Ascorbic Acid And Atherosclerosis
Lipid peroxidation and oxidative modification of low density lipoproteins are implicated in development of atherosclerosis . Vitamin C protects against oxidation of isolated LDL by different types of oxidative stress, including metal ion dependent and independent processes . Addition of iron to plasma devoid of ascorbic acid resulted in lipid peroxidation, whereas endogenous and exogenous ascorbic acid was found to inhibit the lipid oxidation in iron-over loaded human plasma . Similarly, when ascorbic acid was added to human serum supplemented with Cu2+, antioxidant activity rather than pro-oxidant effects were observed .
Ascorbic acid is known to prevent the oxidation of LDL primarily by scavenging the free radicals and other reactive oxygen species in the aqueous milieu . In addition, in vitro studies have shown that physiological concentrations of ascorbic acid strongly inhibit LDL oxidation by vascular endothelial cells . Adhesion of leukocytes to the endothelium is an important step in initiating atherosclerosis. In vivo studies have demonstrated that ascorbic acid inhibits leukocyte-endothelial cell interactions induced by cigarette smoke or oxidized LDL . Further, lipophilic derivatives of ascorbic acid showed protective effect on lipid-peroxide induced endothelial injury .
Does Ascorbic Acid Cause Cancer
Recently, it has been reported that lipid hydroperoxide can react with ascorbic acid to form products that could potentially damage DNA, suggesting that it may form genotoxic metabolites from lipid hydroperoxides implicating that ascorbic acid may enhance mutagenesis and risk of cancer. Lee et al , demonstrated that ascorbic acid induces decomposition of lipid hydroperoxide -hydroperoxy–9,11-octadecadienoic acid in presence of transition metals to DNA-reactive bifunctional electro-philes namely 4-oxo-2-nonenal, 4,5-epoxy-2-decenal and 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal. 4-oxo-2-nonenal being a genotoxin can react with DNA bases to form mutations or apoptosis .
Ascorbic Acid And Common Cold
The most widely known health beneficial effect of ascorbic acid is for the prevention or relief of common cold. Pauling suggested that ingestion of 12 g of ascorbic acid effectively prevents/ ameliorate common cold. The role of oral vitamin C in the prevention and treatment of colds remains controversial despite many controlled trials. Several clinical trails with varying doses of ascorbic acid showed that ascorbic acid does not have significant prophylactic effect, but reduced the severity and duration of symptoms of cold during the period of infection. Randomized and non-randomized trials on vitamin C to prevent or treat the common cold showed that consumption of ascorbic acid as high as 1.0 g/day for several winter months, had no consistent beneficial effect on the incidence of common cold. For both preventive and therapeutic trials, there was a consistent beneficial but generally modest therapeutic effect on duration of cold symptoms. There was no clear indication of the relative benefits of different regimes of vitamin C doses. However, in trials that tested vitamin C after cold symptoms occurred, there was some evidence of greater benefits with large dose than with lower doses .
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Vitamin C For Endometriosis
Endometriosis occurs when endometrial-like implants grow outside of the uterus. This tissue isnt exactly the same as the normal lining of the uterus, but can still respond to hormone changes that accompany a normal menstrual cycle. This can be an extremely painful condition for women who suffer from it.
In one study, chronic pain from endometriosis was reduced in 43% of study participants after treatment with vitamin C and E, suggesting that these antioxidants may reduce pain and inflammation. Furthermore, in animal studies, intravenous vitamin C treatment showed promise as treatment for endometriosis as well.
I go in depth into other treatment strategies for endometriosis in this article.
What About Vitamin C Supplements
Vitamin C supplements usually contain the vitamin in the form of ascorbic acid .
Some popular vitamin C capsules or tablets include Poten Cee, Cshine, Vcne, Redoxon, and Celin 500. These supplements have benefits for the skin and overall health as well. Even a vitamin C injection or, in other words, intravenous vitamin C, can have similar benefits. Intravenous vitamin C delivers a much larger dose than the oral dose and is used for skin, immune system and also as a complementary treatment in cancer patients.
Other forms include vitamin C drops, crystals, or the powder . One can even use vitamin C cream for the skin.
All great. But one must also know how to take vitamin C.
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Can We Overdose On Vitamin C
Yes, you can. Many people assume that since vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin, you can never take too much of it. Their reasoning is that youll essentially just pee out any excess. Although this is true, if you take more than the amount your body is able to excrete, it will not go over well. Side effects include nausea and diarrhea two things any sane person should avoid.
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Vitamin C Benefits For Skin Hair And Health
Mar 9, 2021 | Blog
There are very few ingredients in the world that are as crucial to our bodies as Vitamin C. Without the nutrients offered by fresh fruits, vitamin supplements, and vegetables, there is a high probability of running into health complications. Our dermatologist in Wellington is going to dive into some of the incredible benefits of Vitamin C for skin, hair, and health, starting us off by answering your most asked questions about Vitamin C and its benefits. Dont self-diagnose on the internet, be sure to visit DCSI and we will happily answer all questions regarding Vitamin C deficiency.
