Vitamin C and its derivatives – properties, uses and perspectives
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56782/pps.293Keywords:
Vitamin C, Ascorbic acid, Scurvy, AntioxidantAbstract
The effects of vitamin C deficiency, known as scurvy, were known many years before the vitamin itself was discovered. Its biological role has been extensively studied over the years, but there is still a great deal of research going on to expand the state of knowledge about this compound. Nowadays, vitamin C is of interest not only to medicine or pharmacy, but also to the cosmetic and food industries. Particular emphasis is currently being placed on the preparation of new derivatives, or forms of vitamin C delivery with increased stability. A lot of research is focused on obtaining nanoforms of vitamin C, which is expected to result in increased persistence and even targeted delivery to a specific tissue. This article summarises the most important information on vitamin C - its properties, its applications, and the future prospects for research into new formulations of vitamin C in relation to medicine, cosmetology and the food industry.
Downloads
References
1. Hughes, R.E. George Budd (1808–1882) and nutritional deficiency diseases. Med. His. 1973, 17(2), 127-135. DOI: 10.1017/S002572730001841X DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/S002572730001841X
2. Fuchs, J.; Packer, L. Vitamin C in Health and Diseases, 1st ed.; CRC Press: Boca Raton, Floryda, Stany Zjednoczone, 1997; pp. 333-340.
3. Piro, A.; Tagarelli, G.; Lagonia, P.; Tagarelli, A.; Quattrone, A. Casimir Funk: his discovery of the vitamins and their deficiency disorders. Ann. Nutr. Metab. 2010, 57(2), 85-88. DOI: 10.1159/000319165 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1159/000319165
4. Simoni, R.D.; Hill, R.L.; Vaughan, M. Nutritional biochemistry and the discovery of vitamins: the work of Elmer Verner McCollum. J. Biol. Chem. 2002, 277(19), 8 10. DOI: 10.1016/s0021-9258(19)60665-4 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0021-9258(19)60665-4
5. Svirbely, J.L.; Szent-Györgyi, A. The chemical nature of vitamin C. Biochem. J. 1932, 26(3), 865-870. DOI: 10.1042/bj0260865 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1042/bj0260865
6. Davies, M.B.; Partridge, D.A.; Austin, J. Vitamin C: its chemistry and biochemistry. RSC: Cambridge, Wielka Brytania, 2007; pp. 7-97.
7. Du, J.; Cullen, J.J.; Buettner, G.R. Ascorbic acid: chemistry, biology and the treatment of cancer. Biochim. Bioph. Acta 2012, 1826(2), 443-457. DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2012.06.003 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbcan.2012.06.003
8. Doseděl, M.; Jirkovský, E.; Macáková, K.; Krčmová, L.K.; Javorská, L.; Pourová, J.; Mercolini, L.; Remião, F.; Nováková, L.; Mladěnka, P. Vitamin C-sources, physiological role, kinetics, deficiency, use, toxicity, and determination. Nutrients 2021, 13(2), 1-34. DOI: 10.3390/nu13020615 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13020615
9. Caritá, A.C.; Fonseca-Santos, B.; Shultz, J.D.; Michniak-Kohn, B.; Chorilli, M.; Leonardiet, G.R. Vitamin C: One compound, several uses. Advances for delivery, efficiency and stability. Nanomed. Nanotechnol. Biol. Med. 2020, 24, 1 15. DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2019.102117 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nano.2019.102117
10. Padayatty, S.J.; Levine, M. Vitamin C: the known and the unknown and Goldilocks. Oral Dis. 2016, 22(6), 463-493. DOI: 10.1111/odi.12446 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/odi.12446
11. Kaźmierczak-Barańska, J.; Boguszewska, K.; Adamus-Grabicka, A.; Karwowskiet, B.T. Two faces of vitamin C-antioxidative and pro-oxidative agent. Nutrients 2020, 12(5), 1-19. DOI: 10.3390/nu12051501 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12051501
12. Meščić Macan, A.; Gazivoda Kraljević, T.; Raić-Malić, S. Therapeutic perspective of vitamin C and its derivatives. Antioxidants 2019, 8(8), 1-36. DOI: 10.3390/antiox8080247 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox8080247
13. Gruza, A.; Winiarska, K. HIF-czynnik transkrypcyjny na miarę Nagrody Nobla 2019. Kosmos 2020, 69(2), 269-276. DOI: 10.36921/kos.2020_2647 DOI: https://doi.org/10.36921/kos.2020_2647
