Formation of collagen requires enzymatic hydroxylation of two amino acids: proline and lysine residues within the structure of collagen. Ascorbic acid is an electron donor in reactions catalyzed by the enzymes prolyl hydroxylase and lysyl hydroxylase, which form hydroxyproline and hydroxylysine, respectively. Failure of this step in collagen synthesis results in impaired wound healing, defective tooth formation, and deficient osteoblast and fibroblast function.
