A specific method for determination of total ascorbic acids in urine by the alpha,alpha'- dipyridyl method.

Application ot the alpha,alpha'- dipyridyl method for determination of ascorbic acid in urine is described. The urine sample was acidified with trichloracetic acid and shaken with activated carbon to remove interfering substances. The acid filtrate was first neutralized (pH 7.0) by adding Na2HPO4. The dehydroascorbic acid was then reduced back to ascorbic acid by incubation with dithiothreitol. After removal of the excess dithiothreitol with N-ethylmaleimide, ascorbic acid was determined by measuring the reduction of ferric ion. The ferrous ion produced was coupled to alpha,alpha'-dipyridyl in the presence of H3PO4. Ferrous ion in urine samples, which theoretically interferes with the method, was removed by a combination of Na2HPO4 and H3PO4.