Figure 1.

Overview of processes influenced by vitamin C. Vitamin C regulates crucial enzymatic functions in the organism in cooperation with oxygen and iron metabolism. Dioxygenases are essential for regulating collagen, carnitin and catecholamine synthesis as well as the hypoxia response. In addition, dioxygenases catalyse chromatin, and DNA modifications thereby contribute to epigenetic regulation and cell differentiation. This aspect is also important in reprogramming of cell fates (green arrow). In the organism, iron (Fe) and vitamin C sources are environmental factors that affect the activity of dioxygenases. Similarly, in cell culture systems appropriate supplements can be used to mimic physiological levels of activity.