Action of Intestinal Microörganisms on Ascorbic Acid

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Abstract
Direct human fecal cultures and isolated pure cultures of Escherichia coli and Aerobacter aerogenes decompose vit. C rapidly in ascorbic acid nutrient broth under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions; however, the presence of glucose and lactose in the medium "spares" the vitamin from bacterial oxidation. The substance disappears from the medium as soon as the sugar is utilized completely. Organisms of the Proteus and Alcaligenes groups fail to attack the vitamin and protect it from atmospheric oxidation, but the protective action is not operative in the presence of vitamin C decomposing bacteria. Vitamin C in the cultures is detd. quantitatively by using a modified procedure of Tillman''s Na 2,6-dichlorophenolindophenol method. Clinical aspects and significance of microbic destruction of vitamin C in the intestines are discussed.

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