Scientists from the University of Oregon (Oregon Health & Science University) came to an unexpected discovery: for the normal functioning of nerve cells of the retina, vitamin C.

According to Henrique von Gersdorff, Ph.D., a senior researcher and co-author of the study, "it was found that relatively high doses of vitamin C are necessary for the normal functioning of the retina. Since the retina is part of the central nervous system, it can be assumed that the role of ascorbic acid in normal brain function has so far been downplayed ".

It is known that GABA receptors in the brain help to regulate the interaction between its cells, and have a "retarding" effect on neurons. Researchers have revealed a direct relationship between vitamin C deficiency and GABA-receptor dysfunction in cellulose. In addition, since vitamin C is a natural antioxidant, it protects receptors and cells from premature destruction, said von Gersdorf.

The functions of vitamin C have not yet been fully understood. In case of its overall deficiency, the vitamin remains in the brain cells longer than in any other cells of the body. "Perhaps the brain more requires vitamin C than the rest of the body," suggested von Gersdorf. The obtained data also allow to explain the course of development of scurvy, a disease that arises from a lack of vitamin C in the body. One of the most common symptoms of scurvy is depression, which can also occur due to vitamin C deficiency.

The data obtained can help in the study of other diseases, such as glaucoma and epilepsy, which are the consequences of dysfunction of nerve cells of the retina and brain, which in turn can be caused by dysfunction of GABA receptors.

Von Gersdorf said that "for people prone to glaucoma, a diet rich in vitamin C will have a protective effect on the retina. This study will also lead to the creation of new hypotheses and new ways of treating diseases ".

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