Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that functions as a strong antioxidant. It is essential for collagen synthesis, iron absorption, immune function, and acts as a reducing agent. Sources include citrus fruits, tomatoes, and peppers. It is absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract and distributed throughout the body. A daily intake of 60-70 mg is recommended, with potential deficiency causing scurvy over time. Therapeutic uses include treating scurvy, supporting bone and tissue healing as well as antioxidant effects. High doses may cause adverse effects like kidney stones.

1. S.BAVADHAARINI

2. CHEMICAL STRUCTURE
• Water soluble versatile vitamin
• Hexose derivative-monosaccharides
• Acid-enolic hydroxyl groups
• Strong reducing agent

3. BIOSYNTHESIS AND METABOLISM
URONIC ACID CYCLE

4. SOURCES
• Sources:Citrus fruits(oranges,lemons),black
currants;tomatoes,potato,green
chillies,cabbage etc.,-
• Human milk-(25-50mg/dl)

5. ABSORPTION
• Completely absorbed from GIT
• Distribution both extra & intracellularly
• Daily intake-60-70 mg/day
• Plasma-0.8mg /dl
• Metabolites –diketogluconic acid excreted in urine

6. BIOCHEMICAL FUNCTIONS
• Collagen formation: Post translational modification-
stabilisation and formation of collagen triple helix
• Bone formation
• Synthesis of serotonin (tryptophan)and homogentisic acid
(tyrosine)

7. • Iron & Hb metabolism:Enhances absorption of
ferrous form of iron;helps in Met Hb Hb
bile pigments
• Maturation of erythrocytes

8. • Strong antioxidant
spares vit A, vit E&B-complex from
oxidation
• Hydroxylation of glycine &carnitine
• Synthesis of Igs& phagocytic action of leukocytes
• Reduces risk of cataract ,cancer & coronary heart diseases
• Biosynthesis of adrenal
steroids,catecholamines,oxytocin&vasopressin

9. DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS
SCURVY
• Capillary fragility
• Sore gums;loose teeth
• Swollen joints &brittle bones
• Fragile blood vessels
• Impaired wound healing

10. • Anaemia & growth retardation
• Immunocompetence
• Subperiosteal & petechial haemorrhages

12. THERAPEUTIC USES
• For Scurvy:0.5-1.5g/day
• For Anaemia:vit c + ferrous salts
• (vitamin c) Injection, USP, 250 mg/mL is
available in 2 mL ampules, in cartons of 25.
• Prophylaxis:50-100 mg/day
• Post-operatively:500mg daily –Rapid healing of
bed sores & chronic leg ulcers
• UTI-acidify urine -1g TDS-QID
• Used in common cold to cancer bt with
inconsistent results

13. ADVERSE EFECTS
• Risk of urinary oxalate stones formation
• High doses –cytotoxic
• On stoppage of therapy-Rebound scurvy
• Transient mild soreness may occur at the site
of intramuscular or subcutaneous injection.
• Too-rapid intravenous administration of the
solution may cause temporary faintness or
dizziness

14. • DRUGINTERACTIONS
Limited evidence suggests that ascorbic acid may
influence the intensity and duration of action of
bishydroxycoumarin
• General Precautions
Too-rapid intravenous injection is to be avoided.
• Laboratory Tests:
Diabetics taking more than 500 mg vitamin C daily may
obtain false readings of their urinary glucose test. No
exogenous vitamin C should be ingested for 48 to 72 hours
before amine-dependent stool occult blood tests are
conducted because possible false-negative results may
occur.

15. • Usage in Pregnancy
It is also not known whether Ascorbic Acid
(vitamin c) Injection can cause fetal harm when
administered to a pregnant woman or can
affect reproduction capacity. Ascorbic Acid
Injection should be given to a pregnant woman
only if clearly needed.
• CONTRAINDICATIONS
Contraindicated in those persons who have
shown hypersensitivity to any component of
this preparation.