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A definition of the term "vitamins, watersoluble" is presented. It refers to a group of vitamins that are needs water for their metabolism. Water-soluble vitamins includes vitamin B1 or thiamin, vitamin B2 or riboflavin, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, biotin, folic acid, niacin, pantothenic acid and vitamin C or L-ascorbic acid.

References for the articles published in the book "Vitamin & Mineral Requirements in Human Nutrition" are presented.

Information on nutrients with radical-quenching properties from Chapter 8 of the book "Vitamin and Mineral Requirements in Human Nutrition" is presented. Vitamins C and E are the main nutrients which have radical-quenching properties. Although considered as powerful antioxidants, vitamins C and E differ in their solubility in biological fluids.

Information on the evidence used to derive recommended intakes of vitamin C from Chapter 7 of the book "Vitamin and Mineral Requirements in Human Nutrition" is presented. It is indicated that the whole body content of vitamin C in adult males at saturation is approximately 20 mg/kg, or 1500 mg. The sigmoidal relationship between intake and plasma concentrations of vitamin C is discussed. Vitamin C intake during pregnancy and in children is also addressed.

A monograph for the pharmaceutical substance "ACIDUM ASCORBICUM/ASCORBIC ACID" from the fourth edition of "The International Pharmacopoeia" is presented. Ascorbic acid is categorized as an antiscorbutic and described as a colourless crystal or a white or almost white crystalline powder. It is recommended that this substance be kept in a tightly closed container. Procedures for performing an identity test and assay of the substance are described.

Chapter 17.2 of the book "n" is presented. The vitamin A content of most diets can be significantly improved with the addition of a relatively small portion of plant foods rich in carotenoids, while an increased vitamin C intake can be achived by including citrus fruit or other foods rich in ascorbic acid in the diet.

Information on the populations at risk for vitamin C deficiency from Chapter 7 of the book "Vitamin and Mineral Requirements in Human Nutrition" is presented. Those for whom the fruit and vegetable supply is minimal are considered at risk of vitamin C deficiency. Epidemics of scurvy are also attributed to famine and war. This section discusses vitamin C intake indications in different countries such as the U.S., Germany and India. The association between vitamin C consumption and health status is also tackled.

Chapter 17.4 of the book "Vitamin & Mineral Requirements in Human Nutrition" is presented. It is important to use food-based approaches, food preparation and dietary practices to achieve dietary adequacy of vitamin A, vitamin C, folate, iron and zinc. It notes that fortification and supplementation should be seen as complementary to food-based strategies and not as a replacement.

Information on the role of vitamin C in human metabolic processes from Chapter 7 of the book "Vitamin and Mineral Requirements in Human Nutrition" is presented. Vitamin C is an electron donor, also called a reducing agent or antioxidant. It acts as an electron donor for 11 enzymes, and three of those enzymes are found in fungi. Those three enzymes also play a role in reutilization pathways for pyrimidines and the deoxyribose moiety of deoxynucleosides. This section also discusses anaemia, a common feature of vitamin C deficiency.

Information on the dietary sources of vitamin C and limitations to vitamin C supply from Chapter 7 of the book "Vitamin and Mineral Requirements in Human Nutrition" is presented. Vitamin C is found in many fruits and vegetables, as well as citrus fruits and juices. Other fruits such as cantaloupe and honeydew melons, cherries and papaya also contain variable amounts of ascorbate. In many developing countries, seasonal factors such as the availability of water, time, and labour often determine the supply of vitamin C.

Information on the consequences of vitamin C deficiency from Chapter 7 of the book "Vitamin and Mineral Requirements in Human Nutrition" is presented. Scurvy was described by the Crusaders from the 15th century during the sieges of numerous European cities, and was also caused by the famine in 19th century Ireland. Gingival changes, pain in the extremities, and haemorrhagic manifestations are attributed to scurvy. The detection of vitamin C deficiency is also discussed.

A chart is presented that shows the recommended nutrient intakes (RNI) for vitamin C.

Information on the recommendations for future research about vitamin C from Chapter 7 of the book "Vitamin and Mineral Requirements in Human Nutrition" is presented. Research is needed to understand the uses of endogenous gastric ascorbate and its effect on iron absorption and the reasons for the vitamin C uptake by granulocytes which is linked to infection.

Information on the toxicity of vitamin C from Chapter 7 of the book "Vitamin and Mineral Requirements in Human Nutrition" is presented. The possible toxicity of too much supplemental vitamin C relates to intraintestinal events and to the effects of metabolites in the urinary system. Excessive doses of vitamin C can cause conditions such as diarrhea, hyperoxaluria and gastrointestinal disturbances. A gram of vitamin C is the recommended upper limit of dietary intake per day.

Information on vitamin C from Chapter 7 of the book "Vitamin and Mineral Requirements in Human Nutrition" is presented. Vitamin C, whose chemical names are ascorbic acid and ascorbate, is a six-carbon lactone which is synthesized from glucose in the liver in some mammals and in the kidney in birds and reptiles. Insufficient vitamin C in the human diet results in the potentially lethal deficiency disease scurvy.