Some Biochemical Effects of Megadoses of Ascorbic Acid During Fasting

Clara  Lim-sylianco,; Jaime  Cua,

Some Biochemical Effects of Megadoses of Ascorbic Acid During Fasting

Discipline: Biological and Sport Sciences

Abstract:

Some biochemical effects of megadoses of ascorbic acid (3 gm/day) during a four-day fast were determined by measuring selected plasma and urine constituents of twelve male volunteers. Plasma glucose level was markedly higher two hours after a glucose challenge during the early part of the ascorbic acid supplemented fasting but was slightly lower .towards the end of the four-day fast. In contrast, free fatty acids and ketone bodies were lower two hours after the glucose challenge during the early phase of ascorbic acid supplemented fasting, but reached higher levels during the later phase. Levels of plasma lactic acid, alanine, total amino acids and urea, as well as levels of urea nitrogen excretion were consistently lower during the entire duration of ascorbic acid supplemented fasting. These were compared with corresponding values of unsupplemented fasting. These observations can be explained on the effects of ascorbate in promoting cAMP accumulation which can consequently alter the rate of cAMP-dependent processes such as glycogenolysis, glycogenesis, gluconeogenesis and lipolysis.

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