Vitamin C

What is Vitamin C?

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) is a water-soluble vitamin and powerful antioxidant. It is needed to make collagen for muscles and blood vessels. It is important for wound healing and acts as a natural antihistamine. It helps in the formation of liver bile and helps the body to fight viruses.

Antioxidants, such as Vitamin C and Vitamin E, are an important part of the body's defense against muscle damage from exercise. Strenuous exercise increases the body's production of free radicals, which, in turn, can cause muscle damage which manifests as swollen or painful muscles. While exercise increases the body's natural defense against free radicals, athletes who are doing intense training may benefit from the addition of antioxidant supplements to their diets.

Cataracts are extremely common, and happen with most people as they age. They appear more frequently in smokers and those with diabetes. A diet rich in antioxidants (Vitamin E and Vitamin C especially) may help prevent or delay the formation of cataracts, as oxidative damage appears to be a cause of their development.

Since oxidative damage is a suspected cause of cataracts, the addition of antioxidants to the diet may help prevent their occurrence. Low antioxidant levels have often been found in patients with cataracts. Vitamins C is the most commonly found antioxidant in the eyes. Since levels of Vitamin C appear to decrease with age, supplements are recommended, and appear to decrease the likelihood of developing cataracts.

Vitamin C has been shown in clinical studies to boost immunity. This may help to prevent colds.

Vitamin C levels have measured low in many diabetics. It is suspected that Vitamin C helps the body to reduce glycolysation, which is an abnormal attachment of sugars to proteins. It also lowers accumulation of the sugar sorbitol, which can damage eyes and kidneys.

Quercetin, in conjunction with Vitamin C, acts a natural antihistamine. Vitamin C protects small blood vessels from damage. This may help to prevent excessive menstrual blood loss as well, as shown in one study.

Vitamin C, taken at levels of 2 grams daily, may help the body fight against infection via hepatitis-contaminated blood.

Vitamin E deficiencies are often found in hepatitis patients. High dose supplementation (1200 IU daily) appears to reduce liver damage in adult patients. This is by no means a foolproof preventive measure, however. More promising is the use of Vitamin C as a treatment in already-infected patients.

In laboratories, Vitamin C has been found to inhibit HIV replication. With its antioxidant and Immunity-enhancing abilities, Vitamin C is an excellent supplement for HIV patients, as it may help with disease resistance and overall well being.

Potentially helpful nutrients for treating hypoglycemia include Copper, Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Zinc.

Vitamin C acts as an antiviral agent, elevating the body's interferon levels. Even taken in small amounts, it appears to reduce the duration and severity of illnesses. In some studies, Vitamin C has helped reduce the risk of hepatitis infection as well.

Vitamin C protects sperm from oxidative damage, and also improves sperm quality in smokers. It is also effective in treating sperm agglutination, a condition which causes sperm to stick together. 1 gram of Vitamin C, taken daily, helps to increase fertility in men who have problems with sperm agglutination.

Natural sources for Vitamin C:


Acerola Berries, Broccoli, Brussel Sprouts, Citrus Fruit, Currants, Parsley, Red Peppers, Rose Hips, Strawberries.

Vitamin C is useful in treating:


Asthma, atherosclerosis, Athletics and Sports, cataracts, Common Cold, diabetes, Ear Infection, gingivitis, glaucoma, gout, hayfever, Heavy Menstruation, hepatitis, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, HIV Support, hypoglycemia, Immune Function Improvement, Male Infertility, influenza, macular degeneration, menopause, retinopathy, urinary tract infections.

Recommended dosage for Vitamin C:


500mg to 1000mg daily.

Important Vitamin C Note:


High levels of Vitamin C can interfere with Copper absorption. Vitamin C should be avoided by those who suffer from kidney stones, as it can convert to oxalate. However, some research suggests that Vitamin C only undergoes this transformation in urine after the urine has left the body. In either case, it is best to speak to a health professional before supplementing with Vitamin C if there is any risk of kidney stones.

 


Copyright © 2003 Vitamin World. All rights reserved. Disclaimer. sales, deals and coupons at eddie bauer coupons. bargain savings for eddie bauer.

Vitamins

B Complex
Beta-Carotene
Folic Acid
Multivitamins
PABA
Pantethine
Vitamin A
Vitamin B1
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B2
Vitamin B3
Vitamin B5
Vitamin B6
Vitamin C
Vitamin D
Vitamin E
Vitamin K

Minerals

Boron
Calcium
Chromium
Copper
Iron
Magnesium
Manganese
Potassium
Potassium-Magnesium Aspartate
Selenium
Silicon
Strontium
Vanadium
Zinc

Antioxidants

Alpha-lipoic Acid
Antioxidants
Beta-Carotene
Bilberry
Bromelain
Catechin
Coenzyme Q10
Garlic
Ginkgo Biloba
Glucomannan
Green Tea
Hawthorn
Lutein
Lycopene
Pyruvate
Resveratrol
Turmeric

Vitamin World