Noun
ascorbate (plural ascorbates)
(organic chemistry) Any salt or ester of ascorbic acid.
Antioxidant mechanism Semidehydroascorbate acid radical The ascorbate ion is the predominant species at typical biological pH values. Source: Internet
At high dietary doses (corresponding to several hundred mg/day in humans) ascorbate is accumulated in the body until the plasma levels reach the renal resorption threshold, which is about 1.5 mg/dL in men and 1.3 mg/dL in women. Source: Internet
During biosynthesis ascorbate acts as a reducing agent, donating electrons and preventing oxidation to keep iron and copper atoms in their reduced states. Source: Internet
Severe diseases such as scurvy can result from defects in this hydroxylation, e.g., mutations in the enzyme prolyl hydroxylase or lack of the necessary ascorbate (vitamin C) cofactor. Source: Internet
However, being a good electron donor, excess ascorbate in the presence of free metal ions can not only promote but also initiate free radical reactions, thus making it a potentially dangerous pro-oxidative compound in certain metabolic contexts. Source: Internet
However, taking vitamin C in the form of sodium ascorbate and calcium ascorbate may minimize this effect. Source: Internet