*2.4. Ascorbic Acid Assay*

Detection and quantification of Ascorbic Acid in FPP ®-supplemented water was performed using a fluorometric Ascorbic Acid Assay Kit (Abcam, Cambridge, UK). Samples were diluted in ascorbic acid bu ffer in 96-well plate and subsequently to each well was added catalyst and then reaction mix. After 3 min of incubation, fluorescence was read in microplate reader at Ex/Em = 535/590 nm.

#### *2.5. Collection and Processing of Murine Plasma from Blood Samples*

Blood samples collection from each group mice was performed by retro-orbital bleeding (ROB) immediately before the sacrifice. This safe phlebotomy technique allowed to obtain high-quality samples of adequate volume (500 μL/mouse) for analysis [50]. Blood samples were collected in K3-EDTA-coated collection tubes. To obtain plasma samples, EDTA-treated whole blood from each mouse was centrifuged at 400 g for 20 min. Plasma samples (250 μL/mouse) were then collected and immediately analyzed or stored at −80 ◦C until analysis.

#### 2.5.1. Total Antioxidant Power Assay (PAO Test kit)

Detection and quantification of Total Antioxidant Power was in mice plasma obtained before the sacrifice using a colorimetric assay: PAO Test kit for Total Antioxidant Capacity (JaICA). After centrifugation of blood at 400× *g* for 20 min, supernatant was collected and immediately analyzed. Briefly, samples were incubated for 3 minutes at room temperature with Cu++ solution, subsequently Stop Solution was added to each well. Absorbance was recorded at 490 nm.
