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.
- Vitamin C deficiencies are rare. Early signs of deficiency include bleeding gums and easy bruising. Smokers are more likely than most individuals to have a Vitamin C deficiency.
- Vitamin C, acting as an antioxidant, is helpful in the treatment of asthma. It appears to be most effective in patients with food allergies.
- Vitamin C, in doses of approximately 1 gram daily, has also been shown to help protect the body against LDL.
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.
- Herbs and supplements which are used for treating colds – echinacea, Zinc, Vitamin C – may also be effective in preventing and treating ear infections.
- Vitamin C deficiency is often associated with gingivitis. Taking Vitamin C can improve gum condition. Taking Vitamin C with Bioflavenoids appears to be even more effective.
- Vitamin C reduces elevated pressure in the eye due to glaucoma. It must be taken in large doses – often up to 20 grams daily – and is not a cure; if Vitamin C therapy is stopped, glaucoma will continue to develop at its previous pace.
- Vitamin C, in addition to its antioxidant qualities, increases urinary excretion of uric acid, making it an effective treatment for gout.
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.
- Vitamin C has also been reported to lower blood pressure.
- Vitamin C supplementation can cause cholesterol levels to drop.
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.
- Vitamin C appears to help prevent flu infection. In addition, it appears that when taken in high doses, it speeds recovery from influenza.
- People with high levels of Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Selenium appear to have a 70% lower risk of developing macular degeneration.
- Bioflavenoids, taken with Vitamin C (1200 mg each) has been shown to help relieve hot flashes associated with menopause.
- Vitamin C has been shown to help improve the effects of retinopathy.
- Vitamin C helps the immune system to fight viruses. In addition, it increases the acidity of urine, making it an inhospitable host for bacteria. This may decrease the incidence of urinary tract infections.
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.
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