Abstract

A GENERAL OUTLOOK OF VITAMIN C AND THEIR ROLE IN VARIOUS DISEASES

K. Jeevitha*, Y. Chandravadana, R. Dillemma, A. Vijaya Nirmala, A. Sai Teja Reddy and M. Kishore Babu

ABSTRACT

Vitamin C or Ascorbic acid is considered as one of the most important and commonly used vitamins. Due to its preventive role, the supplementation of vitamin C becomes necessary to enhance the immunity of the individuals. However, day by day, Scientists and Researchers are trying to implement and evaluate their research based on vitamin C. Their discoveries and researches will help to treat various infections, toxification, scurvy and auto immune diseases. It also plays an important role in a number of metabolic functions including the activation of folic acid, the conversion of cholesterol to bile acid, and is an antioxidant that protects the immune system, reduces the severity of allergic reactions and helps to fight against infections. There is considerable evidence that vitamin C protects against respiratory tract infections and reduces risk for cardiovascular disease and cancers. In particular, research in asthma, cancer, COVID-19, diabetes remains inconclusive, and no benefits have been found in the prevention of cataracts or heart disease. Vitamin C is relatively safe, but caution should be given to the administration of high doses, which can cause over side effects in some susceptible patients (e.g., oxalate renal stones). It has multiple pharmacological characteristics as antiviral, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects.

Keywords: Vitamin C, Ascorbic acid, Cardiovascular disease, Cancer, Gout, COVID-19, Diabetes, Cataract, Asthma, Lead toxicity, Scurvy.