Chemical Aspects of the Mutagenic Activity of the Ascorbic Acid Autoxidation System

Abstract
The mutagenic activity associated with the ascorbic acid autoxidation system may involve H2O2 and peroxide radicals. The mutagenic effect may also partially reside in as yet unknown secondary products. The observed mutagenicity of 2,3-diketogulonic acid, one of the main oxidation products, reflects its ability to form H2O2.