RESEARCH - Vitamin C contributes to inflammation via radical generating mechanisms: a cautionary note

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Med Hypotheses. 2003 Nov-Dec;61(5-6):657-60.

Vitamin C contributes to inflammation via radical generating

mechanisms: a cautionary note.

Fisher AE, Naughton DP.

School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Brighton,

Brighton, UK.

Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) have been ascribed an

important role in oxidative stress contributing to the progression of

inflammatory diseases such as Crohn's disease and rheumatoid

arthritis. Redox-active metal ions such as Fe(II) and Cu(I) further

activate RONS and thus perpetuate their damaging effects. High intake

of ascorbic acid exerts a pro-oxidant effect by its interaction with

metal ions via a number of established RONS generating systems.

Caution should be exerted regarding surplus ascorbic acid intake for

patients with chronic inflammatory diseases.

PMID: 14592804

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14592804

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Not an MD