Question

list the four major functions
vitamin C

Answer 1

Vitamin C is one the essential nutrients of a healthy diet of human. It plays roles in many metabolic pathways and other activities. Some of the major functions of Vitamin C are :-

i) As a cofactor :-

Vitamin C is a cofactor of enzymes which are involved in the synthesis of Collagen, neurotransmitters and Carnitine. Ascorbic acid is a very important part of several biosynthetic pathways in which it plays a role in hydroxylation steps during synthesis of the above mentioned biomolecules. Without Vitamin C, body isn't able to synthesize hydroxy proline which is a component of Collagen. This inability to make hydroxyproline leads to scurvy in humans.

ii) As Tissue healing requirement :-

Vitamin C is also required by the body to heal the damaged tissues and closing up wounds. This is because body heals the damaged part with Collagen and since Vitamin C is involved in biosynthesis of Hydroxyproline which is a main component of Collagen, it also plays role in tissue healing.

iii) In immunity :-

In immunity, Vitamin C have many different roles and isn't limited to One set of immune cells. It have been found to modulate the biosynthesis of Cytokines as well as inhibition of excessive immune attack, thus preventing autoimmunity. It also have been seen to increase chemotaxis, lysozyme mediated digestion of the antigen aa well as activating T cells.

iv) In antioxidant activity :-

Absorbic acid have been known to help cells in reducing Radical Oxygen species. It reacts with free radicals and thus reduces Reactive oxygen species as well aa Hydroxyl radicals.

So Vitamin C work as scavenger and cleans up circulatory system from these harmful reactive molecules which it does so by donating an Electron to them so as to stabilise them.