Dr David McGrath

Dr David McGrath

Dr David McGrath

Spine Physician

MB BS (Hons) FAFOM, RACP, FAFMM
Master of Pain Medicine


                                                            Vitamin C

Bottom Line: Deficiency unlikely, but worth considering in certain groups or poor healing.(think of blood,thinking,skin,joints,bone)

We are one of the few animals, that are unable to manufacture vitamin C, or L- ascorbate. Other animals make vitamin C from glucose. Many claims have been made for this vitamin by Linus Pauling, a Nobel Lauriet.

Here are some physiological facts.
1. Water soluble
2. Active absorption from GIT
3. Large capacity to increase/decrease absorption, depending on body stores (16-98%)
4. Kidney excretion of excess vitamin C. (plasma levels >1.4mg/dl )
5. Body stores around 1,500 mgs=1.5gm  (around 15 days average intake)
6. Daily requirement around 60 mg to maintain body stores (pool) to around 1500mg
7. Deficiency considered to be around 0.2 mg/dl
8. Adequate levels considered to be around 1mg/dl (leads to no excretion from kidney)
9. Metabolised to oxalate

Deficiency Signs
1. When total body pool falls below 300mg
2. Bleeding gums
3. Skin discolourations
4. Easy bruising
5. Impaired healing
6. Joint pain (arthralgia)
7. Loose and decaying teeth
8. Skin condition (hyperkeratosis of hair follicles with hair thinning and small nodules about hairs)
9. Low red cell and white cell count
10. Thinking disorders, due to neurotransmitter deficiency.
 

Biochemistry

1. Vital anti-oxidant role
2. Collagen synthesis
3. Carnitine Synthesis (needed for fatty acid transport and utilisation )
4. Tyrosine synthesis (essential amino acid)
5. Neurotransmitter Synthesis (Noradrenaline, Serotonin )
6. Role in the production of hormones (pituitary,GIT,adrenal hormones)
7. Iron Metabolism

Vitamin C and Disease
1. Possible Cancer prevention with high intake (uncertain)
2. Possibly less Cardiovascular disease (possible assists Vitamin E in reducing oxidation)
3. Possible protective against Cataracts (with vit E)

(to be continued)



©Copyright 2007 Dr David McGrath. All rights reserved