Function
Vitamin C or ascorbic acid is an antioxidant that cannot be produced by the body, it helps to protect body tissue against cancer, pollution, atherosclerosis and infection. Vitamin C supports the immune system, is used in the growth and repair of all body tissue, reduces the risk of blood clotting and bruising, helps to metabolize certain nutrients including folic acid, helps with the absorption of iron and is used in the production of anti-stress hormones. Vitamin C is also thought to reduce cholesterol levels and high blood pressure. Vitamin C is widely used in large doses to reduce the severity and duration of the symptoms of colds and flus.)
Natural Sources
Tomatoes, kelp, broccoli, capsicum, papaya, kale, citrus fruit, strawberries, peas, cantaloupe, brussel sprouts, peppermint, asparagus, alfalfa, black currants, avocados, parsley, pineapple, rose hip, mango and dandelion greens.
RDA
3,000 mg
Deficiency Symptoms
Weakening of blood vessel walls, scurvy, bleeding gums, easy bruising, prolonged healing, lethargy, increased susceptibility to infection.
Overdose Symptoms
Diarrhea.
Interactions
* When taken together, aspirin can reduce the effect of vitamin C and can irritate the lining of the stomach, which may contribute to or exacerbate ulcers. * Alcohol, oral contraceptives, antidepressants, anticoagulants, steroids, analgesics and especially smoking causes depletion of vitamin C in the body. * Vitamin C taken with oral contraceptives and estrogens may cause an increased effect of the hormone. When taken in large doses, vitamin C may also increase the risk of side effects. * Vitamin C may reduce some side effects of Levodopa (used for Parkinson’s disease). * Vitamin C may reduce the effect of Mexiletine (used to stabilize heartbeat). * The effects of sulfonamides (some antibiotics) and chlorpropamide (oral anti-diabetic medication) may be reduced by the supplementation of vitamin C. * Consult your nutritionally oriented doctor before supplementing with vitamin C if you have gout, anemia, sickle cell anemia or if you have kidney stones or other kidney problems. Prolonged high doses of vitamin C may cause kidney stones. * Avoid large doses in pregnant or lactating women and in children. * Most of the ascorbic acid taken in through the diet is excreted through the urine. Esterified forms of vitamin C, where vitamin C has reacted with a mineral such as zinc, potassium and calcium and produces a nonacidic vitamin C metabolite, is recommended as it enters the blood stream four times faster than ascorbic acid, is retained in the body tissue longer and less vitamin C is lost through the urine.
