GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
Vitamin C is found in rose hips, citrus fruit
and juices, strawberries, blueberries, cantaloupes,
tomatoes, and raw vegetables such as red
bell peppers. Vitamin C is easily destroyed by cooking and
levels are reduced during storage.
ROLE IN ANTI-AGING:
Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant and
protects against free radical
cellular damage, therefore it may
protect the body from many forms of cancer. It is also vital
for the formation and maintenance of
collagen (the skin’s “cement”), for
healthy skin, and for the formation of other structural
materials in bones, teeth, and capillaries. Vitamin C
assists with wound healing and burns, especially for those recovering from surgery, and
helps to keep the nervous system functioning
properly. It also increases the absorption of iron and calcium from plant sources, and heightens resistance to
infection. Research has shown that
vitamin C raises HDL (good) cholesterol, and prevents “bad” LDL cholesterol from oxidation,
which subsequently prevents the build-up of atherosclerotic
plaques on the blood vessel wall. It
has also been shown to improve nitric oxide activity and
reverse endothelial dysfunction (abnormal functioning
of the cells that line blood vessels), which is linked to the development of atherosclerosis.
Thus, vitamin C may be useful in preventing
cardiovascular disease Large doses of the vitamin may help to relieve cold and flu symptoms. Some research has found that vitamin C may
help to prevent male infertility. Vitamin C also protects
against industrial pollutants, certain eye disorders, and
bleeding gums. Some research suggests that vitamin
C may help to prevent cataracts. Results of one study showed that women who took vitamin C
supplements for at least 10 years were 77% less likely to
develop “lens opacities” – the beginning stage of cataracts
– than women who didn’t take supplementary vitamin
C.
DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS:
Vitamin C deficiency can cause the disease
scurvy, however this is uncommon on developed countries. Symptoms of vitamin C deficiency include:
bruising easily, bleeding gums, tooth decay, nose bleeds,
swollen or painful joints, anemia, poor wound healing,
lowered resistance to infection, general weakening of connective tissue, easily fractured bones, weakened arteries which rupture or hemorrhage,
extreme muscle weakness, painful joints, wounds and sores
that will not heal.
THERAPEUTIC DAILY AMOUNT:
1,000-2,000mg depending on your need. RDA
is 90mg for men and 75mg for women. Research suggests that vitamin C may enhance the
effects of some chemotherapy drugs, however cancer patients
should always consult their oncologist before taking
dietary supplements.
MAXIMUM SAFE LEVEL:
2000mg (long-term); 3000mg (short-term)
Note: Research has found that
blood levels of vitamin do not increase further when vitamin
C doses exceed 250-500 mg per day. High doses of vitamin C can cause kidney stones in people
with a history of the condition and those who regularly
undergo hemodialysis.
SIDE EFFECTS/CONTRAINDICATIONS:
No side effects are associated with vitamin
C, however large doses of the vitamin can deplete the body’s supplies of the essential nutrient
copper. People with a glucose-6- phosphate dehydrogenase
deficiency, iron overload (hemosiderosis or
hemochromatosis), history of kidney stones, or kidney
failure should consult their doctor before taking
supplementary vitamin C.
Women taking the contraceptive pill should
not take excessively large doses of vitamin C as it may reduce the effectiveness of the pill. People taking ampicillin, indomethacin, salsalate, or
tetracycline should not take supplementary vitamin C without
consulting their doctor.
SOLUBILITY:
soluble
