VITAMIN C

Contents

1. Vitamin C

1.1 Physiochemical Properties of Vitamin C:

1.2 Origin of Vitamin C:

1.3 Applications of Vitamin C:

1.4 Alternatives of Vitamin C:

1.5 Safety and Storage:

1. Vitamin C:

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is one of the most prevalent and necessary vitamins. Vitamin C was discovered in 1912, isolated in 1928, and chemically synthesized for the first time in 1933. Vitamin C supplementation is essential, particularly during periods of heavy pollution because of its preventive function. It was and still is one of the most affordable therapeutic methods for preserving and protecting humans against infections, toxification, autoimmune disorders, and cancer development. The significance of Vitamin C in delivering improved aesthetics cannot be overstated. Its anti-ageing properties maintain skin colour and texture. Although it is not naturally produced in our body, it is abundant in our diet.

1.1 Physiochemical Properties of Vitamin C:

Chemical and physical characteristics are determined by their chemical structure. Vitamin C is a weak, water-soluble, unstable organic acid that is readily oxidised or destroyed by light, aerobic conditions, high temperatures, alkali, copper, humidity, and heavy metals. Ascorbic acid is often found as a white or slightly yellowish crystalline powder. In dryness, its crystalline state is chemically stable. Although L-ascorbic acid is extremely soluble in water, it is insoluble in alcohol, chloroform, ether, and benzene. In water, it produces a clear colourless somewhat yellow solution that oxidizes quickly. Although L-ascorbic acid is the general name for Vitamin C, it is also known by the chemical names ascorbate and antiscorbutic vitamin. The molecule of L-ascorbic acid is made up of asymmetrical six carbon atoms (C6H8O6), which is structurally similar to glucose. It has a molecular weight of 176, a melting point of 190–192°C (with breakdown), and a density of 1.65g/cm3. L-Ascorbic acid is soluble in water (300 g/L at 20°C), alcohol (20 g/L at 20°C), chloroform, ether, and benzene, but insoluble in chloroform, ether, and benzene. It produces a colourless to a slightly yellow solution that is transparent. Its pKa values are 4.2 and 11.6. The pH of a 5% (w/v) solution in water is 2.2–2.5. Cation exchange is used to produce ascorbic acid from sodium ascorbate. Sodium ascorbate is produced by reacting methyl-d-sorbosonate (or ketogulonic acid methyl ester) with sodium carbonate. Ascorbic acid reacts with calcium carbonate in water and ethanol to create calcium ascorbate, which is then separated and dried. Ascorbyl palmitate is

made by reacting ascorbic acid with sulfuric acid and then esterifying it with palmitic acid. The reaction of ascorbic acid (alone or in combination with sodium ascorbate) with calcium hydroxide and sodium trimetaphosphate produced sodium-calcium ascorbyl phosphate.

1.2  Origin of Vitamin C:

The human body cannot produce Vitamin C, we must get it from our food, and because it is water-soluble, we do not store it, therefore we must take it regularly. Only non-human animals such as primates, guinea pigs, fish, and birds synthesize Vitamin C. Although most animals can synthesize their Vitamin C requirements, humans are affected by a mutation in the DNA coding of gluconolactone oxidase, the primary enzyme responsible for ascorbic acid production. Because of this mutation, an external Vitamin C supplement is required. Humans receive the majority of their Vitamin C from fruits and vegetables. Citrus fruits and other kinds, such as cherries, berries, cantaloupe, kiwi fruits, watermelon, pineapple, strawberries, mangoes, and tomatoes, are especially high in Vitamin C. Furthermore, vegetables, such as cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, bean sprouts, mustard greens, peppers, peas, and potatoes, are regarded the primary source of Vitamin C owing to their greater concentration and availability throughout the year.

1.3  Applications of Vitamin C:

Every day, scientists and researchers find new uses for Vitamin C. Vitamin C plays a key role in the immune system.  Immune failure and numerous infections are caused by a deficiency. Both the innate and adaptive immune responses are influenced and improved by Vitamin C treatment. Many infections, including hepatitis, HIV, influenza, and periodontal diseases, are frequently treated with it as adjuvant therapy. Vitamin C is regarded as a potent anti-inflammatory drug because it suppresses a wide range of inflammatory mediators, including tumour necrosis factor-alpha. This feature is frequently utilised to alleviate postoperative erythema caused by CO2 laser skin resurfacing. Vitamin C suppresses melanogenesis at several stages via multiple mechanisms. As an anti-oxidant, ascorbic acid inhibits the formation of free radicals, which causes melanogenesis. It decreases oxidised melanin, causing the pigmentation to shift from jet black to light tan. Furthermore, the direct inhibition of the tyrosinase enzyme has a significant effect. Vitamin C is widely recognized for its involvement in collagen production. When Vitamin C pills are used with aspirin or opiates, they have a powerful synergistic impact on these medications. Although Vitamin C is water-soluble, it has a significant impact on lipids both intracellularly and extracellularly. Vitamin C is necessary for the protection of cell membrane lipids against oxidation. It also protects the skin’s lipid bilayer. Control of hypertension and excessive cholesterol levels is significant.

1.4  Alternatives of Vitamin C:

For skincare products, some alternatives of Vitamin C can be used including Niacinamide, Carotenoids, Alpha Arbutin. Some people are also sensitive to Vitamin C they cannot use Vitamin C on their skin so they can use these alternatives in skincare products. Niacinamide is the best antioxidant as Vitamin C. Magnesium ascorbate and calcium ascorbate are gentler forms of Vitamin C that can be used if a person is allergic to direct contact with Vitamin C.

1.5  Safety and Storage:

Vitamin C is air, light and heat sensitive and it can be damaged during cooking and food preparation or storage. So, it must be kept in a cold or moderate environment. In high dosages, Vitamin C may cause diarrhoea, birth abnormalities, cancer, kidney stones, increased iron absorption, B12 insufficiency, and tooth enamel degradation. Some medicines, such as estrogen-containing contraceptives and aspirin digestion, may also decrease Vitamin C levels. Use caution while using blood thinners such as Warfarin. Ascorbic acid, commonly known as Vitamin C, is a water-soluble vitamin. Water-soluble vitamins are eliminated via the urine after being kept in very small quantities in the body. As a result, including them in your regular diet is a smart idea but do not intake in the high amount it is harmful to health.