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Vitamin C Benefits: Immune System Support
One of the most important reasons that adults and children need vitamin C is to help maintain the immune system.
Vitamin C also helps protect cells from oxidative stress and it contributes to the normal function of the immune system during and after intense physical exercise. Vitabiotics Ultra Vitamin C Fizz effervescent tablets are ideal for post exercise as they are absorbed quickly by the body.
Ascorbic Acid And Wound Healing
Ascorbic acid plays a critical role in wound repair and healing/regeneration process as it stimulates collagen synthesis. Adequate supplies of ascorbic acid are necessary for normal healing process especially for post-operative patients. It has been suggested that there will be rapid utilization of ascorbic acid for the synthesis of collagen at the site of wound/ burns during post-operative period . Hence, administration of 500 mg to 1.0 g/day of ascorbic acid are recommended to accelerate the healing process .
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Heart Disease And Cancer
Research suggests that vitamin C may help prevent heart disease and cancer.
Antioxidants like vitamin C do seem to reduce the oxidative stress associated with these diseases. This can happen when there are too many free radicals in your body.
A 2013 review found that vitamin C may help prevent stroke. This was mostly true for people who had low intake of vitamin C before treatment or were at high risk for stroke.
The review only found this benefit for vitamin C from food sources, not from supplements.
A 2013 review noted that high intake of vitamin C does seem to be associated with a lower risk of certain cancers. It also noted that intravenous vitamin C has been shown to improve outcomes for cancer patients.
Many experimental cancer therapies include using vitamin C along with other treatments, however. This makes it hard to know how much of an impact vitamin C has on its own.
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Aids In Collagen Production
Vitamin C is a required component for the production of hydroxyproline and hydroxylysine, both of which are needed to bind the molecules that produce collagen. This, in turn, firms and tones the skin. Collagen deficiency makes the skin dull and lifeless. Collagen rejuvenates the skin from the roots and reduces wrinkles and symptoms of aging.
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Careful In Choosing The Right Supplement
There are many here are the benefits of taking Vitamin C tablets for skin and overall health treatments, but read this tips first!
1. Read through the label
Since there are many kinds of supplement this day, we may confuse about which supplement should we take. The only way you should do is read the label carefully. Make sure that it is made from safe ingredients and it contains vitamin and mineral that are needed by our body.
2. Pick a convincing brand
A well known brand mostly safe to be consumed since it had gotten through some researches and tests to see whether the ingredient and those written on the label are suitable and up to their standards.
3. Testimonial on the internet
To make yourself really sure about choosing the right supplement, you may search for buyer testimonial on the internet. Mostly, some will help you to decide whether you should try it or not. Another option is you can ask your family or friends suggestion about which supplement you should take. If you known any family doctor or gym instructor, it is much more better if you could ask for their suggestion.
4. Never believe advertising or endorsement
Are You Taking 500 To 1000 Mg Of Vitamin C Daily
When were run down, stressed or actually sick, our bodies burn through vitamin C at an alarming rate. Once your vitamin C levels drop, your immune system becomes more compromised which could lead to other health issues.
This explains why were able to tolerate much larger-than-normal doses of vitamin C when we have a cold, flu or other infections, than we would normally require.
Interestingly, in healthy people who regularly consume vegetables and some fruits and/or supplements with vitamin C, recommended vitamin C levels are around 70 micromoles per liter, yet these levels drop precipitously when we have a health problem.
For examples these levels drop to:
- 42 in diabetics
Oxidative stress and systemic inflammation will also deplete vitamin C levels.
As these levels drop our immune function will also suffer.
The recommended daily allowance of vitamin C at 90 mg. is enough to prevent scurvy, a vitamin C deficiency, but woefully too low to provide optimal levels of this vitamin.
I recommend 500-1000 mg/day of ascorbic acid which is 5 to 11 times the recommended RDA. Regular, inexpensive ascorbic acid is all thats necessary and dont get caught up in all of the advertising hype about fancy and much more expensive forms of vitamin C being better or more bioavailable.
Vitamin C is protective on so many levels.In addition to strongly supporting immune function, other proven benefits are:
To the Best of Health,Curt Hendrix, M.S., C.C.N., C.N.S.
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Vitamin C For The Immune System
As youre likely aware, vitamin C is a critical component in keeping your immune system in tip-top shape. Many studies have shown its efficacy in cases of bacteria and viral infection, including lung inflammation caused by the flu and pneumonia.
Its thought that vitamin Cs immune supporting benefits come from its ability to help produce white blood cells the bodys defenders against infection.
And levels of the vitamin are low in patients who have severe infections like tuberculosis, further indicating a relationship between vitamin C levels and the immune system.
Supports Adrenal Function And Hormonal Balance
The role of vitamin C in neuroendocrine pathways starts in the brain but trickles down throughout the entire body to help balance hormones.* For example, vitamin C plays an essential role in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis .*
In fact, “the adrenal glands house the greatest concentration of vitamin C in the whole body and are necessary for proper cortisol output,” explains Achey.
