Vitamin C: A story of scientific perseverance

Nowadays, our need for vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is widely known and endorsed by almost everyone. In turbulent times like those we are currently experiencing, there is even a re-evaluation and call for this vitamin.

As a dietary supplement, vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is probably the vitamin with the largest commercial production volumes worldwide. As an additive, it is in many products and even has an E-number: E300.

It is also known that Professor Albert Szent-Györgyi was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1937 for the discovery of vitamin C. The isolation and identification of ascorbic acid as vitamin C have been two of the simple steps in the twentieth-century improvement in nutritional standards.

But did you know that Szent-Györgyi's discovery of vitamin C has roots in the Netherlands, namely at the University of Groningen? And did you know that this story is a classic example of perseverance and intuition, combined with irony?

The Discovery of Vitamin C

Originally from Hungary, Albert Szent-Györgyi began his research on biological oxidation processes, ultimately culminating in the discovery of vitamin C, at the Physiology Laboratory of the University of Groningen, between 1922 and 1926. No one in Groningen seemed to recognize the importance of his research work, and therefore he did not receive the support he needed.

In July 1925, he wrote an article on plant respiration that is now considered the first demonstration of a compound later known as vitamin C. The newly appointed professor of physiology in Groningen, Dr. FJJ Buytendijk, however, thought little of the article and was of the opinion that it actually belonged in the trash can.

The little encouraging situation in Groningen so depressed Szent-Györgyi that he initially considered giving up his scientific career altogether. He was a young scientist without money, without foreign degrees, and probably thought that a career switch was the best option.

Fortunately, in August 1926, he attended the International Physiology Congress in Stockholm, as a farewell to science. There he heard the famous biochemist FG Hopkins mention his own name three times. This appreciation and recognition of his work changed his career and his initial plans to give up science.

Szent-Györgyi did, however, make a brave switch: he had to leave the supportive environment at the University of Groningen to continue his research in Cambridge. Around that time, he also received a scholarship, and the cards now seemed to be shuffled in his favor.

In Cambridge, he continued researching the biochemical compound, ascorbic acid, that he discovered in Groningen. In the following years, the initial findings were confirmed, ascorbic acid was recognized as an organic compound, and Szent-Györgyi was rewarded with the Nobel Prize. Perseverance pays off!

Quotes from the Professor

Professor Szent-Györgyi is best known for his discovery of vitamin C, but he was, besides being a very wise and capable man, sometimes far ahead of his time. This is best illustrated with some of his quotes, which deserve contemplation.

"Research is not a systematic occupation but an intuitive artistic calling."

"A discovery is an accident that meets an alert mind."

"Water is the matter and matrix of life, its mother and medium. There is no life without water."

"Nature is one. It is not divided into physics, chemistry, and quantum mechanics."

"All living organisms are merely leaves on the same tree of life. The various functions of plants and animals and their specializations are manifestations of the same matter. This adapts to different circumstances, but works according to the same basic principles. Muscle contraction is just one of these adaptations. In principle, it would not matter whether we studied nerves, kidneys, or muscles to understand the basic principles of life. In practice, however, it makes a lot of difference."

Supplementing Vitamin C

First and foremost, it is important to ensure that you get enough vitamins and minerals through daily nutrition. But there are certainly situations and circumstances where taking additional vitamins and/or minerals is considered beneficial.

In addition to your diet (which ideally consists of local, organic vegetables and fruits, apart from one or more organic protein sources), a vitamin C supplement offers a degree of certainty because you know exactly how much you are getting. Dietary supplements are consistent with regard to vitamin C content, and simply less sensitive to external factors than fresh vegetables and fruits typically are.

If you have chosen to use a vitamin C supplement, always consider the source and formulation, as this tells you a lot about the effectiveness and quality. Quali-C® vitamin C, for example, is not produced in China, like most other vitamin C preparations. Quali-C® is praised for its quality and reliability, but it meets strict EU and US regulatory standards.

Professor Szent-Györgyi would probably agree that perseverance and a positive outlook on life are important in these future worrying times.

Are you looking for ways to support your immune system, mood, energy, and mental focus – to name just a few parameters of the good life? Then check out our wide range of vitamin C supplements, from natural sources to liposomal formulations, and of course the mentioned option of the Quali-C® brand. You will undoubtedly find what you are looking for!