Potential of ascorbic acid in human health against different diseases: an updated narrative review

Abstract

Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is the most crucial antioxidant for the body. The biochemical capabilities of ascorbic acid are still being studied. It acts as a cofactor for many enzymes participating in various physiological functions. This review presents how ascorbic acid is a cofactor for multiple enzymes involved in numerous human activities. Ascorbic acid protects the immune system, reduces allergic reaction severity and assists the fight against infections and other disorders. Ascorbic acid is metabolized by several procedures in the gastrointestinal tract. Eukaryotes produce ascorbic acid via L-galactose (L-Gal) and GDP-D-mannose as part of its metabolic process. It is disseminated throughout the body cells after being readily absorbed by the digestive system. This review will uncover ascorbic acid’s biological functions and metabolism in humans.

Keywords

• Ascorbic acid
• metabolism
• biological functions
• cofactor
• antioxidant
• diseases