Does ascorbate impair bactericidal activity of leukocytes?

[joiv]

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/quer ... ids=327791

Effect of mega doses of vitamin C on bactericidal ativity of leukocytes.

Effect of ingesting mega doses of ascorbic acid was studied on the leukocyte function in five normal human subjects. During the first 15 days the subjects received daily supplements of 200 mg of ascorbic acid, and during the next 2 weeks they were given 2 g of vitamin C per day. Supplementation of 200 mg as well as 2 g of ascorbic acid stimulated hexose monophosphate shunt activity of resting leukocytes indicating an increase in resting metabolism. Intakes of 200 mg of ascorbic acid per day did not affect bacterial killing by leukocytes. On the other hand, daily intakes of 2 g of ascorbic acid for 2 weeks significantly impaired bactericidal activity. Four weeks after withdrawal of the viatmin supplementation, bactericidal activity returned to normal.

[ofonorow]

On the other hand, daily intakes of 2 g of ascorbic acid for 2 weeks significantly impaired bactericidal activity. Four weeks after withdrawal of the viatmin supplementation, bactericidal activity returned to normal.

It would be more interesting to know how they measured "bactericidal activity." Lets assume that their 1977 finding was valid. This would mean that increasing ascorbate protects bacteria from the hydrogen peroxide produced by the white blood cells. A) no one cliams that vitamin C is effective all by itself against bacterial infections (only viral infection) and Levy and Cathcart recommend appropriate antibiotics. B) We still must ask about the other animals which make large amounts of ascorbate 24/7. Are their immune systems "impaired"?

[dutchboy]

I can believe that ascorbate influences the working of leukocytes. The leukocytes use free radicals to attack unrecognised invading proteins. That is why leukocytes are loaded with vitamin C to protect themselves against the free radicals.

But ascorbate can attack the invading germs on it's own. I can't understand why you want to lower vitamin C intake to let the germs get in and test your immune system when enough vitamin C will make sure the germs can't get in at all.

I know some doctors take low amounts of C; just for this reason. Weird.