Common Name: Vitamin C

This is probably the most common water-soluble vitamin. Vitamin C is a simple compound composed of glucose and a carbon. Not all species need to consume ascorbic acid, only humans, guinea pigs, 1 species of birds and 1 species of monkeys. All the other species are able to synthesize this vitamin internally. Vitamin C is extremely sensitive to everything; however, it is stable in an acidic environment. The conversion of the inactive form of folic acid to the active form called folinic acid is dependent upon vitamin C. This vitamin is also known for its antioxidant properties. It protects thiamine, riboflavin, folate, pantothenic acid, vitamin A, and vitamin E from oxidation and destruction caused by free radicals.

To view our product formulation Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)

Absorption/Storage:
Tensions and frustrations will deplete the small amounts of vitamin C that are available for use. Remember, the larger the dose the less absorbed. The reasoning behind this is since vitamin C is easily destoryed and since it is water-soluble, the body uses what is needed and the rest is excreted through urination and perspiration. There is no need to take a large amount when the body may not even use it and it is wasted. The mucous membranes of the mouth, stomach, and small intestine are the sites of absorption.

Dosage/Toxicity:
The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) suggests the following amounts for vitamin C: newborns-6 months 30mg, 6 months-1 year 35mg, children 1-3 years 40mg, children 4-10 years 45mg, males 11-14 years 50mg, males 15-51+ years 60mg, females 11-14 years 50mg, females 15-51+ years 60mg, lactating women (1st 6 months) 95mg, lactating women (2nd 6 months) 90mg. Before taking more than 10 times the RDA, you should consult with a physician. Even though this is water-soluble vitamin, there may be some toxicities when administered large doses. The symptoms of an asorbic acid toxicity are burning sensations when urinating, diarrhea, abdominal pain, skin rashes, and nausea.

Deficiency:
The need for vitamin C was discovered by sailors that were out to sea and they were becoming ill. These men were experiencing bleeding gums, easy bruising, and as it went along their muscles and joints became unstable. The only thing they had left to eat were limes. As these sailors consumed these limes their health began to improve. Come to find out, what these men were experencing was a vitamin C deficiency known as scurvey and the limes they were eating contained vitamin C. Other complications that might be experienced are tangled and dry hair, nosebleeds, swollen or painful joints, slow healing of wounds, and problems with the teeth.

Common Use
Vitamin C works well in improving tooth and bone formation. This vitamin's most important role is maintaining collagen. Collagen is a protein that is responsible for the formation of connective tissue such as that found in skin, ligaments, and bones. Ascorbic acid is also known for its characteristics as an antioxidant. For this reason, this vitamin should be taken after a heart attack to prevent free radical damage. Other common uses include treating victims of electrical shock and lightening strikes. Leukemia, asthma, and pancreatitis are also treated with vitamin C.

Food Sources:
Citris fruits, pepper, and broccoli

Precautions:
Consult a physician if pregnant, symptoms of nausea, diarrhea, or dizziness last more than a week, or if new symptoms appear.

Scientific References: Groff, J., Gropper, S., and Hunt, S. (1995). Advanced Nutrition and Human Metabolism. St. Paul Minnesota: West Publishing Company. Gropper and Hamilton. (1987). The Biochemistry of Human Nutrition. St. Paul, Minnesota: West Publishing Company. Kirschmann, G. and Kirschmann, J. (1996). Nutrition Almanac. New York, New York: McGraw Hill. Murray, M., (1996) Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements. Unites States of America: Prima Publishing. Murray, M. and Pizzorno, J., (1998) Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine. United States of America: Prima Publishing. National Research Council. (1989). Recommended Dietary Allowance. Washington D.C.: National Academy Press. Null, G., (1998) The Complete Encyclopedia of Natural Healing. New York, New York: Kensington Publishing Corp.