Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid)

Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid) Role

Vitamin C is also known as Ascorbic acid, it’s a water-soluble vitamin, and our bodies cannot store or produce it, so an appropriate daily intake of Vitamin C from diet or Vitamin C supplements is essential as it is necessary for several physiological functions inside the body.

Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid) acts as an antioxidant to protect the human body’s cells from damage by free radicals that are produced from tobacco smoke, sun UV radiation, and X-rays. Free radicals are known to contribute to heart diseases and cancer.

Deficiency in Vitamin C levels for prolonged periods can cause “Scurvy” disease that leads to anemia, improper wound healing, and bleeding gums.

Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid) Role

Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid) is vital for body tissues repair, growth and development, including:

• Collagen formation (The main building structure of skin, tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels).
• Repair of teeth, cartilage, and bones.
• Wound healing and resistance to infections.
• Essential for immune system function.

Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid) functions as a cofactor in the metabolic process of other nutrients:

• Enhances iron absorption and storage from diet.
• Stabilizes Vitamin E and Folic acid (Vitamin B9).
• Necessary for Vitamin A and Selenium bioavailability.

Benefits of Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid)

• Immunity booster without overstimulating the immune system
  Wound healing and tissue repair.
• Enhances skin elasticity.
  Decreases oxidative stress.
• Prevents iron deficiency anemia.
• Cardiovascular health due to antioxidant properties.

Rich Sources of Vitamin C

Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid) is available from a variety of fruits and vegetable sources.

Fruits rich in Vitamin C:

• Citrus fruits (Oranges & Grapefruit).
• Strawberry, Blueberries and Raspberries.
• Watermelon.
• Cantaloupe.
• Mango.
• Pineapple.
• Kiwi.
• Papaya.

Vegetables rich in Vitamin C:

• Sweet and White potatoes.
• Green and Red peppers.
• Broccoli, Brussels sprouts and Cauliflower.
• Spinach, Cabbage and Turnip greens.
• Winter squash.

Vitamin C Adverse Effects

• Headaches.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Dizziness.
• Flushing.

Since our body cannot store Vitamin C, serious side effects are very rare but significant high doses can contribute to kidney stones and oxalates.

Best Time to Take Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a water soluble vitamin, therefore it can be taken with or without food preferably in the morning as it’s energizing. If digestive complications take place then it should be combined with food or switch to buffered Vitamin C which prevent stomach upset as in CC Max

Vitamin C Dosage for Adults and Children

• Adults
  • Men age 19+ 90 mg/day
  • Women age 19+ 75 mg/day
  • Pregnant women 85 mg/day
  • Breastfeeding women 120 mg/day

• Children (RDA)
  • 1 to 3 years 15 mg/day
  • 4 to 8 years 25 mg/day
  • 9 to 13 years 45 mg/day
  • Girls 14 to 18 years 65 mg/day

How Much Vitamin C Should You Administer ?

• For maximum efficacy of Vitamin C for immunity health, it should be combined with targeted blend of nutrients like Wellmune.
• Dose can be increased to 1000 mg daily through Vitamin C supplements when Scurvy disease is present.
• Doses greater than 2000 mg from Vitamin C supplements can cause digestive side effects, diarrhea and may cause kidney stones.

Vitamin C Interactions with Other Medications

Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid) has moderate interactions with the following:

• Aluminum in antacids.
• Levothyroxine absorption.
• Cancer medications efficacy.
• Warfarin efficacy.
• Estrogens Metabolism.

Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid) has minor interactions with the following:

• Aspirin elimination by kidneys.
• Acetaminophen metabolism.
• Choline Magnesium Trisalicylate (Trilisate) metabolism.
• Salsalate (Disalcid) metabolism.

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) supplements are contraindicated in blood disorder diseases:

• Hemochromatosis.
• Sickle cell disease.
• G6PD deficiency.
• Thalassemia.

How to choose the best Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid) supplement ?

Since Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid) is acidic in nature, it may cause digestive side effects for sensitive people. High quality supplements like CC Max are formulated with buffering minerals to prevent any potential stomach upset and to provide the maximum bioavailability and absorption of Vitamin C.

References

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499877/#article-31221.s4
2. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1001/vitamin-c-ascorbic-acid
3. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/vitamin-c/
4. https://www.rxlist.com/ascorbic-acid-drug.htm#clinpharm