TitleMyths, artifacts, and fatal flaws: identifying limitations and opportunities in vitamin C research.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2013
AuthorsMichels AJ, Frei B
JournalNutrients
Volume5
Issue12
Pagination5161-92
Date Published2013 Dec 16
ISSN2072-6643
KeywordsAnimals, Ascorbic Acid, Ascorbic Acid Deficiency, Dietary Supplements, Disease Models, Animal, Humans, Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
Abstract

Research progress to understand the role of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) in human health has been slow in coming. This is predominantly the result of several flawed approaches to study design, often lacking a full appreciation of the redox chemistry and biology of ascorbic acid. In this review, we summarize our knowledge surrounding the limitations of common approaches used in vitamin C research. In human cell culture, the primary issues are the high oxygen environment, presence of redox-active transition metal ions in culture media, and the use of immortalized cell lines grown in the absence of supplemental ascorbic acid. Studies in animal models are also limited due to the presence of endogenous ascorbic acid synthesis. Despite the use of genetically altered rodent strains lacking synthesis capacity, there are additional concerns that these models do not adequately recapitulate the effects of vitamin C deprivation and supplementation observed in humans. Lastly, several flaws in study design endemic to randomized controlled trials and other human studies greatly limit their conclusions and impact. There also is anecdotal evidence of positive and negative health effects of vitamin C that are widely accepted but have not been substantiated. Only with careful attention to study design and experimental detail can we further our understanding of the possible roles of vitamin C in promoting human health and preventing or treating disease.

DOI10.3390/nu5125161
Alternate JournalNutrients
PubMed ID24352093
PubMed Central IDPMC3875932