vitamin c

CoQ is the only lipid-soluble antioxidant that is synthesized in our bodies. In humans ubiquinone-10 (CoQ10, containing 10 isoprenoid units) is the major form, whereas rats and mice predominantly make CoQ9. CoQ is present in all cellular membranes and in lipoproteins. Levels of CoQ10 in plasma are substantially less than those of vitamins E and C and vary greatly in tissues, where the concentrations of CoQ exceed those of vitamin E. Although the relative tissue distribution of CoQ varies by species, the highest concentrations are found in liver, heart, muscle, kidney, and brain. At the sub-cellular level, CoQ is found mainly in Golgi vesicles, which control protein traffic, the inner mitochondrial membrane, and lysosomes, where macromolecules are digested.

Patients were than divided in 4 groups according to the obtained diagnosis (Controls, CIND, AD, VaD).The presence of any acute or chronic conditions, affecting cognitive functions, was considered as exclusion criteria. A blood sample was collected to determine iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), selenium (Se), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu),molybdenum (Mo) and aluminium (Al) serum concentrations (chromatographic,spectrophotometric methods). In our cohort we found a positive correlation between cognitive function, expressed as the MODA score, and Se, Cr, Co and Fe serum levels,while a negative correlation was observed between MODA score, Cu and Al serum levels.Moreover, some statistically significant differences in Se, Cr, Co, Cu and Al concentrations were found among the groups. According to these results, we may suppose that Se, Cr and Co protect cognitive function, Cu influences the evolution of cognitive impairment, while Al contributes to the pathogenesis of AD.

Vitamin C: Although the current RDA for vitamin C is 75-90 mg/day, most multivitamin supplements contain only 60 mg (the DV for vitamin C). Five servings of fruits and vegetables may provide about 200 mg. Aim for a total daily intake of at least 400 mg, which is associated with the saturation of plasma and circulating cells..

Lycopene is better absorbed by the body when it is consumed in processed tomato products, rather than fresh tomatoes. The reason for this remains unclear. In one study lycopene was absorbed 2.5 times better from tomato paste than from fresh tomatoes. However, cooking fresh tomatoes with a little oil greatly increases lycopene absorption.

Today we recognize approximately 13 vitamins or vitamin groups, as well as 7 major minerals and 10 trace elements, and our understanding of these compounds continues to evolve as we become increasingly aware of their complex nature.