Vitamin C

Category: Food & Diet

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Also called: Ascorbic acid. Vitamin C is an antioxidant. Antioxidants are substances that may protect your cells against the effects

of free radicals.

Free radicals are molecules produced when your body breaks down food, or by environmental exposures like tobacco smoke and radiation. Vitamin C is important for your skin, bones, and connective tissue. It promotes healing and helps the body absorb iron.

No bodily organ stores Vitamin C as a primary function. Our body soon depletes itself of Vitamin C if fresh supplies are not consumed through the digestive system. Eventually this will lead to the deficiency disease known as scurvy (a form of avitaminosis), which results in illness and death if consumption of vitamin C is not resumed in time. A deficiency of vitamin C can cause poor wound healing, bleeding gums, lowered resistance to infection and nosebleeds.

Conditions

Immunity
Mood

Recommendations

Best dosage for men: 500 mg daily
Natural sources: Vitamin C comes from fruits and vegetables. Good sources include citrus, red and green peppers, tomatoes, broccoli, and greens. Some juices and cereals have added vitamin C.

Interactions & Side Effects

Iron supplements. High doses of vitamin C can cause you to absorb too much iron, which can harm the liver, heart, pituitary, or thyroid.
Pain relievers. If you take aspirin, you may need more vitamin C, but taking C with acetaminophen (ie: Tylenol) may increase risk of liver damage.

Disclaimer: This website is for information purposes only. By providing the information contained herein we are not diagnosing, treating, curing, mitigating, or preventing any type of disease or medical condition. Before beginning any type of natural, integrative or conventional treatment regime, it is advisible to seek the advice of a licensed healthcare professional.