Evidence supporting the use of: Erythorbic acid
For the health condition: Scurvy
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4
Erythorbic acid is a stereoisomer of ascorbic acid (vitamin C), differing only in the configuration of one chiral center. It is used primarily as a food antioxidant, but its chemical similarity to ascorbic acid means it shares some biological activity. Scurvy is caused by a deficiency of vitamin C, and ascorbic acid is the standard and highly effective treatment. Research has shown that erythorbic acid can prevent and treat scurvy in animal models (such as guinea pigs), as it acts as a vitamin C analog and can substitute for ascorbic acid in collagen synthesis and other biological processes essential to preventing scurvy. However, its vitamin C activity in humans is reported to be lower than that of ascorbic acid itself. Some studies suggest that, while erythorbic acid is absorbed and excreted in humans, its efficacy in humans for fully replacing ascorbic acid is not as well established as in animal studies. As a result, while there is clear scientific rationale and some evidence supporting the use of erythorbic acid for the treatment or prevention of scurvy, ascorbic acid remains the preferred and more effective option. Erythorbic acid is therefore justified scientifically as a possible antiscorbutic agent, but with somewhat less potency than ascorbic acid.