Re: Can eskimo people make their own vitamin c naturally?

Hi Ross,

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a simple compound derived from glucose that 
plays an important role in the organism.  It is necessary for the formation 
of conjonctive tissues, for the conversion of tryptophane into serotonine, 
for the conversion of chloresterol in biliary salts. It also contribute to 
the protection of vitamins A and E as well as lipids against oxydation.  It 
is also required for the conversion of folic acid in its active form as 
well as favorizing the absorption of iron in the organism.

Lack of vitamin C can lead to inadequate growth of bones and teeth, 
difficulties to heal wounds, diminished resistance to infectious diseases, 
joint aches, and, in extreme deficiency, scurvy.

Vitamin C can be found in fresh fruits and vegetables, particularly in 
citrus fruits, tomatoes, strawberries and green leafy vegetables such as 
spinach.  Vitamin C can also be found in the bark and leafs of many trees 
and shrubs as well as in some common wild plants
(see  this site 
for example).

Only a small amount (about 1500mg) of vitamin C can be absorbed by the body 
at any moment, the excess is excreted by the kidneys.  Moreover, no gene 
has ever been discovered in humans that can produce vitamin C.

Inuit people (and other people living in the artic tundra) had a hard time 
fighting vitamin C deficiency but they rapidly discovered that concoctions 
(mixture of the leaf of plants with water) of many plants and of the bark 
of some trees could help them fight scurvy.  It is in fact how the american 
indians helped Jacques Cartier's crew to survive through its first winter 
in Canada... and lead to the establishement of a permanent colony here in 
Quebec city (which is where I live!)

I hope this answered your question, thank you for asking!
 

Mike