Ascorbic acid was discovered in the 1920s and the name is derived from the Greek language meaning “no scurvy.” The L-enantiomer is known as Vitamin C, which is an essential nutrient that must be ingested because primates like humans have lost the ability to synthesize abscorbic acid. In 1933 and 1934, Brisitsh chemist, Sir Walter Norman Haworth and separately, Polsih chemist Tadeus Reichstein, synthesized the first artificial ascorbic acid, which lead to the development of cheap mass-production of Vitamin C, known as the “Reichstein Process.” Sir Walter Normal Haworth was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1937.
One of its major capabilities is its antioxidation property. Antioxidants reduce the rate of oxidation reactions that can produce redical cells capable of damaging cells in the body. Antioxidants are often recommended to strenghten immune systems, prevent flu infections and to promote overall health. Deficiency in ascorbic acid causes scurvy, a common disease seen in the developing countries and especially in malnourished children and adolescence. Symptoms of scurvy include swelling gums, liver spots on the skin, uncontrolled bleeding in mucous membranes, paralysis in legs and arms, and loss of teeth. Chronic scurvy would eventually be fatal and lead to death. Many of the symptoms are due to the fact that collagen synthesized by our bodies without ascorbic acid is too unstable to properly function.
Deficiency cases in developing countries such as the US and Canada are very rare as Vitamin C is widely available in the form of supplement tablets or capsuls and fortificated foods. Nonetheless, a regular supply of Vitamin C should be consumed as the body can not store it for a long time or in large quantities.
Ascorbic acid can be easily destroyed when exposed to light, oxygen, metals, or heat, so it must be stored in cool, dark and non-metallic containers.The recommended intake of Vitamin C is still debatable among professionals. However, unlike fat-soluble vitamins, vitamin C can be excreted in urine so excess intake would not cause severe danger.
References: (1) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ascorbic_acid (2) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vitamin_C (3) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-oxidant (4) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scurvy
