Physicochemical, biochemical and antioxidant properties of ascorbic acid

ABSTRACT

Ascorbic acid [Vitamin C] is an important micronutrient that plays as a redox cofactor and catalyst in biological system. It is particularly useful in the cure and prevention of scurvy. It was originally isolated from lemon, cabbage and peprica. Ascorbic acid is essential for collagen formation and metabolism of phenyl alanine, tyrosine and hydroxyphenyl alanine [dopa]. The minimum daily requirement of vitamin C in adult is 40-60 mg. In this review chemical structure, physicochemical characteristics, chemical stability, biochemical functions and antioxidant activity of ascorbic acid have been mentioned