In so far as is known, the guinea pig, the primate apes and monkeys, and man are the only species which require vitamin C in the diet. Other species synthesize the vitamin within the body.
The discase is characterized primarily by faulty formation of the “cement substance” between cells and the faulty formation of collagen. The fragile eapillary walls which result allow bleeding upon slight trauma. This is particularly evident in the gums. Bone formation is impaired. The joints become sore and painful, the teeth loose. Ascorbic acid is higly specific although some isomers apparently have some slight activity.
Ascorbic acid is easily oxidized, particularly at high temperature and is the vitamin most readily lost during cooking. Storage of food is usually associated with vitamin C losses except under modern methods of freezing and canning. Scurvy is usually seen in children not given the vitamin orange juice or other appropriate sources. Milk is not a reliable source. In the past scurvy was serious on voyages and campaigns where dried rations were necessary.
The function of vitamin C is little understood. In scurvy the amino acids tyrosine and phenylalanine are incompletely oxidized and the oxidation product, dihydroxy phenylalanine occurs in the urine. The vitamin also apeear to be necessary for the transformation of frolic acid into citrovorum factor. This is the probable cause of the anemia seen in scurvy.
The minimum requirement of vitamin C is about 0 mg per day. This will prevent scurvy in the adult. However, there is considerable disaggreement as to whether much higher levels are beneficial. Recommendation intakes thus vary from 30 mg per day in England to 70 mg per day in the United States of America. The latter amount is required to maintain a blood level similar to that found in animals which synthesize their own vitamin C. Blood levels clearly reflect the vitamin C intake. The white cells of the plasma maintain their their vitamin C content after all vitamin C has disappeared from the plasma. When the level in the white cells begins to fall scruvy is imminent.
The better sources of the vitamin are the citrus fruits, tomatoes, cabbage, green peppers etc. Although the vitamin content of materials such as potatoes is not high these are often consumed in sufficient amountsbto be the chief protection against scurvy. Nearly all fresh vegetables andfruits contain significant amounts while cereals and most meats are not good sources.
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Kylie Robinson is a webmaster and blogger, as well as being a student in the city of Toronto. Kylie has performed hours of research the importance of the Human Growth Hormone for our bodies. Due to this, Kylie is an expert when it comes to finding the best HGH, buying HGH, and the HGH supplements.
