Effect of oral administration of vitamin C on human aqueous humor ascorbate concentration

Abstract

Aim: To study oral administration of vitamin C on human aqueous humour ascorbate concentration.

Methods: High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with electrochemical detector (ECD) was used. The effect of oral administration of various doses of ascorbic acid, 0 (control), 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 3.0, and 5.0 g, on its concentration in aqueous humour, obtained from volunteer cataract patients was studied.

Results: The concentration of ascorbic acid in aqueous humour of control group (without administration of vitamin-C tablet or drug containing ascorbic acid was (254 +/- 119) mg.L-1. This study revealed that the administration of 2.0 g of ascorbic acid saturate the aqueous humour and further increase in the dose (3.0 g and 5.0 g) did not increase its concentration in aqueous humour, although its concentration was increased in plasma.

Conclusion: Oral administration of 2.0 g of Vc is sufficient to saturate the aqueous humour where it may be helpful in controlling the intra-ocular pressure.