Ascorbic acid: clinical uses and method of analysis

ABSTRACT

Ascorbic acid [AA], commonly known as vitamin-C, is used in the treatment of scurvy by the reversal of the symptoms associated with it and helps in the absorption of iron in the human body. It also helps in the prevention of hardening of arteries in old age patients and along with vitamin E, zinc and a-carotene supports the improvement of vision and reduces the excretion of protein in urine. Vitamin-C acts as an antidote in lead poisoning and reduces the development of cancer in the body. However, when used with zinc sulfate and bioflavonoids, AA also improves face wrinkles due to exposure to sun. A number of analytical techniques have been reported for the determination of AA in pharmaceutical systems, food and biological materials