Evidence supporting the use of: Dehydroascorbic acid
For the health condition: Scurvy
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4
Dehydroascorbic acid (DHA) is the oxidized form of ascorbic acid (vitamin C). Scurvy is a disease resulting from vitamin C deficiency, manifesting with symptoms such as bleeding gums, joint pain, and poor wound healing. The clinical use of DHA for scurvy is justified scientifically, as DHA is readily converted back to ascorbic acid in the body. Several studies have demonstrated that both forms are biologically active and can prevent or treat vitamin C deficiency states. DHA can enter cells via glucose transporters (GLUTs), after which it is reduced intracellularly to ascorbic acid, thereby restoring vitamin C levels. The evidence supporting the efficacy of DHA in treating scurvy comes largely from biochemical studies and some clinical observations. For example, research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition has shown that DHA administration increases plasma ascorbate concentrations. Historical animal and human studies confirm that DHA prevents or reverses scurvy symptoms similarly to ascorbic acid. However, DHA is less stable and more prone to degradation than ascorbic acid, which is why ascorbic acid is more commonly used in practice. In summary, the use of DHA for scurvy is scientifically validated, although ascorbic acid remains the treatment of choice due to greater stability and availability.