Vitamin C / Ascorbic Acid
Vitamin C, like the vitamins from the vitamin B-complex, belongs to the water-soluble vitamins. An excess of vitamin C is not stored in the body but is excreted 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 then 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 then originates from the body itself.
Vitamin C is essential for dogs and cats because it is a cofactor – a small molecule required for an enzyme to perform its function – for certain enzymes. These enzymes are necessary for the biosynthesis of collagen, carnitine, and noradrenaline. Additionally, vitamin C acts as a powerful antioxidant. In short, vitamin C is a crucial nutrient for good health in 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 abundant protein in mammals and is therefore a very important protein; it is the main component of connective tissue – connective tissue connects other tissues – and it is an important part of bones, skin, muscles, tendons, and cartilage.
Additionally, collagen is a component of dentine – tissue that is calcified and forms the teeth – and osteoid – which, in mineralized form, turns 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 have already read that vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis. Additionally, the vitamin is very important for healthy bones, skin, muscles, tendons, and cartilage because collagen is an important component of these tissues.
2An antioxidant is a molecule that prevents the oxidation of other molecules. Oxidation releases free radicals through a chemical reaction, which, when present in excess, can cause damage to body cells.
3Vitamin C supports the immune system by supporting various cellular functions related to both innate and adaptive immunity. For example, vitamin C may promote the proliferation of B and T cells. Additionally, vitamin C accumulates in phagocytic cells – cells that clear harmful particles, bacteria, and dead or dying cells through phagocytosis (engulfing) – where it can enhance phagocytosis and kill bacteria.
4Vitamin C improves iron absorption. The vitamin also enhances calcium absorption in the intestines.
