--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The vitamin-C molecule is similar in…" description: "\"“The vitamin-C molecule is similar in configuration to glucose and other sugars in the body. It is shuttled from the bloodstream into the cells by the ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/667/gary-taubes-11659_blood-sugar_the-vitamin-c-molecule-is-similar-in-con_2339593.jpg" --- # The vitamin-C molecule is similar in configuration to… ![“The vitamin-C molecule is similar in configuration to glucose and other sugars in the body. It is shuttled from the bloodstream into the cells by the same insulin-dependent transport system used by glucose. Glucose and vitamin C compete in this cellular-uptake process, like strangers trying to…” quote by Gary Taubes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/667/gary-taubes-11659_blood-sugar_the-vitamin-c-molecule-is-similar-in-con_2339593.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/667/gary-taubes-11659_blood-sugar_the-vitamin-c-molecule-is-similar-in-con_2339593.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/667/gary-taubes-11659_blood-sugar_the-vitamin-c-molecule-is-similar-in-con_2339593.jpg) > ““The vitamin-C molecule is similar in configuration to glucose and other sugars in the body. It is shuttled from the bloodstream into the cells by the same insulin-dependent transport system used by glucose. Glucose and vitamin C compete in this cellular-uptake process, like strangers trying to flag down the same taxicab simultaneously. Because glucose is greatly favored in the contest, the uptake of vitamin C by cells is “globally inhibited” when blood-sugar levels are elevated. In effect, glucose regulates how much vitamin C is taken up by the cells, according to the University of Massachusetts nutritionist John Cunningham. If we increase blood-sugar levels, the cellular uptake of vitamin C will drop accordingly. Glucose also impairs the reabsorption of vitamin C by the kidney, and so, the higher the blood sugar, the more vitamin C will be lost in the urine. Infusing insulin into experimental subjects has been shown to cause a “marked fall” in vitamin-C levels in the circulation. In”” [Gary Taubes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gary-taubes/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. High blood sugar competes with vitamin C for cellular uptake, reducing its availability and increasing its loss in urine. **In simple terms:** Sugar blocks vitamin C entry into cells and boosts its excretion. Key Takeaway Manage blood sugar to preserve vitamin C levels. Themes nutrition metabolism health biochemistry Mood concerned informative Type scientific educational When to use this quote - diabetes management - diet planning - supplement timing - clinical research Key Concepts glucose competition insulin transport vitamin C bioavailability Questions to Reflect On - How does your diet affect vitamin C absorption? - Can insulin therapy improve vitamin C status? 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In effect, glucose regulates how much vitamin C is taken up by the cells, according to the University of Massachusetts nutritionist John Cunningham. If we increase blood-sugar levels, the cellular uptake of vitamin C will drop accordingly. Glucose also impairs the reabsorption of vitamin C by the kidney, and so, the higher the blood sugar, the more vitamin C will be lost in the urine. Infusing insulin into experimental subjects has been shown to cause a “marked fall” in vitamin-C levels in the circulation. 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