Oguntibeju O O, Schalkwyk F E, Van Den Heever, Veldman F J.
Vitamin C could be an essential nutrient in the nutritional management of HIV infection and AIDS: a mini review.
Med Channel Jan ;11(2):7-9.

Vitamin C is an essential water-soluble vitamin that has to he obtained from an exogenous source due to the fact that primates and human being lack an important enzyme required for its synthesis. It is commonly found in citrus fruits, peppers and tomatoes. As a vitamin it is required for important metabolic functions such as hydroxylation of proline and lysine in the synthesis of collagen, synthesis of carnitine that is needed for fatty acid transport and energy production in the mitochondria, reduction of molecular oxygen In the respiratory burst of phagocytes and as an antioxidant it is involved in the neutralization of toxic free radicals. It is has been observed that lack of vitamin C in tissues leads to scurvy, an often fatal condition characterised by structural debilitation of connective tissues affecting bones, cartilage, muscles and gums, and impairment of wound healing, in addition, fatigue, weight loss, joint, muscle pain and skin lesions accompany scurvy. This is an Editorial.

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