ascorbic acid

ascorbic acid /ascor·bic ac·id/ (ah-skor´bik) vitamin C, a water-soluble vitamin found in many vegetables and fruits, and an essential element in the diet of humans and many other animals; deficiency produces scurvy and poor wound repair. It is used as an antiscorbutic and nutritional supplement, in the treatment of iron-deficiency anemia and chronic iron toxicity, and in the labeling of red blood cells with sodium chromate Cr 51.

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a·scor·bic acid (-skôrbk)

n.

A white, crystalline vitamin found in citrus fruits, tomatoes, potatoes, and leafy green vegetables and used to prevent scurvy. Also called vitamin C.

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Ascorbic acid

Another term for vitamin C, a nutrient found in fresh fruits and vegetables. Good sources of vitamin C in the diet are citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits, berries, tomatoes, green peppers, cabbage, broccoli, and spinach.

Mentioned in: Scurvy, Vitamin Toxicity

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ascorbic acid

[əskôr′bik]

Etymology: Gk, a, not; AS, scurf, scurvy

a water-soluble, white crystalline vitamin present in citrus fruits, tomatoes, berries, potatoes, and fresh green and leafy vegetables, including broccoli, brussels sprouts, collards, turnip greens, parsley, sweet bell peppers, and cabbage. It is essential for the formation of collagen and fibrous tissue for normal intercellular matrices in teeth, bone, cartilage, connective tissue, and skin, and for the structural integrity of capillary walls. It also aids in fighting bacterial infections and interacts with other nutrients. Signs of deficiency are bleeding gums, tendency to bruise, swollen or painful joints, nosebleeds, anemia, lowered resistance to infections, and slow healing of wounds and fractures. Severe deficiency results in scurvy. A large excess of ascorbic acid may cause a burning sensation during urination, diarrhea, skin rash, and nausea and may disturb the absorption and metabolism of cyanocobalamin. Results of tests for glycosuria, uric acid, and iron may be inaccurate when the patient is receiving large amounts of the vitamin. Also called antiscorbutic vitamin, vitamin C. See also ascorbemia, infantile scurvy, scurvy.

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ascorbic acid (vitamin C),

n generic; many brand names;
drug class: vitamin C, water-soluble vitamin;
action: needed for wound healing, collagen synthesis, antioxidant, carbohydrate metabolism;
uses: vitamin C deficiency, scurvy, delayed wound and bone healing, chronic disease, urine acidification, before gastrectomy.

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ascorbic acid, l-ascorbic acid

vitamin c, called also cevitamic acid; a substance found in many fruits and vegetables, especially citrus fruits, such as oranges and lemons, and tomatoes. It is synthesized by most animal species, except primates, guinea pigs, fruit bats and some birds and fish, and so is not a dietary requirement in ordinary circumstances except for the species named.

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ascorbic acid nutritional deficiency

occurs in primates and guinea pigs with inadequate dietary intake; affected animals are weak, depressed, anorectic, and have enlarged joints. In farm animals the only example of a possible secondary deficiency is a dermatosis of young calves which occurs at a time at which ascorbic acid levels might be expected to be at their lowest. The syndrome includes heavy dandruff, alopecia and a waxy crust on the skin.

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Patient discussion about ascorbic acid.

Q. Why is vitamin C so important? As a kid my Mum always told me to take vitamin C every day. Is it really important and if so how to take a day?

A. vitamin-C helps fight common colds,keeps you healthy,

Q. what is a Vitamin C and why is it so helpful and recommended? and where do i get lot's of it ??? :)

A. Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin. Unlike most mammals, humans do not have the ability to make their own vitamin C. Therefore, we must obtain vitamin C through our diet.

Function

Vitamin C is required for the synthesis of collagen, an important structural component of blood vessels, tendons, ligaments, and bone. Vitamin C also plays an important role in the synthesis of the neurotransmitter, norepinephrine. Neurotransmitters are critical to brain function and are known to affect mood. For the full article: http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/vitamins/vitaminC/ Hope this helps.

Q. Is the high intake of ascorbic acid helps to reduce weight, while dieting? Hi all…..I am 23, male. I have tried dieting to lose weight but in vain. Is the high intake of ascorbic acid helps to reduce weight, while dieting?

A. Ascorbic acid is actually vitamin C. It may not necessarily help you to drop the pounds, but a deficiency in vitamin C can cause weight gain because of a slowed metabolism. It is also needed for the growth and repair of tissues in all parts of your body, and too little can cause an increase in easy bruising and dry, scaly skin! It is essential for the healing of wounds, and for the repair and maintenance of cartilage, bones, and teeth. It is a good antioxidant, needed to block some of the damage caused by free radicals, which are by-products that results when our body transforms food into energy. Antioxidants also helps in reducing the damage to the body caused by toxic chemicals and pollutants such as cigarette smoke. The body does not manufacture vitamin C on its own, so it is important to include plenty of vitamin C-containing foods in your daily diet, or to take a vitamin C supplement.