Vitamin C in dermatology

Vitamin C in dermatology

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INTRODUCTION

Vitamin C (Vit. C) is one of the naturally occurring antioxidants in nature.[1,2] Most plants and animals are able to synthesise Vit. C in vivo from glucose. Humans and certain other vertebrates lack the enzyme L-glucono-gamma lactone oxidase required for in vivo synthesis of Vit. C;[3] hence, they must acquire it from natural sources such as citrus fruits, green leafy vegetables, strawberries, papaya and broccoli.[3,4] The word “Ascorbus” means no Scurvy. Traditionally, Vit. C-rich foods like lemons were carried by sailors on long journeys to avoid Scurvy, a disease of bleeding gums. In 1937, Dr. Albert Szent Goyrgi was awarded the Nobel Prize for his work in isolating the Vit. C molecule from red peppers and identifying its role in Scurvy.[4]

L-ascorbic acid (LAA) is the chemically active form of Vit. C. In nature, Vit. C is found in equal parts as LAA and D-ascorbic acid. These are essentially isomeric molecules and are mutually interchangeable.[4] However, only LAA is biologically active and thus useful in medical practice.[2] The absorption of Vit. C in the gut is limited by an active transport mechanism and hence a finite amount of the drug is absorbed despite high oral dosage.[3] Furthermore, bioavailability of Vit. C in the skin is inadequate when it is administered orally.[1,2] The use of topical ascorbic acid is therefore favored in the practice of dermatology.[5]

Original article and pictures take www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov site