Download Vitamin C

Vitamin C
Objectives
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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
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Antioxidant
Collagen formation cofactor
Stress reaction
Relationship to common cold
Vitamin C
Functions
SOURCES
 Sources
Vitamin C
Functions
Other Facts
Vitamin C
Other name: ascorbic
acid
 2000 RDA
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Men: 90 mg/day
Women: 75 mg/day
Smokers: + 35 mg/day
Upper level for adults:
2000 mg/day
Characteristic of Vitamin C
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Destroyed by:
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Heat, high
temperature
Exposure to
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light,
oxygen
alkali
Antioxidant-prevents
discoloration of cut
fresh fruit.
Functions
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Collagen synthesis
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Side effects: nausea, abdominal
cramps, diarrhea
Formation of kidney stones
Interference with medical regimens
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Urine testing in diabetes
Anticoagulation therapy
Iron overload
Food Sources
 Citrus
fruits
Food Sources
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Vegetables:
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Broccoli,
cabbage,
potatoes,
tomatoes,
green peppers
Fruits:
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Cantaloupe,
watermelon,
strawberries,
kiwi
Vitamin C