EFFECT OF VITAMIN-C ON COPPER AND IRON-METABOLISM IN THE GUINEA-PIG

  • 1 January 1980
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 50  (3) , 301-308
Abstract
Although interaction of vitamin C, Cu and Fe were studied in several species, little is known about these interactions in species which require the vitamin in the diet. Young male Hartley guinea pigs were fed a basal diet or a basal diet and supplemented daily with vitamin C orally. Pharmacologic doses (25 mg/100 g BW [body wt.] per day) of vitamin C resulted in 2-3-fold decreases in liver Cu compared with those receiving normal (0.5 mg/100 g BW per day) intakes. Under conditions of vitamin C deficiency, serum Cu and ceruloplasmin were elevated with liver Cu. Serum and hepatic Fe levels, hepatic microsomal cytochrome P-450 and cytochrome b5 and blood heme parameters all appeared to be directly related to vitamin C intake; the Fe and heme parameters increased as the vitamin dose increased. Interaction between vitamin C, Cu and Fe influence normal heme formation through the oxidation/reduction of Fe and/or by regulating Fe absorption and availability at the gut level.