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You Can Use It Under Your Eyes
The skin thats underneath our eyes is the most delicate, which is why its important you gently apply products to this area, and not be too vigorous when applying them.20 As well as helping to combat brown spots and pigmentation, Vitamin C serums can reportedly also reduce the appearance of under-eye dark shadows.21
Why Choose Ultra Vitamin C 1000mg
For those of you constantly on the move or on a tight schedule, one tablet and you will receive enough vitamin C to keep you going. Bioflavonoids are found in the pith of citrus fruits and are known to enhance the absorption of vitamin C. As such they are the perfect supplemental combination just like they are in nature!
Vitamin C is an essential water-soluble vitamin thats involved in a huge range of vital functions in the body Because your body doesn’t produce or store vitamin C, our diet is our biggest source of this important nutrient.
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Symptoms Of Vitamin C Deficiency
In todays society, vitamin C deficiency is somewhat rare. Most people get enough from foods that are fortified with vitamins at the very least. However, some segments of the population are at greater risk for deficiency, like smokers, alcoholics and those with eating disorders. By some estimates, 13% of the population may actually struggle with lower levels of vitamin C. Vitamin C deficiency leads to a condition called scurvy. But I want to be clear, that optimal and deficient are two different things and the absence of scurvy doesnt mean your levels of vitamin C are sufficient for your needs.
Some of the signs that vitamin C deficiency may be an issue include:
- Poor immunity
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Recommendation Intake For Adults And Kids
Here are the recommendation intake of Vitamin C
Adults
According to the research, the recommended vitamin C daily intake for adults over age 19 is:
- men around 90 mg per day
- women, 75 mg per day
- pregnant women, 85 mg per day
- breastfeeding women, 120 mg per day.
Children
- infants 0-6 months old, 40 mg per day
- infants 7-12 months old, 50 mg per day.
- toddlers 1-3 years old, 15 mg per day
- children 4-8 years old, 25 mg per day
- children 9-13 years old, 45 mg per day
- male teens 14-18 years old, 75 mg per day
- female teens 14-18 years old, 65 mg per day
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Its Antioxidant Properties Help Guard Against Chronic Disease
Many of the benefits of vitamin C can be traced to its antioxidant properties. Antioxidants act to neutralize free radicals, which are volatile and harmful substances produced in the body that cause damage to cells and tissues, Samuels says. According to the Mayo Clinic, antioxidants can protect against the development of serious health conditions, such as cancer or heart disease. More studies especially ones involving human participants are needed, however, to show whether vitamin C specifically can prevent cancer or cardiovascular disease, per Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
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Does Vitamin C Cause Miscarriage
If youve ever heard a rumor that taking massive amounts of vitamin C will terminate a pregnancy, please dismiss this information as just that, rumor. Theres no evidence to support this claim, and its definitely not an effective birth control option.
If you are in need of contraception, check out my contraception guide or if youre in an emergency situation, please read my article on the morning after pill.
If youre considering vitamin C in pregnancy, typically what you find in a prenatal is a safe dose. If youre considering increasing your dose, please speak with your doctor.
Read more about what to look for in a prenatal here.
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How To Know If Your Child Has A Vitamin C Deficiency
The good news: Vitamin C deficiency is quite rare in the United States.
Vitamin C deficiency is very seldom seen in children and adults in developed countries, unless they have severe intestinal malabsorption or poor eating habits that avoid sources of vitamin C, says Dr. Radhakrishnan.
Diagnosing vitamin C deficiency requires special blood tests. But the main condition caused by deficiency of vitamin C is scurvy, which is very rare. Scurvy was described by the ancient Egyptians and in pirate stories, as it was a leading cause of death during long ship voyages in the industrial revolution era.
People with scurvy may have small brown spots on the skin, roughening of the skin, thickening of the gums and bleeding from the mucous membranes. They also may have a feeling of weakness or discomfort, emotional changes, poor wound healing, bone pain, and in late stages, jaundice, nerve involvement and convulsions.
Vitamin C’s Role In The Body
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is necessary for the growth, development and repair of all body tissues. It’s involved in many body functions, including formation of collagen, absorption of iron, the proper functioning of the immune system, wound healing, and the maintenance of cartilage, bones, and teeth.
Vitamin C is one of many antioxidants that can protect against damage caused by harmful molecules called free radicals, as well as toxic chemicals and pollutants like cigarette smoke. Free radicals can build up and contribute to the development of health conditions such as cancer, heart disease, and arthritis.
Vitamin C is not stored in the body , so overdose is not a concern. But it’s still important not to exceed the safe upper limit of 2,000 milligrams a day to avoid stomach upset and diarrhea.
Water-soluble vitamins must be continuously supplied in the diet to maintain healthy levels. Eat vitamin-C-rich fruits and vegetables raw, or cook them with minimal water so you don’t lose some of the water-soluble vitamin in the cooking water.
Vitamin C is easily absorbed both in food and in pill form, and it can enhance the absorption of iron when the two are eaten together.
Deficiency of vitamin C is relatively rare, and primarily seen in malnourished adults. In extreme cases, it can lead to scurvy — characterized by weakness, anemia, bruising, bleeding, and loose teeth.
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