Ascorbic Acid in Health and Disease: A Review

Ascorbic acid is an essential nutrient, and required for various metabolic activities in humans. Typically citrus fruits, vegetables and organ meat are good source of vitamin C. It acts as strong antioxidant and act as a scavenger in defence against free radical oxygen species. It has also contributed to rejuvenate photo aged skin. It has ability to control the pigmentation of melanin by inhibiting the enzyme tyrosinase by interacting with copper ions. It serves as a co-antioxidant with vitamin E to regenerate alpha tocopherol, thereby retards cellular damage. Ascorbic acid is deprotonated to form ascorbate anion, contributes to its prooxidant properties and act as a potential anticancer agent. It reduces the mutation rate in mismatch-repair deficient human colon cancer cells. Ascorbic acid is a phytochemical has micronutrients that act against the inflammation in arthritis. Currently, challenges lies finding most stable formulation for achieving optimum results.