The Pharmacokinetics of Vitamin C.
Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data
Narrative review of mechanisms and pharmacokinetic principles without systematic review methodology.
PubMed 31601028 · doi:10.3390/nu11102412
What was done
Narrative review examining the pharmacokinetic properties of vitamin C, including absorption, elimination, and tissue distribution regulated by saturable sodium-dependent vitamin C transporters (SVCTs), as well as the effects of genetics, lifestyle factors, and disease on homeostasis.
What was found
Homeostatic organ concentrations of vitamin C range from about 0.2 mM in muscle and heart up to 10 mM in brain and adrenal glands. Pharmacokinetics change from zero-order to first-order when transitioning from physiological to pharmacological doses. No specific clinical trial metrics or effect sizes were reported in the abstract.
Why it matters
Understanding the dose-dependent, non-linear pharmacokinetics of vitamin C helps prevent design flaws and misinterpretations in clinical trials for conditions like cancer and sepsis.
Limits
This is a narrative review presenting no original empirical data or systematic search methodology. Quantitative metrics, study sample sizes, and specific human cohort characteristics are not provided in the abstract.
Cited by
- supports The highest tissue concentrations of vitamin C in the body are found in the brain and adrenal glands, while the lowest concentrations are found in muscle, heart, and kidneys.