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How vitamin C helps plants beat the sun

Researchers from RIKEN and Okayama University identified PHT4;4 as the transport protein allowing vitamin C to enter chloroplasts. This discovery could lead to crop plants with higher tolerances to environmental stress, reducing damage to farmland in regions with strong light.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 5, 2015

Two sensors in one

New nanoparticles can perform magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and fluorescent imaging simultaneously, allowing for the tracking of specific molecules produced in the body. The particles were demonstrated to detect vitamin C in mice, showing strong fluorescent signals where vitamin C is present but little MRI contrast.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 18, 2014

Vitamin C and E supplements hampers endurance training

A new study suggests that high doses of vitamin C and E supplements can blunt the improvement of muscular endurance through cellular adaptions. The study found that markers for muscle mitochondria production increased only in the group without supplements.

SourceWiley·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·DateFeb 2, 2014

Vitamin C does not lower uric acid levels in gout patients

New research published in Arthritis & Rheumatism found that vitamin C supplementation had a weak effect on lowering uric acid levels in gout patients. The study suggests that vitamin C may not be a viable therapy for reducing uric acid levels in patients with established gout.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatism·DateMay 16, 2013

Vitamin C supplements linked to kidney stones

A large population-based study of men found that those taking vitamin C supplements are twice as likely to develop kidney stones as non-supplement users. The risk increased with the frequency of supplement use. Conversely, multivitamin use was not associated with an increased risk of kidney stones.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateFeb 4, 2013

Fetus suffers when mother lacks vitamin C

A new study at the University of Copenhagen found that maternal vitamin C deficiency during pregnancy can stunt fetal hippocampus development by up to 10-15%, potentially leading to memory problems and learning difficulties. The damage cannot be reversed even with vitamin C supplements after birth.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 16, 2012

Mount Sinai School of Medicine study shows vitamin C prevents bone loss in animal models

Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine have shown that large doses of vitamin C can stimulate bone formation and prevent bone loss in animal models. The study suggests that vitamin C may be a promising therapeutic agent for treating osteoporosis, particularly in developing nations where treatment options are limited.

Big doses of vitamin C may lower blood pressure

A review of 29 clinical trials found that taking an average of 500 milligrams of vitamin C daily reduced blood pressure by 3.84 millimeters of mercury in the short term. However, more research is needed to understand its implications as a treatment for high blood pressure.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateApr 19, 2012

Gazpacho ingredients lose vitamin C during preparation

A new study reveals that gazpacho's vitamin C content and other organic acids decrease significantly after preparation. Peppers and tomatoes have higher levels of these nutrients, while cucumbers contain the lowest amount. The authors suggest consuming gazpacho immediately or preserving it correctly to maintain its antioxidant properties.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalEuropean Journal of Public Health·DateAug 5, 2011

See off Alzheimer's with the color purple

A groundbreaking study by Professor Douglas Kell found that poorly-bound iron causes the production of hydroxyl radicals, leading to degenerative diseases. Purple fruits and green tea are identified as excellent sources of iron chelators, which can bind iron tightly.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalArchives of Toxicology·DateDec 8, 2010

Vitamin C and E supplements do not reduce risk for blood pressure disorders of pregnancy

A recent NIH study found that vitamin C and E supplements starting in early pregnancy do not reduce the risk of hypertensive disorders and their complications. The supplements did not show any significant difference in preeclampsia or other pregnancy-related hypertension complications, contradicting earlier small studies.

JCI online early table of contents: March 1, 2010

Researchers at the NIH have identified a key role for the protein Slc23a1 in controlling vitamin C levels in mice, which is essential for perinatal survival. Additionally, they discovered that treating multidrug-resistant leukemia cells with a specific drug can resensitize them to glucocorticoids and other cytotoxic agents by activatin...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 1, 2010

Study reveals new role of vitamin C in skin protection

A new study reveals that vitamin C helps promote wound healing and protects skin cells from DNA damage, a finding with great relevance to the cosmetics industry. The research also suggests that vitamin C can help remove DNA damage caused by free radicals, leading to potential advances in skin regeneration and cancer prevention.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalFree Radical Biology and Medicine·DateSep 9, 2009

Stopping diabetes damage with vitamin C

Researchers found that a combination of insulin and vitamin C stopped blood vessel damage caused by Type 1 diabetes in patients with poor glucose control. The therapy's effectiveness was proven in humans for the first time, offering hope for diabetic patients to avoid complications.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJun 8, 2009