Anatomy of growth - layer by layer it has slowly and beautifully grown
Ascorbic acid is very important for the synthesis of collagen. The hydroxylation of proline to hydroxyproline (component of collagen) is not possible without ascorbic acid. Ascorbic acid acts as a redox partner and goes over to dehydroascorbic acid during hydroxylation.
The oxidative sensitivity of ascorbic acid makes it to be a potent absorbing substance for radicals.
It has to be assumed, however, that the functions of ascorbic acid are yet to be fully understood. It is proven that ascorbic acid acts in different areas of the metabolism like:
· Synthesis of steroid hormones
· Metabolism of bile acids
· Metabolism of amino acids
There is controversy about the prophylactic effect of ascorbic acid on colds. A protective effect could not be proven as of yet.
