ABSTRACT
Ascorbic acid and aspirin share this capillary-strengthening capacity with some other acidic hydroxyl-bearing compounds such as low-dose estrogens and bioflavonoids. There are ways in which aspirin and ascorbic acid seem to have similar beneficial actions, and yet other ways in which aspirin is antagonistic to ascorbic acid. One wonders what may happen to the ascorbic acid content of the liver and the brain of a malnourished child who develops a fever and is treated with aspirin. There is evidence that aspirin impairs platelet function and also some evidence that those who have achlorhydria bleed more easily after aspirin. The decrease in the ascorbic acid concentration of the brain was found to begin within 18 h after administration of salicylates, even in nephrectomized rats where the blood level of ascorbic acid was increased. The salicylates were then stepped up to former doses without the development of tinnitus or indeed any other signs of intolerance.
