Ascorbic acid metabolism and the clinical factors which affect tissue saturation with ascorbic acid

The factors which give rise to tissue desaturation of ascorbic acid are classified and discussed. Nutritional deprivation, normal physiological factors and metabolic factors, and pathophysiological factors may all give rise to acute and continuing ascorbic acid tissue desaturation while the factors continue to operate. Nutritional desaturation can easily be rectified by providing supplementary Vitamin C in adequate dosage. The other factors can only be rectified when the causative mechanism is arrested. Iatrogenic desaturation may be produced by aspirin and several other drugs. While causative factors excluding that of nutrition are operating, it is very difficult if not impossible to restore normal tissue values of ascorbic acid. In consequence side effects which arise from supplementary Vitamin C administration do not arise in these circumstances. The supplementary Vitamin C administration is defined as compensatory administration of Vitamin C. In healthy individuals administration of supplementary Vitamin C can be defined as (large doses). Such large doses may give rise to side effects. The mechanism by which ascorbic acid is involved in the inflammatory response is discussed.