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Article: Games cut supply of vitamin C
- Article from:
- Columbia Daily Tribune
- Article date:
- August 4, 2008
CopyrightCopyright 2008 Columbia Daily Tribune. Provided by ProQuest LLC. (Hide copyright information)
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How are the Beijing Olympics contributing to a worldwide shortage
of vitamin C?
In their efforts to curb air pollution for the upcoming games,
the Chinese shut down manufacturing plants in and around Beijing -
including cutbacks at factories producing 80 percent of the world's
ascorbic acid, more commonly known as vitamin C.
Experts say the shortage and resulting price increases will not
likely spark an outbreak of scurvy, the nemesis of Old World sailors
on extended voyages without fresh fruits and vegetables.
But ascorbic acid is crucial to modern food and beverage
production, and it is an important vitamin supplement in the United
States and worldwide.
Ascorbic acid is a common ingredient ...