Sodium Dependent Vitamin C Transporter 1 (SVCT1)

The absorption of vitamin C into the body and its distribution to organs requires two sodium-dependent vitamin C transporters. This gene encodes one of the two required transporters. The encoded protein is active in bulk vitamin C transport involving epithelial surfaces. The absorption of vitamin C into the body and its distribution to organs requires the sodium-coupled vitamin C transporters SVCT1 and SVCT2. SVCT1 is largely confined to epithelial surfaces involved in bulk transport, such as those of the intestine and kidney, and is involved in dietary absorption and renal reabsorption. SVCT2 appears to account for tissue-specific uptake of vitamin C. SVCT2 expression is widespread, occurring in neurons, the endocrine system, bone, and other tissues, thus protecting metabolically active tissues from oxidative stress.