Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid): is an antioxidant that is required for metabolic functions, including tissue growth and repair, adrenal gland function, and healthy gums.
- Aids in production of anti-stress hormones
- Metabolism of folic acid and tyrosine
- Reduce symptoms of asthma
- Protects against infection and enhances immunity
- Increases absorption of iron
- May reduce LDL and increase HDL as well as lowering
blood pressure and helping prevent atherosclerosis.
- Works synergistically with both Vitamin E and beta-carotene. Long term users of both vitamin E and C in combination seem to have higher cognitive abilities as they age. Vitamin E scavenges for dangerous free radicals in cell membranes while vitamin C attacks free radicals in biological fluids.
- The body cannot manufacture vitamin C; it must be obtained through diet or in the form of supplements.
- Scurvy is a disease caused by vitamin C deficiency. Symptoms include poor wound healing, bleeding gums, edema, extreme weakness and haemorrhages under the skin.
Vitamin C is found in berries, citrus fruits and green vegetables. Orange juice is an excellent source of Vitamin C but only if freshly squeezed.
Alcohol, analgesics, antidepressants, anticoagulants and oral contraceptives may reduce levels of vitamin C and smoking causes serious depletion of vitamin C. Esterified vitamin C (Ester-C) is an effective form of vitamin C as it reacts with necessary minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium and zinc. This results in a form of the vitamin that is nonacidic and contains vitamin metabolites identical to those produced in the body. Esterified vitamin C enters the bloodstream and tissues four times faster than standard forms of vitamin C. The levels of vitamin C in white cells achieved by taking esterified vitamin C are also four times higher than standard vitamin C. Further, only one-third as much is lost through excretion in urine.
Aspirin and standard vitamin C can cause stomach irritation leading to ulcers.
Avoid using chewable vitamin C supplements as these can damage tooth enamel.
If you have a bruise or sprained muscle temporarily cut back vitamin C to less than 90 milligrams.
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