Abstract
In order to compare the metabolism of L-ascorbic acid with that of its fatty acid esters, the amounts of ascorbic acid in urine, liver, adrenal and blood plasma of guinea pigs were determined after the oral administration of L-ascorbic acid, L-ascorbyl mono- and dipalmitates, equivalent to 20mg of ascorbic acid. In three groups, the urinary ascorbic acid excreted in 0-24 hrs. after administration was higher than that in 24-48 hrs. The changes of ascorbic acid content of the organs showed the similar tendency with that of urine in group of ascorbic acid administration, but in groups of esters administration, the changes showed a somewhat reverse tendency. Enzymatic hydrolysis of ascorbic acid ester was also studied with tissue homogenate of guinea pig. When the mixture of homogenates of small intestine and pancreas was used, the yields of free ascorbic acid were 80% with L-ascorbyl monopalmitate but only 20% with L-ascorbyl dipalmitate.
