Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin.

It is considered the “anti-scurvy” vitamin.

 

Why do you need Vitamin C?

The need for vitamin C is extensive. Without it, besides the onset of scurvy, a multitude of other chain-reaction health conditions can occur.

Vitamin C is necessary for:

• Synthesis of collagen
• It is a constitutional component of tendons, ligaments, bone, and blood vessels
• Synthesis of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine (crucial for brain function)
• Synthesis of carnitine
• Metabolism of cholesterol to bile acids
• Protects DNA and RNA from free radical damage
• Promotes wound healing
• Aids immune function
• Protects against cancer

Most mammals manufacture their own Vitamin C, with the exception of primates (excluding monkeys), guinea pigs, and humans.

Unlike our mammal relatives, humans lack the enzyme necessary to produce ascorbic acid in the liver from glucose; thus, it is vital that we consume Vitamin C on a daily basis.

 

Conditions Related to Vitamin C Deficiency 

• Scurvy
• Cancer
• Gallbladder disease
• Diabetes
• Stroke
• Bone disorders (including osteoporosis)
• Atherosclerosis
• Alcoholism
• Exposure to toxins (even everyday toxins)
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Smokers
• Stress

Dosages

Minimal Vitamin C dosages range from 500 mg. – 2000 mg. and therapeutic dosages range from 2000 mg. – 30 grams (30, 000 mg).

Vitamin C should never be taken with aspirin as aspirin has been shown to block the effect of Vitamin C. If you need to take both, simply separate them by a few hours.

 

Toxicity

Vitamin C is water-soluble, non-toxic and considered an extremely safe vitamin.

When taken without being “buffered,” Vitamin C can cause some gastrointestinal discomfort. If you experience GI discomfort, simply decrease the dose until the discomfort dissipates.

To avoid side effects altogether, there are 2 things you can do:

1. Slowly increase  Vitamin C dosage by 500 mg. per week to tolerance.
2. Take what is known as buffered Vitamin C. Most people who take buffered Vitamin C experience little to no GI discomfort. For this reason, Dr. Linus Pauling recommended this form of Vitamin C.

 

Related Articles:

• What “They” Don’t Tell You: Vitamin C and Half-Life
• Can Vitamin C cause Kidney Stones?
• Vitamins, What the Heck are They Anyway?
• Vitamins: Why the Controversy?
• VITAMIN C DOES NOT CAUSE KIDNEY STONES
• The Healing Factor: Vitamin C Against Disease
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• THE VITAMIN C FANATICS WERE RIGHT ALL ALONG