Vitamin C and

Proven Natural Medicine

Vitamin C, our trusted old friend that we visit when we feel the start of a cold coming on.

But does it really help the common cold?

Read on and find out what Vitamin C (ascoric acid) can and can't do based on clinical and evidence based trials.

Getting the right advice first time round = a healthier body and healthier bank balance


Firstly though, just in case you know very little about ascorbic acid, I will tell you what action it has and where it can be found.

Vitamin C is found in fruits and vegetables and more highly concentrated in citrus fruits such as lemons and oranges.

Vitamin C aids in the metabolism of:

tyrosine, carnitine, thyroxine, norepinephrine, dopamine and tryptophan.

Other actions include:

• Antioxidant

• Breakdown of cholesterol

• Synthesis of fats and proteins

• Cellular respiration

• Carbohydrate metabolism

Symptoms of Vitamin C Deficiency

The main serious depletion of C results in scurvy. Symptoms of scurvy include:

Adult scurvy - loosening of teeth, gum swelling, tongue swelling, mouth bleeding, bruising of arms and legs.

Infant scurvy - anorexia, listlessness, failure to thrive, irratability.

Latest Clinical Evidence for Vitamin C



Scurvy

Levels are restored upon supplementation within three weeks

Iron absorption

Vitamin C used with iron supplementation increases the likelihood of iron absorption.

Bronchitis

Vitamin C has no effect on acute bronchitis

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)

Vitamin C has been shown to provide a 27% risk reduction of progression of this disease but only when used with Zinc, Vitamin E and Beta-carotene. C alone will not provide the risk reduction.

Common Cold

Although we have long used this Vitamin in treating the cold, it has been shown to only decrease the duration by 1-1.5 days. It also appears to be more effective in children than in adults.

Diabetes

Vitamin C supplementation will not decrease the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

High Blood Pressure

Vitamin C when used with antihypertensive remedies appears to decrease systolic pressure only. Supplementation alone of C does not have any effect.

Helicobacter pylori (H pylori)

If you are using prescriptions such as Nexium for acid, then taking Vitamin C reduces gastritis and helps protect the stomach cells from any further damage.

Sunburn

Along with Vitamin E these two vitamins taken orally or topically can help prevent sunurn if taken or applied before exposure. Dosage for this is 2 grams Vitamin C and 1000iu Vitamin E.

Wrinkles

Trials with prescriptions containing 5-10% Vitamin C have been shown to improve the appearance of wrinkles. It also reduces sagging of the skin, roughness and discoloration. These results came after 12 weeks of application.
At this stage there is not enough reliable evidence to give the O.K on these disorders and Vitamin C:

• Cardiovascular disease

• ADHD

• Cataracts

• Osteoperosis

• Asthma

• Hayfever

• Cancer

• Infertility

• Stress

Are you at Risk of Vitamin C Deficiency?

Aspirin

Aspirin increases the rate of elimination. If using high doses of aspirin, supplementation is recommended.

Diuretics

Due to the fact Vitamin C is water soluble, an increase in urine output would also result in a loss of C.

Antacids

If you are taking antacids in the form of proton pump inhibitors then your levels of C may be decreased due to the higher pH levels.

Dosages of Vitamin C

These are based on recommended daily allowances.

0-12months - 30-35mg

1-3yrs - 15mg

4-8 - 25mg

9-13 - 45mg

14-18 - 75mg

Adults - 75-90mg

Pregnancy & Lactation - 120mg

Smokers - use an extra 35mg/day




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