text: <unk>  or  L-ascorbate is an essential nutrient for higher primates, and a small number of other species. The presence of ascorbate is required for a range of essential metabolic reactions in all animals and plants. It is made internally by almost all organisms, humans being one notable exception. It is widely known as the<unk> hose deficiency<unk> auses scurvy in humans. It is also widely used as a food additive.
  The pharmacophore of<unk>  is the ascorbate ion. In living organisms, ascorbate is an antioxidant, as it protects the body against oxidative stress, and is a<unk> ofactor in several vital enzymatic reactions.
  The uses and the daily requirement of<unk>  are matters of on-going debate.
option_0: Vitamin C
option_1: Vitamin A
option_2: Vitamin B6
option_3: Vitamin D
option_4: Thiol
option_5: Thiamin
option_6: B vitamins
option_7: Cholic acid