14. Mir, H.A.; Ali, R.; Wani, Z.A.; Khanday, F.A. Pro-oxidant vitamin C mechanistically exploits p66Shc/Rac1 GTPase pathway in inducing cytotoxicity. Int. J. Biol. Macromol. 2022, 205(30), 154-168. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.02.046 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.02.046
15. Roa, F.J.; Peña, E.; Gatica, M.; Escobar-Acuña, K.; Saavedra, P.; Maldonado, M.; Cuevas, M.E.; Moraga-Cid, G.; Rivas, C.I.; Muñoz-Montesino, C. Therapeutic use of vitamin C in cancer: physiological considerations. Front. Pharmacol. 2020, 11, 1-8. DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.00211 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2020.00211
16. Mussa, A.; Mohd Idris, R.A.; Ahmed, N.; Ahmad, S.; Murtadha, A.H.; Tengku Din, T.A.D.A.A.; Yean, C.Y; Rahman, W.F.W.A.; Lazim, N.M.; Uskoković, V.; Hajissa, K.; Mokhtar, N.F.; Mohamud, R.; Hassan, R. High-dose vitamin C for cancer therapy. Pharmaceuticals 2022, 15(6), 1-33. DOI: 10.3390/ph15060711 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ph15060711
17. Pezzuto, A.; Carico, E. Role of HIF-1 in cancer progression: novel insights. A review. Curr. Mol. Med. 2018, 18(6), 343-351. DOI: 10.2174/1566524018666181109121849. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2174/1566524018666181109121849
18. Bedhiafi, T.; Inchakalody, V.P.; Fernandes, Q.; Mestiri, S.; Billa, N.; Uddin, S.; Merhi, M.; Dermimeet, S. The potential role of vitamin C in empowering cancer immunotherapy. Biomed. Pharmacother. 2022, 146, 1-9. DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112553 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112553
19. Holford, P.; Carr, A.C.; Jovic, T.H.; Ali, S.R.; Whitaker, I.S.; Marik, P.E.; Smithet, A.D. Vitamin C-An adjunctive therapy for respiratory infection, sepsis and COVID-19. Nutrients 2020, 12(12), 1-17. DOI: 10.3390/nu12123760 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12123760
20. Kashiouris, M.G.; L'Heureux, M.; Cable, C.A.; Fisher, B.J.; Leichte, S.W.; Fowler, A.A. The emerging role of vitamin C as a treatment for sepsis. Nutrients 2020, 12(2), 1-16. DOI: 10.3390/nu12020292 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12020292
21. Vissers, M.C. Vitamin C: New Biochemical and Functional Insights; CRRC Press: Boca Raton, Floryda, Stany Zjednoczone, 2020; pp. 115-240.
22. Munoz-Montesino, C.; Peña, E.; Roa, F.J.; Sotomayor, K.; Escobar, E.; Rivas, C.I. Transport of vitamin C in cancer. Antiox. Redox Signal. 2021, 35(1), 61-74. DOI: 10.1089/ars.2020.8166 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1089/ars.2020.8166
23. Regulska, K.; Litwiniuk, M.M. Witamina C w terapii przeciwnowotworowej?–przegląd danych klinicznych i przedklinicznych. Farm. Polska 2020, 76(4), 222-236. DOI: 10.32383/farmpol/123816 DOI: https://doi.org/10.32383/farmpol/123816
24. Colunga Biancatelli, R.M.L.; Berrill, M.; Marik, P.E. The antiviral properties of vitamin C. Expert Rev. Anti-Infect. Therapy 2020, 18(2), 99-101. DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2020.1706483 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/14787210.2020.1706483
25. Boretti, A.; Banik, B.K. Intravenous vitamin C for reduction of cytokines storm in acute respiratory distress syndrome. PharmaNutrition 2020, 12, 1-8. DOI: 10.1016/j.phanu.2020.100190 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phanu.2020.100190
26. Wang, K.; Jiang, H.; Li, W.; Qiang, M.; Dong, T.; Liet, H. Role of vitamin C in skin diseases. Frontiers Physiol. 2018, 9, 1-9. DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.00819 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2018.00819
27. Enescu, C.D.; Bedford, L.M.; Potts, G.; Fahset F. A review of topical vitamin C derivatives and their efficacy. J. Cosmetic Dermatol. 2022, 21(6), 2349-2359. DOI: 10.1111/jocd.14465 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.14465
28. Ravetti, S.; Clemente, C.; Brignone, S.; Hergert, L.; Allemandi, D.; Palma, S. Ascorbic acid in skin health. Cosmetics 2019, 6(4), 1-8. DOI: 10.3390/cosmetics6040058 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics6040058
29. Knorr, A.L.; Wexler, R.S.; Fuller, L. Treatment of Epstein-Barr Induced Hepatitis with High Dose Intravenous Vitamin C: A Case Report. Integrat. Med. 2023, 22(4), 24-27.
