Vitamin C
Ascorbic Acid
Description: A water soluble vitamin that can be found in citrus fruit, broccoli, peppers, and other vegetables. Vitamin C can be synthesized by most animal species except primates, guinea-pigs, fruit bats and some fish. These animals require it in their diet.
Action: Vitamin C is important in the manufacture of collagen. It is needed to convert the amino acid proline to hydroxyproline which makes up part of the collagen structure. Collagen is an important component of connective tissue, tendons, cartilage.
Properties: Acts as an antioxidant and important in collagen metabolism and immune function. Vitamin C works with vitamin E and helps regenerate vitamin E, potentiating its antioxidant effect.
Uses: It has been used to boost immunity, enhance wound repair, reduce risk of cataracts.
Cautions: As a water soluble vitamin, any exess vitamin C is lost readily in the urine. Daily supplementation may be warrented in animals under stress or disease, especially in those animals that do not make vitamin C within their bodies. It is important that flavanoids be administered at the same time as supplemental ascorbic acid.
Side Effects: Excessive doses of vitamin C can cause can cause flatulence and diarrhea in some animals.