FUNDAMENTALS OF FOOD TECHNOLOGY (1+1)

VITAMIN C (ASCORBIC ACID)

Ascorbic acid is white crystalline substance readily soluble in water. It is easily destroyed by oxidation, heat and alkalies. It is readily absorbed from the intestine. Hence it is named as fresh food vitamin.

Functions
1. Due to its great affinity for oxidation it takes part in oxidation and reduction reactions in the tissues.
2. Ascorbic acid is essential for the formation of collagen present between cells. It is otherwise known as the cementing material or intercellular cement of the body
3. If collagen is defective, tissues in the capillaries teeth and bone matrix are not formed properly
4. Ascorbic acid is also necessary for the formation of osteoblasts
5. Vitamin C is essential for cholesterol metabolism
6. It is also necessary for the conversion of phenylalanine to tyrosine and for the oxidation of tyrosine
7. It takes part in the conversion of tryptophan to 5-hyrdroxy- tryptophan
8. Ascorbic acid reduces the ferric iron to ferrous iron and iron is absorbed only in this form
9. It is also essential for rapid healing of wounds as it helps in the formation of connective tissues.
10. Vitamin C is also essential for the utilization of folacin and for the absorption of iron.

Deficiency
Prolonged deficiency of vitamin C produces scurvy. In mild deficiency fatigue, weakness, irritability and frequent infections occur. Pain in bones is common.
Scurvy among infants is known as infantile scurvy. The infant cries on moving its legs and arms. Early symptoms include listlessness, fatigue, fleeting pains in the joints and muscles, bleeding gums, internal haemorrhages and shortness of breath. In severe deficiency of vitamin C scurvy occurs. Swollen gums, loose teeth, soft or malformed weak bones, anaemia, degeneration of muscle fibres including heart muscles are some of the symptoms of vitamin C deficiency. Separation of ribs through beading is also observed. This can be distinguished from rickets from its shape. The skin becomes rough and dry. Pyrexia, rapid pulse and susceptibility to infection are common in scurvy.
In adults, weakness, spongy bleeding gums, loose teeth, swollen joints and haemorrhages in various tissues are the symptoms.
Prophylaxis for infantile scurvy includes 50mg of vitamin C with orange juice three or four times a day. In the case of adults 100 mg of ascorbic acid twice daily is recommended. Citrus fruits, sprouted pulses and soaked cereals must be liberally used for vitamin C.


loose teeth

Rough and dry skin

Sources

Richest sources : Amla or Indian gooseberry, guava, west Indian cherry

Good sources : Lime, orange, pineapple, ripe mango, papaya, cashew fruit and

tomato, leafy vegetables

Requirements

RDA of Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) for Indians Group			RDA (mg/d)
Adult		Man	40
Woman			40
Pregnant Woman			60
Lactating woman			80
Children		0 – 6 months	25
7 – 12 months
1 – 3 years			40
4 – 6 years
7 – 9 years
Adolescents	Boys	10-12 years	40
Girls		10-12 years
Boys		13-15 years	40
Girls			13-15 years
Boys		16-17 years	40
Girls			16-17 years