
	Vitamin C Information

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Vitamin C Information
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VITAMIN C OVERVIEW

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is essential for collagen formation and helps to maintain the integrity of connective tissue, bone and dentin. It is essential for wound healing and facilitates recovery from burns. Vitamin C also facilitates the absorption of iron. Vitamin C is also vital for healthy immune and nervous systems because it strengthens blood vessels, as it is an antioxidant that participates in oxidation-reduction reactions. Also, it is required for utilizing carbohydrates and synthesizing fats and proteins.

HOW THIS VITAMIN WORKS IN YOUR BODY

Vitamin C is required for the growth and repair of tissues in all parts of your body. It is necessary to form collagen, an important protein used to make skin, scar tissue, tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels. Vitamin C is essential for the healing of wounds, and for the repair and maintenance of cartilage, bones, and teeth.

Vitamin C is one of many antioxidants. Vitamin E and beta-carotene are two other well-known antioxidants. Antioxidants are nutrients that block some of the damage caused by free radicals, which are by-products that result when our bodies transform food into energy.

The build up of these by-products over time is largely responsible for the aging process and can contribute to the development of various health conditions such as cancer, heart disease, and a host of inflammatory conditions like arthritis. Antioxidants also help reduce the damage to the body caused by toxic chemicals and pollutants such as cigarette smoke.

VITAMIN C NATURAL SOURCES

All fruits and vegetables contain some amount of vitamin C. Foods that tend to be the highest sources of vitamin C include green peppers, citrus fruits and juices, strawberries, tomatoes, broccoli, turnip greens and other leafy greens, sweet and white potatoes, and cantaloupe.

Other excellent sources include papaya, mango, watermelon, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage, winter squash, red peppers, raspberries, blueberries, cranberries, and pineapples.

SYMPTOMS OF VITAMIN C DEFICIENCY

The incidence of vitamin C deficiency peaks in children aged 6-12 months who are fed a diet deficient in citrus fruits or vegetables. Incidence also peaks in the elderly.

Symptoms : Early symptoms of scurvy are malaise, lethargy, myalgia and arthralgia. Other symptoms include skin changes with easy bruising, gum disease, loosening of teeth and poor wound healing.

Signs : The gums become swollen, purple, spongy, and friable. The skin shows papules and haemorrhages around hair follicles, petechiae and multiple bruises. Nail splinter haemorrhages may occur. In the later stages, jaundice, generalised oedema, oliguria, neuropathy, fever, and convulsions may occur.

VITAMIN C MISSED DOSE & OVERDOSE :

Vitamin C Missed Dose :

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of vitamin C.

Vitamin C Overdose :

Overdose of oral forms: headache, increased urination, flushed face, nausea or vomiting, lower abdominal cramps, diarrhea. May feel like the flu or common cold. Injectable forms may result in dizziness or fainting. : Discontinue vitamin and consult doctor immediately. Dial 911 or 0 or Poison Control Center immediately.

VITAMIN C DOSAGE

The best way to get the daily requirement of essential vitamins, including vitamin C, is to eat a balanced diet that contains a variety of foods from the food guide pyramid.

Vitamin C should be consumed every day because it is not fat-soluble and, therefore, cannot be stored for later use.

The recommended daily intakes of dietary vitamin C (according to the U.S. RDA) are listed below.

Pediatric

Neonates 1 to 6 months: 30 mg
Infants 6 to 12 months: 35 mg
Children 1 to 3 years: 40 mg
Children 4 to 6 years: 45 mg
Children 7 to 10 years: 45 mg
Children 11 to 14 years: 50 mg
Adolescent girls 15 to 18 years: 65 mg
Adolescent boys 15 to 18 years: 75 mg

Adult

Men over 18 years: 90 mg
Women over 18 years: 75 mg
Breastfeeding women: first 6 months: 95 mg
Breastfeeding women: second 6 months: 90 mg

Because smoking depletes vitamin C, people who smoke generally need an additional 35 mg/day.

VITAMIN C SIDE EFFECTS

Vitamin C is water soluble and is regularly excreted by the body. Therefore, toxicity is very rare. Amounts greater than 2,000 mg/day, however, are not recommended because such high doses can lead to stomach upset and diarrhea.

VITAMIN C INTERACTIONS

Interacts with : Combined effect

Aminosalicylic acid (PAS for tuberculosis) : Increases chance of formation of drug crystals in urine. Large doses of vitamin C must be taken to produce this effect.
Anticholinergics : Decreases anticholinergic effect.
Anticoagulants (oral) : Decreases anticoagulant effect
Aspirin : Decreases vitamin-C effect.
Barbiturates : Decreases vitamin-C effect. Increases barbiturate effect.
Calcium : Assists in absorption of calcium.
Copper : Decreases absorption of copper. Large doses of vitamin C must be taken to produce this effect.
Iron supplements : Increases iron effect.
Quinidine : Decreases quinidine effect.
Salicylates : Decreases vitamin-C effect
Sulfa drugs : Decreases vitamin-C effect. May cause kidney stones.
Tetracyclines : Decreases vitamin-C effect.
Tobacco/Alcohol : Decrease absorption of vitamin.

VITAMIN C STORAGE

Vitamin C Information Keep Vitamin C in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store Vitamin C at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).

IMPORTANT NOTE

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the supplement is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using any supplement.