Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)

Mechanism of action

Cofactor for dopamine-beta-hydroxylase (the enzyme converting dopamine to norepinephrine) and tyrosine hydroxylase (the rate-limiting step in catecholamine synthesis). The adrenal cortex contains the highest vitamin C concentration of any tissue. Direct antioxidant activity in aqueous compartments. Required for collagen hydroxylation.

History

Vitamin C was identified as the anti-scurvy factor in citrus fruits — the discovery culminated in Albert Szent-Gyorgyi's 1937 Nobel Prize. Linus Pauling popularised high-dose vitamin C in the 1970s for immune function and cancer; the megadose evidence is mixed but the foundational nutritional importance is universally accepted. Liposomal vitamin C produces meaningfully higher plasma levels than standard oral, which is the relevant form for users seeking pharmacological rather than nutritional effects. Unscheduled globally.

Benefits

• Immune function (common cold duration reduction)

  EVIDENCEA

  Cochrane review of 29 RCTs.

• Antioxidant support

  EVIDENCEA

  Universally accepted.

• Catecholamine synthesis support

  EVIDENCEB

  Cofactor mechanism.

Side effects

• GI upset (high dose)commonmild
• Kidney stone risk (megadose, oxalate)raremoderate

Cited research

• Vitamin C for prevention/treatment of common cold (Cochrane review)2013
  PMID 23440782 ↗
• Liposomal vitamin C bioavailability vs standard (Davis)2016
  PMID 27499096 ↗
• Vitamin C in stress and adrenal function (Brody)2002
  PMID 12353259 ↗

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