Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) HPLC

In the 15th to 17th century, more sailors died of scorbut than of any other disease.
The food provided on board contained nearly no vitamin C. In the 16th century, the
importance of vitamin C supplied by citrus fruits in healing scorbut was discovered.
Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is a strong reducing substance. The oxidation of vitamin C
leads over a radical intermediate to dehydroascorbic acid in vivo. The three forms
mentioned constitute a reversible redox-system.
Ascorbic acid plays an important role in hydroxylation reactions, i.e. in the synthesis
of collagen. So it is rather important for the de novo synthesis of bone, cartilage
and tooth, and for the healing of wounds. Vitamin C is needed for the production of
noradrenalin. Another important role of vitamin C is its antioxidant capability, e.g.
protection of other substances from oxidative damage. Ascorbic acid promotes the
resorption of iron in the intestine. In addition, it reduces the production of nitrosamines
which might cause cancer.
The primary unspecific signals of a lack of vitamin C are tiredness, physical and mental
weakness and increased susceptibility for infections. Psychic disturbances like depressions
or hysteria are possible.