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Vitamin C contributes to inflammation via radical generating mechanisms: a cautionary note
1School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Brighton, Brighton, UK.
Medical Hypotheses
|November 1, 2003
Abstract:
Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) have been ascribed an important role in oxidative stress contributing to the progression of inflammatory diseases such as Crohn's disease and rheumatoid arthritis. Redox-active metal ions such as Fe(II) and Cu(I) further activate RONS and thus perpetuate their damaging effects. High intake of ascorbic acid exerts a pro-oxidant effect by its interaction with metal ions via a number of established RONS generating systems. Caution should be exerted regarding surplus ascorbic acid intake for patients with chronic inflammatory diseases.