converted into d-glucose, then d-sorbitol by hydrogenation, then l-sorbose by oxidation, then
carboxyl group, resulting in diacetone-2-keto-l-gulonic acid, which when heated with HCL becomes
ascorbic acid. (Merck Index, 1989, p.130).
Although not known to be directly toxic, there is growing evidence that ascorbic acid causes a mild
physical dependency, whereby removal of this chemical causes vitamin c levels in the blood to drop
below baseline. Its use has also been correlated with increased incidence of kidney stones, and
may be indicated in other problems caused by calcification of soft tissue.