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Vitamin C: Challenges and Opportunities

A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Micronutrients and Human Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 5 March 2025 | Viewed by 638

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Institute of Research and Innovation in Health (i3S), Institute for Molecular and Cell Biology (IBMC), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
Interests: neuroscience; microglia; oxidative stress; vitamin C; Alzheimer's disease
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Ascorbate is an indispensable nutrient known for its antioxidant properties and crucial role in diverse physiological processes, such as epigenetic regulation and immune function. Recent research and technological advancements have unveiled its critical function within the CNS, primarily through studies on the Sodium Vitamin C co-transporter 2 (SVCT2), the Vitamin C transporter present in the CNS. This Special Issue aims at exploring Vitamin C's multifaceted roles, bridging gaps between its biochemical pathways and its clinical implications for neurological health and disease.

I am pleased to invite you to highlight the importance of Vitamin C in neurobiology and pathophysiology, focusing on the challenges and opportunities for advancing understanding in areas such as neurodevelopment, mental health, cognitive function, aging, and neurodegenerative diseases. We encourage contributions that delve into the mechanistic actions of ascorbate in the CNS and explore translational research opportunities for novel therapeutic interventions.

In this Special Issue, we seek articles that cover a range of topics, including but not limited to the following:

  • Mechanisms of Vitamin C transport and distribution within the brain and CNS cells;
  • The role of Vitamin C in neurodevelopment and neuroplasticity;
  • Epigenetic regulation by Vitamin C in neurological processes;
  • Vitamin C's impact on neurodegenerative diseases;
  • Clinical studies on Vitamin C supplementation in the context of neurological health and disease;
  • Vitamin C and its relationship with cognitive functions and mental health;
  • The role of Vitamin C in synaptic function and neurotransmitter regulation;
  • Exploration of Vitamin C as a modulator of glial cell function and its implications for CNS health;
  • Vitamin C in the context of brain injury and recovery: neuroprotective roles and therapeutic potential;
  • Vitamin C's interaction with other nutrients and its impact on the CNS;
  • Comparative studies on Vitamin C metabolism in various neurological conditions;
  • Innovative methodologies for assessing Vitamin C's functions and mechanisms in the brain.

I eagerly anticipate your insightful contributions, which will enrich our collective understanding of Vitamin C's potential in neurobiology and clinical applications.

Dr. Camila C. Portugal
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Vitamin C
  • ascorbate
  • antioxidant
  • immune function
  • cognitive function

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Review

18 pages, 571 KiB  
Review
Enhanced Vitamin C Delivery: A Systematic Literature Review Assessing the Efficacy and Safety of Alternative Supplement Forms in Healthy Adults
by Philip C. Calder, Richard B. Kreider and Diane L. McKay
Nutrients 2025, 17(2), 279; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17020279 - 14 Jan 2025
Abstract
Vitamin C is an antioxidant and is essential for immune function and infection resistance. Supplementation is necessary when a sufficient amount of vitamin C is not obtained through the diet. Alternative formulations of vitamin C may enhance its bioavailability and retention over traditional [...] Read more.
Vitamin C is an antioxidant and is essential for immune function and infection resistance. Supplementation is necessary when a sufficient amount of vitamin C is not obtained through the diet. Alternative formulations of vitamin C may enhance its bioavailability and retention over traditional ascorbic acid. This systematic review consolidates the evidence on this and the effects on immunity and infection. A systematic literature search was conducted in October 2024 in Embase and Medline, focused on healthy adults (Population); oral forms of liposomal-encapsulated ascorbic acid, liposomal-encapsulated lipid metabolite ascorbic acid, calcium ascorbate, slow-release ascorbic acid, or lipid metabolite ascorbic acid (Intervention); compared to placebo/others (Comparison); in terms of bioavailability, absorption, vitamin C concentration in plasma, serum, and leukocytes, and impacts on tolerability, immunity, and infection (Outcome); and included randomized or non-randomized controlled trials, single-arm trials, and observational studies (Study design). Thirteen studies were included, several evaluating calcium ascorbate in combination with vitamin C metabolites, including L-threonate, referred to here as Calcium ascorbate EC (Ester C®; n = 7). No safety or tolerability concerns were noted with Calcium ascorbate EC vs. placebo or ascorbic acid. Calcium ascorbate EC showed better tolerability and fewer epigastric adverse events, improved quality of life, and induced favorable oxalate changes vs. ascorbic acid. Four studies reported leukocyte vitamin C concentration, some showing higher concentrations with Calcium ascorbate EC vs. ascorbic acid; seven reported more favorable plasma concentrations with the alternative forms over ascorbic acid or placebo; one reported higher serum vitamin C levels with vitamin C lipid metabolites than with Calcium ascorbate EC, calcium ascorbate, and ascorbic acid. No study reported retention in tissues. One study reported a favorable impact of Calcium ascorbate EC on immune parameters, and one found an association of Calcium ascorbate EC with fewer colds and a shorter duration of severe symptoms vs. placebo. Findings suggest that alternative vitamin C forms can improve leukocyte vitamin C, sometimes without affecting plasma levels. Most studies (77%) had a low risk of bias. In conclusion, the type and delivery modality of vitamin C can impact its bioavailability and functionality. Studies highlight the advantages of Calcium ascorbate EC over traditional ascorbic acid in terms of its tolerability and its potential to increase leukocyte vitamin C concentrations, crucial for immune function and protection against infection. However, further research is required to conclusively establish its effects on immune health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vitamin C: Challenges and Opportunities)
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