The above brief review indicates that the bioavailability of vitamin C in humans is complex and that our current understanding of that process and factors that influence it are incomplete. It is important that an overall pharmacokinetic scheme be developed and tested to completely describe the complex dispositional and absorption processes of the vitamin. Such information will provide a better understanding of the absorption and disposition of the vitamin per se. Furthermore, that information will permit us to better understand how those factors influence the participation of the vitamin in events associated with maintenance of health.