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Updated: Jun 25, 2026
11:56
A Rapid and Specific Microplate Assay for the Determination of Intra- and Extracellular Ascorbate in Cultured Cells
Published on: April 11, 2014
Ascorbic acid--important for iron metabolism
Bissera D Atanassova1, Kamen N Tzatchev
1Department of Clinical Laboratory and Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, Medical University, Sofia 1 Georgi Sofiiski St., 1431 Sofia, Bulgaria.
Folia Medica
|February 13, 2009
Summary
Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) plays a key role in iron absorption by acting as an intracellular electron donor in the intestine. Its concentration influences whether it acts as a pro-oxidant or antioxidant, impacting iron homeostasis.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Human Physiology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is known to enhance dietary iron absorption.
- Its precise molecular mechanism, particularly its intracellular role, has been a subject of research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the molecular mechanism of ascorbate's role in intestinal iron absorption.
- To explore the dual pro-oxidant and antioxidant functions of ascorbate based on concentration.
- To investigate the link between iron deficiency, vitamin C levels, and gender-related variations.
Main Methods:
- Review of molecular cloning studies of duodenal brush-border reductase.
- Analysis of animal and human studies on ascorbate's role in iron absorption.
- Examination of the concentration-dependent redox properties of ascorbate.
Main Results:
- Ascorbate acts as the intracellular electron donor for duodenal ferri-reductase, facilitating iron absorption.
- Ascorbate exhibits concentration-dependent pro-oxidant (low concentration) and antioxidant (high concentration) activities.
- Increased plasma ascorbate in iron deficiency, particularly in females, may explain gender-related variations in vitamin C levels.
Conclusions:
- Ascorbate is crucial for intracellular iron absorption via ferri-reductase activity.
- Vitamin C's concentration dictates its pro-oxidant or antioxidant role, influencing iron homeostasis.
- Further research into Dcytb's role in liver and neutrophil defense suggests broader implications for vitamin C in iron regulation.
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