(also referred to as...)
Ascorbic Acid, Buffered C, Calcium Ascorbate, Ester-C
Description
This water soluble vitamin is a powerful antioxidant that protects tissues and cells from free-radical attack (oxidative damage). Vitamin C and vitamin E work synergistically to reinforce each other's antioxidant properties for a more potent antioxidant effect. It helps protect against the harmful effects of air pollution, cigarette smoke, toxic metals and chemicals
Vitamin C increases iron absorption in the body. It is important for healthy teeth, strong bones, and the formation of red blood cells. This nutrient maintains the strength of capillaries and blood vessels to prevent bruising, bleeding gums, et cetera. It is also important for adrenal gland health and function.
As an antioxidant, vitamin C works with other antioxidant nutrients to slow the aging process. It helps prevent against infections, viruses, and bacteria. This vitamin is critical for proper immune function and also enhances the immune system. As a result, vitamin C is good for alleviating the common cold, flu, fever and hay fever.
Vitamin C promotes the healing of wounds, burns, bruises and surgery. It is also essential for the production of collagen -- a substance used in the formation of cartilage, tendons and connective tissues, et cetera.
Vitamin C intake is very important and essential for the body and must be obtained from the diet daily. Humans and other primates cannot manufacture it in the body due to evolutionary changes.
Grapefruits -- An Excellent Source of Vitamin C
Ailments / Situations Where Used This versatile vitamin can help prevent or alleviate a variety of conditions. Scurvy is a disease resulting from vitamin C deficiency. Symptoms include bleeding gums, extreme weakness, extensive bruising, and poor wound healing.
Vitamin C is also good for asthma, allergies, atherosclerosis, high blood pressure and cholesterol. Cancers include those affecting the lungs or gastrointestinal tract. Eye disorders include glaucoma, macular degeneration, and cataracts. Oral conditions include gingivitis and periodontal disease. Arthritis conditions include osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Additional conditions where vitamin C can be used include diabetes and skin disorders.
Source
Vitamin C is available in various quantities in apples, asparagus, beets, all berries, broccoli, cantaloupe, citrus fruits, green vegetables, green peas, kiwi, peaches, pears, peppers, potatoes, red cabbage, red pepper, strawberries, potatoes, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, and a fair amount in liver.
Vitamin C is also available in capsule, liquid, powder, or tablet form.
Optimal Absorption
If supplementing, take a vitamin C preparation that contains a high bioflavonoid content for optimal absorption.
Nitrosamines from cooked and smoked meats and carbon monoxide negatively affect absorption and/or increase the excretion of vitamin C. Coffee, tea, alcohol, excessive exercise and stress result in increased excretion of this vitamin from the body. Overcooking degrades and destroys this nutrient. Prescription drugs deplete the body's stores of vitamin C.
The following is a list of United States 1989 Recommended Daily Allowances (RDA) for minimum nutritional vitamin C intake and are included as a guideline only. These values are considered too low for most individuals, according to better nutrition authorities today. Consult with your nutritionist, naturopath, or other health practitioner for a dosage appropriate for your needs. Children under 6 years of age should be under the supervision of the above mentioned specialists if directly supplementing with vitamin C.
0 - 5 months, 30mg 6 - 11 months, 35mg 1 - 3, 40mg 4 - 6, 45mg 7 - 10, 45mg 11 - 14, 50mg 15 - 18, 60mg 19 - 24, 60mg 25 - 50, 60mg 51+, 60mg 11 - 14, 50mg 15 - 18, 60mg 19 - 24, 60mg 25 - 50, 60mg 51+ years, 60mg 1st 6 months, 95mg 2nd 6 months, 90mg
Current therapeutic doses range from 500mg to 5,000mg.
Contraindications / Precautions / Warnings
Very high doses (over 10g) can cause diarrhea, excessive urination, and skin rashes. Diarrhea can also occur at much lower doses. If this situation persists, decrease your intake.
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