TRACER STUDIES OF VITAMIN C UTILIZATION IN MEN; METABOLISM OF D- GLUCURONIC-6-C14 ACID AND L-ASCORBIC-1-C14 ACID
Abstract
Studies of body composition and the use of C14 isotopes has resulted in a method for stating the actual utilization of ascorbic acid by healthy men. After ingesting a single 20 microcuries quantity of D-glucuronolactone-6-C14, the urine of healthy men contains C14 activity which can be isolated and found in the highly purified phenylhydrazine derivative of a corbic acid. Such activity is not found following the ingestion of D-Glucuronic-6-C14 acid, indicating that the above lactone, but not its acid, can function as a source of ascorbic acid. In subjects who ingest 20 microcuries of L-ascorbic1-C14 acid, the daily urinary oxalate arising from metabolism of the labeled ascorbate is subsequently excreted as a constant proportion of the total C14 activity remaining in the body. In 6 men of diverse body weight and degree of fatness, the ascorbate utilization, as expressed in terms of C1 oxalate excretion, occurred at a rate of 0.207 mg/day/kg of fat-free body weight. Rarely, if ever, do adult males exceed 90 kg in lean body mass. Therefore, 18 mg/day intake would match the greatest quantity of ascorbate metabolize by the largest healthy man.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1962
- Accession Number
- AD0286657
Entities
People
- E. M. Baker
- H. E. Sauberlich
Organizations
- Army Research Office