vitamin C

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vitamin C

Q: What is vitamin C?

Vitamin C is a water-soluble, carbohydrate-like substance that is involved in certain metabolic processes of animals. Although most animals can synthesize vitamin C, it is necessary for the diet of some, including humans and other primates, to prevent scurvy. Vitamin C is also called ascorbic acid.

Q: When was vitamin C first isolated?

Vitamin C was first isolated in 1928. It was identified as the curative agent for scurvy in 1932.

Q: What are sources of vitamin C?

Citrus fruits and fresh vegetables are the best dietary sources of vitamin C.

chemical compound

Also known as: ascorbic acid, cevitamic acid, hexuronic acid

Written and fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last Updated: Mar 27, 2024 • Article History

Category: Science & Tech

Also called:: ascorbic acid

Key People:: Linus Pauling; Albert Szent-Györgyi; Sir Norman Haworth

Related Topics:: human nutrition; vitamin; scurvy; vitamin C excess

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What is vitamin C?

When was vitamin C first isolated?

What are sources of vitamin C?

What are the benefits of vitamin C?

vitamin C, water-soluble, carbohydrate-like substance that is involved in certain metabolic processes of animals. Although most animals can synthesize vitamin C, it is necessary in the diet of some, including humans and other primates, in order to prevent scurvy, a disease characterized by soreness and stiffness of the joints and lower extremities, rigidity, swollen and bloody gums, and hemorrhages in the tissues of the body. First isolated in 1928, vitamin C was identified as the curative agent for scurvy in 1932. Vitamin C is essential for the synthesis of collagen, a protein important in the formation of connective tissue and ...(100 of 216 words)

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