Vitamin C under the Microscope

Vitamin C (also known as L-ascorbic acid) is an essential nutrient for humans and animals. Ascorbic acts as an antioxidant, protecting the body from oxidative stress. It is absorbed by the body through both active transport and simple diffusion. Scurvy is a deficiency in Vitamin C and results in brown spots on the skin, soft gums and bleeding from mucous membranes. The human body can only store a certain amount of Vitamin C, so if new stores are not replenished, scurvy results. Vitamin C is found in high concentrations in immune cells, hence the suggestion to "drink orange juice" with the onset of the common cold. Consuming too much Vitamin C can result in indigestion and diarrhea.

Vitamin C captured at 200x magnification using the MT9300 polarizing microscope and the Infinity 2-3 microscope camera.

Vitamin C captured at 200x magnification using the MT9300 polarizing microscope and the Infinity 2-3 microscope camera.

Vitamin C captured at 400x magnification using the MT9300 polarizing microscope and the Infinity 2-3 microscope camera.

Vitamin C captured at 400x magnification using the MT9300 polarizing microscope and the Infinity 2-3 microscope camera.