Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) Biochemistry

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) is a water-soluble vitamin that plays key roles as a cofactor for hydroxylase enzymes.

Notably, Vitamin C is a cofactor for dopamine beta-hydroxylase, facilitating the conversion of dopamine to norepinephrine (see Catecholamine Synthesis).

Vitamin C is also involved in collagen synthesis, as a cofactor for hydroxylation of proline and lysine residues (see Collagen Synthesis - coming soon!).

As an antioxidant, Vitamin C also plays an important role in the reduction of iron (III) to iron (II), which is required for enteric absorption of iron. This property also makes vitamin C useful as an ancillary treatment for methemoglobinemia (see Methemoglobinemia - coming soon!).

Find Vitamin C Biochemistry and other Vitamins among Pixorize's visual mnemonics for the USMLE Step 1 and NBME shelf exams.