Darwin-L Message Log 8:83 (April 1994)

Academic Discussion on the History and Theory of the Historical Sciences

This is one message from the Archives of Darwin-L (1993–1997), a professional discussion group on the history and theory of the historical sciences.

Note: Additional publications on evolution and the historical sciences by the Darwin-L list owner are available on SSRN.

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<8:83>From BONN@nickel.laurentian.ca  Mon Apr 25 17:13:24 1994

Date: Mon, 25 Apr 1994 18:10:16 -0500 (EST)
From: "Bonnie Blackwell, (519)253-4232x2502" <BONN@nickel.laurentian.ca>
Subject: Re: Vitamin C
To: darwin-l@ukanaix.cc.ukans.edu

I am replying to this based on memory from Human genetics classes MANY
years ago.  That being understood, as i recall no primates are capable
of metabolizing Vitamin C, presumably because until about 5-10 Ma, they
all obtained plenty from their very fructivorous diet.  Because there
was no need to produce it, we never developed (or lost) the ability to
do so.  It has been a critical problem in human and australopithecine
development, and may have severely limited the early spread of
hominids to northerly climates.

It has been used as justification for the use of megadoses of Vit C
to prevent colds, arguing that other mammals get fewer and less severe
colds (Rhinoviruses?) because they manufacture their own C.  I would
love feedback on this issue.

b

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