Vitamin C: from scurvy to the common cold.

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) has been known to prevent scurvy for many years. Recent research has shown its importance in lipid and iron metabolism. Vitamin C may also have some effect on the immune system. There is not as yet conclusive evidence that ascorbic acid may cure or prevent colds or cancer. The vitamin has few side effects even when ingested in large quantities. Several methods for analysis of ascorbic acid have been developed. These include titration and fluorometric methods, a ferrozine technique automated for centrifugal analyzers, a high performance liquid chromatography method, and a dip-stick for urine ascorbic acid.