Vitamin C / Ascorbic acid
Vitamin C, like the vitamins in the vitamin B complex, belongs to the water-soluble vitamins. Excess vitamin C is not stored in the body but leaves the body through the urine.
Dogs and cats are able to produce sufficient *endogenous vitamin C themselves and therefore have no dietary requirement for this vitamin. Vitamin C is formed in the liver from glucose or galactose.
*Endogenous vitamin C: endogenous vitamin C means that the body has produced the vitamin itself. The vitamin therefore originates from the body itself.
Vitamin C is essential for dogs and cats because it is a cofactor – a small molecule required by an enzyme to perform its function – for certain enzymes. These enzymes are needed for the biosynthesis of collagen, carnitine and noradrenaline. In addition, vitamin C acts as a powerful antioxidant. In short, vitamin C is a crucial nutrient for the good health of our four-legged friends.
Vitamin C plays an important role as a cofactor for proline and lysine hydroxylase, making the vitamin essential for collagen synthesis.
Collagen is the most common protein in mammals and is therefore a very important protein; it is the main component of connective tissue – connective tissue connects other tissues – and is an important component of bones, skin, muscles, tendons and cartilage.
In addition, collagen is a component of dentin – calcified tissue from which teeth are made – and osteoid – which, in mineralized form, changes into bone tissue.
Vitamin C is essential for the growth and maintenance of tissues1, acts as a powerful antioxidant2 and is an essential nutrient for an optimally functioning immune system3. Finally, vitamin C can improve the absorption of calcium and iron4.
1You may have read earlier that vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis. In addition, the vitamin is very important for healthy bones, skin, muscles, tendons and cartilage. This is because collagen, in turn, is an important component of these tissues.
2An antioxidant is a molecule that prevents the oxidation of other molecules. During oxidation, free radicals are released through a chemical reaction; when present in excess, these can cause damage to body cells.
3Vitamin C supports the immune system because the vitamin supports various cellular functions; cellular functions associated with both innate and adaptive immunity. For example, vitamin C may promote the proliferation of B and T cells. In addition, vitamin C accumulates in phagocytic cells – cells that clear away harmful particles, bacteria and dead or dying cells through phagocytosis (engulfment) – where it can increase phagocytosis and kill bacteria.
4Vitamin C improves iron absorption. The vitamin also improves calcium absorption in the intestines.
