. M. Bode & J. G. G. Vethanayagan

Authors
  1. A. M. Bode
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  2. J. G. G. Vethanayagan
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Pharmacological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Milan, Italy

    Rodolfo Paoletti

  2. Institute of Physiological Chemistry, University of Düsseldorf, Germany

    Helmut Sies

  3. Merck Pharma, Self-Medication International, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany

    Joachim Bug

  4. Ethical Drugs Medical Department, Bracco Spa, Milan, Italy

    Enzo Grossi

  5. Nutrition Foundation of Italy, Milano, Italy

    Andrea Poli

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© 1998 Springer-Verlag Italia, Milano

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Bode, A.M., Vethanayagan, J.G.G. (1998). Metabolism and Metabolic Interactions of Vitamin C. In: Paoletti, R., Sies, H., Bug, J., Grossi, E., Poli, A. (eds) Vitamin C. Springer, Milano. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-88-470-2244-7_3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-88-470-2244-7_3

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Milano

  • Print ISBN: 978-88-470-0027-8

  • Online ISBN: 978-88-470-2244-7

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

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