Effects of Iron Overload on Ascorbic Acid Metabolism. Issue 5620 (21st September 1968)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wapnick, A. A.; Lynch, S. R.; Krawitz, P.; Seftel, H. C.; Charlton, R. W.; Bothwell, T. H.
• Is Part Of: BMJ. Volume 3:Issue 5620(1968)
• Page Start: 704
• Page End: 707
• Publication Date: 1968-09-21
• Subjects: Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine; Periodicals; 610
• DOI: 10.1136/bmj.3.5620.704
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-1447

Abstract

Abstract : Studies of the ascorbic acid status in two subjects with idiopathic haemochromatosis and in 12 with transfusional siderosis showed that all had decreased levels of white cell ascorbic acid. The urinary excretion of ascorbic acid was also diminished in those subjects in whom such measurements were made. The administration of ascorbic acid was followed by only a small rise in the urinary ascorbic acid output, while the oxalic acid levels (measured in two subjects) showed a significant rise. These findings resemble those described in siderotic Bantu, and support the thesis that increased iron stores lead to irreversible oxidation of some of the available ascorbic acid.