Time Release Vitamin C Code 0270
UPC: 6-28747-10270-4
NPN: 80041930
Format: Tablets

Did you know that vitamin C isn’t essential to all animals? However, it is for us, humans. It isn’t a necessary component of diet, at least for all mammals with the exception of guinea pigs, fruit-eating bats, the red-vented bulbul bird, and primates—which includes us. All other species make their own.

They do this by converting glucuronic acid, derived from glucose, into ascorbic acid (C₆H₈O₆). Three enzymes are required to make this conversion; one of these enzymes, or part of the enzyme system, is missing in primates. Irwin Stone proposed, in 1965, that a negative mutation may have occurred in these species so as to lose the ability to produce vitamin C. In primates, this is thought to have occurred in the region of 25 million years ago.

Unlike other vitamins, vitamin C is required in large amounts, which could only be supplied by a tropical diet high in fruit and other vegetation. If sufficient vitamin C could be obtained from such a diet, the quantity of glucose normally used to synthesize vitamin C could be channelled towards energy production. This could conceivably have been an advantage for primates or other species.

While a mere 60 mg a day can prevent scurvy, the deficiency disease first identified by Dr. James Lind in 1753, it would be illogical to assume that this is the optimal dose. A survey of doctors in the US found that those who were healthiest consumed at least 250 mg of vitamin C per day.

Vitamin C helps the body metabolize fats and proteins; in the development and maintenance of bones, cartilage, teeth, and gums; as well as in connective-tissue formation. It also helps in wound healing and to maintain immune function, and is a source of antioxidants and a factor in the maintenance of good health.