30. Shahbaz, U; Fatima, N.; Basharat, S.; Bibi, A.; Yu, X., Hussain, M.I.; Nasrullahet, M. Role of vitamin C in preventing of COVID-19 infection, progression and severity. AIMS Microbiol. 2022, 8(1), 108-124. DOI: 10.3934/microbiol.2022010 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3934/microbiol.2022010
31. Wójcik, W.; Śliż, D. Witamina C w codziennej praktyce lekarskiej–fakty i mity. Med. Faktów 2019, 12(45), 307-314. DOI: 10.24292/01.MF.0419.1 DOI: https://doi.org/10.24292/01.MF.0419.1
32. Chen, J.; Liu, Y.; Zhao, Z.; Qiu, J. Oxidative stress in the skin: Impact and related protection. Int. J. Cosm. Sci. 2021, 43(5), 495-509. DOI: 10.1111/ics.12728 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/ics.12728
33. Boo, Y.C. Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) as a cosmeceutical to increase dermal collagen for skin antiaging purposes: emerging combination therapies. Antioxidants 2022, 11(9), 1-18. DOI: 10.3390/antiox11091663 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox11091663
34. Giacomoni, P.U. Appropriate technologies to accompany sunscreens in the battle against ultraviolet, superoxide, and singlet oxygen. Antioxidants 2020, 9(11), 1-12. DOI: 10.3390/antiox9111091 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox9111091
35. Zasada, M. Substancje biologicznie czynne stosowane w rozjaśnianiu hiperpigmentacji skóry. Aesthet. Cosmetol. Med. 2016, 5, 467-473.
36. Ali, A.; Riaz, S.; Khalid, W.; Fatima, M.; Mubeen, U.; Babar, Q.; Manzoor, M.F.; Khalid, M.Z.; Madilo, F.K. Potential of ascorbic acid in human health against different diseases: an updated narrative review. Int. J. Food Prop. 2024, 27(1), 493-515. DOI: 10.1080/10942912.2024.2327335 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/10942912.2024.2327335
37. Bedhiafi, T.; Idoudi, S.; Fernandes, Q.; Al-Zaidan, L.; Uddin, S.; Dermime, S.; Billa, N.; Merhiet, M. Nano-vitamin C: A promising candidate for therapeutic applications. Biomed. Pharmacother. 2023, 158, 1-8. DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.114093 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2022.114093
38. EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products. Vitamin C and protection of DNA, proteins and lipids from oxidative damage: evaluation of a health claim pursuant to Article 14 of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006. EFSA J. 2017, 15(1), 1-8. DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2017.4685 DOI: https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2016.4365
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Michael Głąbicki, Paweł Siudem, Katarzyna Paradowska
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
For all articles published in Prospects in Pharmaceutical Sciences copyright is retained by the authors. The journal publishes articles in the Open Access policy, within the CC BY 4.0 licence.
This is a human-readable summary of (and not a substitute for) the license. Disclaimer.
You are free to:
Share — copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format
Adapt — remix, transform, and build upon the material for any purpose, even commercially.
The licensor cannot revoke these freedoms as long as you follow the license terms.
Under the following terms:
Attribution — You must give appropriate credit, provide a link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. You may do so in any reasonable manner, but not in any way that suggests the licensor endorses you or your use.
No additional restrictions — You may not apply legal terms or technological measures that legally restrict others from doing anything the license permits.
Notices:
You do not have to comply with the license for elements of the material in the public domain or where your use is permitted by an applicable exception or limitation.
No warranties are given. The license may not give you all of the permissions necessary for your intended use. For example, other rights such as publicity, privacy, or moral rights may limit how you use the material.
How to Cite
