Vitamin C
New Biochemical and Functional Insights

Almost a century ago, ascorbic acid was identified
as the compound present in fruits and vegetables
that was responsible for the alleviation of scurvy,
a much-feared disease commonly experienced
during extended periods of poor nutrition. Prior
to its identification, it had already been known
as vitamin C—the “water-soluble C” factor that
was antiscorbutic. The hexuronic acid identified
by Albert Szent-Györgyi and colleagues in the
early 1930s was named ascorbic acid due to its
antiscurvy properties. Since that time, much has
been learned about the chemistry, biochemistry,
and biology of this compound, with more than
70,000 publications listed in the PubMed database.
Research and discussion have frequently focused
on determining and justifying the amount of
dietary vitamin C needed on a daily basis. This
topic is of relevance to the human condition, as we
are one of the few species that cannot synthesize
ascorbate and are therefore dependent on sufficient
dietary intake. Most countries have determined
the recommended daily intake based on the
amount required to avoid deficiency. However, as
outlined in many chapters, there is not a simple,
unequivocal answer to the question of optimal
daily intake of vitamin C. Rather, there are likely
to be multiple answers that are a reflection of both
intake and turnover under different clinical and
health circumstances