Throughout the evolution of vertebrates, ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) has been essential in maintaining homeostasis. In mammals ascorbic acid is produced in the liver from blood glucose; and each reaction in the manufacturing process is controlled by a specific enzyme. Drug usage and prolonged deprivation of essential nutrients (especially proteins) may damage the body’s ability to manufacture these specific enzymes which may then result in inadequate production of ascorbic acid. This is a critical point to understand on two levels, 1. because of the specific nutritional role that ascorbic acid plays in metabolism and 2, because of the intimate relationship between an animal’s ability to overcome stress and his ability to produce Vitamin C. In order to maintain biochemical equilibrium during stress most mammals produce increased amounts of ascorbic acid; the greater the stress the greater is the amount of ascorbic acid that they produce.
ROLES OF ASCORBIC ACID IN METABOLISM
Ascorbic acid is critical in the synthesis, formation and maintenance of collagen. Collagen is a protein substance which represents on third of the total protein in the body. It is the body’s most important structural substance. It is the cement that holds tissues and organs together. For this reason some veterinarians have recommended the routine addition of ascorbic acid to canine diets as a prophylaxis against hip dysplasia. Additionally collagen is the factor which endows flexibility and strength to the bones and prevents brittleness. It is the substance that strengthens the muscles and supplies the scar tissue for wound healing.
Ascorbic acid plays a central role in the body’s utilization of carbohydrates, proteins and fats. Its effect on activating enzyme systems and making the processes controlled by these enzymes proceed at more favorable rates is of more than casual significance.
Ascorbic acid is a potent detoxicant of many organic and inorganic poisonous substances. It enhances the therapeutic effects of many drugs. At low levels ascorbic acid will inhibit the growth of bacteria. At higher levels it will kill them. One of the body’s defenses against bacterial infections is called phagocytosis – it is the process by which white blood cells devour bacteria. This process is linked directly to ascorbic acid. The number of bacteria that each white blood cell digests is directly related to the ascorbic acid content of the blood. At extremely high doses ascorbic acid is a potent virucide. Adrenal cortex hormones, their production and maintenance is directly related to ascorbic acid. One of the special attributes of ascorbic acid is its lack of toxicity.
Despite this lack of toxicity we would not suggest that this product be used in indiscriminately high dosages as damage may ensue. We advice anyone who wishes to use this product in dosage ranges that depart substantially from our suggested tables to first consult a person familiar with animal dietetics.
From the label of Scorbucin, a product manufactured by Nutra-Vet Research Corporation available from Health First Foods, LLC
