Decomposition of Vitamin C by Bacteria

Abstract

Vitamin C decomposition is a common property among the enteric bacteria. The decomposition proceeds under anaerobic conditions. Organisms which do not attack this substance exert a sparing action under aerobic conditions by removing atmospheric oxygen and thus preventing auto-oxidation. Ascorbic acid is utilized readily as a carbon food in the presence of a suitable N source. It is protected by readily fermented carbohydrates, like glucose. Oxidation is carried beyond the dehydro stage and is non-reversible. Filtrates of active cultures do not possess ability to decompose vitamin C; the destruction is effected only by actively metabolizing micro-bial cells. A dehydrogenase was demonstrated by the use of bacterial "resting cells" in a nile blue indicator system having ascorbic acid as the substrate.