Feline Nutrition

VITAMIN C (ASCORBIC ACID)

Ascorbic acid, commonly known as vitamin C, has a chemical structure that is closely related to the monosaccharide sugars. It is synthesized by plants and most animal species, including dogs and cats. Ascorbic acid is produced in the liver from either glucose or galactose through the glucuronate pathway. With the exception of humans and a few other animal species, all animals, including cats, are capable of producing adequate levels of endogenous vitamin C and therefore do not have a dietary requirement for this vitamin. Therefore, unless there is a high metabolic need or inadequate amounts are being synthesized by the body, a dietary source of ascorbic acid is unnecessary in cats. In addition to being unwarranted, ascorbic acid supplementation in cats may be detrimental. Excess ascorbic acid is excreted in the urine as oxalate, and high concentrations of oxalate have the potential to contribute to the formation of calcium oxalate uroliths in the urinary tract.

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An old man walking on the beach at dawn noticed a boy picking up a starfish and throwing it into the sea. When asked why, the boy explained that the stranded starfish would die if left to lie in the morning sun. ‘But there are millions of starfish on this beach' said the old man. ‘How can your efforts make a difference?’The boy picked up another starfish and placed it in the waves. ‘It makes a difference to this one.' he said