Facts on vitamin C (Ascorbic acid)

Facts on vitamin C (Ascorbic acid)

Vitamin C is a water-soluble nutrient valued for its antioxidant properties. Ascorbic acid, the synthetic form of the anti oxidant vitamin, is probably the most widely used of all vitamins, minerals and even herbs all because of its antioxidant anti aging properties. Vitamin C plays a key role in the repair and growth of all tissue cells within the body, including bone cells, cartilage and teeth.

Vitamin C and skin care

Lately, many face creams and body lotions advertise vitamin C as a main ingredient used to prevent signs of aging. Since vitamin C is necessary for the production of collagen, the main structural protein found in new skin cells, the vitamin c creams are used for repairing the scar tissue, tendons, ligaments. Since the vitamin c is known as the anti-aging vitamin, the vitamin c face creams make the best use of topical vitamin c for its anti-aging properties.

Vitamin C antioxidant and free radicals

The reason that vitamin C is known as the anti-aging vitamin is that it is having antioxidant properties that help the body from the damaging affects of the free-radicals. The free radicals are the by-products of DNA oxidation (energy metabolism) that are highly active molecules which freely circulate in the blood and cause damage that results in aging. According to the Free-radical theory of aging says that these highly reactive oxygen species (ROS), damage the DNA, proteins and other cellular structures like the cell membranes and cell organelles.

The reaction of free radicals within cells, and subsequent damage has been linked to a range of disorders and chronic diseases including cancer, arthritis, atherosclerosis, alzheimer's and diabetes and inflammatory conditions.

Benefits of Natural Antioxidants Vitamins

According to the free radical theory the natural antioxidants like Vitamin E and Vitamin C prevent free radicals from oxidizing sensitive biological molecules, or reduce the formation of free radicals — and thereby slow the aging process.

Vitamin C also helps to protect the cell membranes from environmental toxins and pollution such as, cigarette smoke and chemicals. These protective agents are known to extend to infectious substances such as the common cold or influenza. Vitamin C works to inhibit these viruses from entering the cell wall, thereby preventing illness.

Vitamin C and ascorbic acid

Vitamin C is water-soluble therefore, its protective properties occur in the liquid portions of the blood and cells. It is actually responsible for over 100 metabolic functions within the body. In the past, vitamin C was frequently associated with scurvy, often referred to as the ‘sailors’ disease’ since they were most likely to develop symptoms of this vitamin C deficiency. Since the body cannot manufacture, nor does it store vitamin C, extended periods out to sea, often meant sailors would go without fresh fruit or vegetables, leading to depleted levels in this vitamin. Today, however, both foods and supplements high in vitamin C have made this condition quite rare, however certain groups such as the elderly or those who abuse alcohol may still be at risk. The name ‘ascorbic’ actually means ‘without scurvy’.

Vitamin C deficiency

Although severe deficiencies resulting in conditions like scurvy may be relatively rare, low vitamin C levels are not so uncommon and can lead to a variety of diseases including, gallbladder disease, atherosclerosis symptoms which can also result in a heart attack and stroke, hypertension, and some cancers. On a smaller scale, low levels of vitamin C are also responsible for inflammation and bleeding of the gums, rough, dry, scaly skin, increased bruising and swollen, painful joints, dry, splitting hair and frequent nosebleeds. As well, people who do not consume enough vitamin C will have a lowered immune system, sometimes anemia, and possibly a gradual weight gain due to a slowed metabolism.

Probably the most notable use for vitamin C is to prevent cold and flu viruses. Over 100 studies have been conducted in this area, some rejecting this theory, but most agreeing that at least in those who have lowered levels of the vitamin, supplementation can reduce the incidence of colds by as much as 50 percent.

One study also showed that vitamin C taken in amounts of 1000 mg per day and higher, reduces the incidences of pneumonia by 80 percent. A further study of over 700 students who received 1,000 mg per hour of vitamin C for the first hour 6 hours, followed by 3,000 mg per day thereafter, had an 85 percent reduction in cold and flu symptoms.¹

Despite previous negative reports, the most significant findings however, suggest that those who already have adequate levels of vitamin C can still also benefit from increased levels of the vitamin. In 1999, this news prompted an expert panel to consider raising the RDA from 60 mg to 100 to 200 mg per day. They also suggested however, that individuals first attempt to elevate vitamin C levels by consuming more fruits and vegetables.

Antioxidant defense support of vitamin C

Vitamin C is also be important to heart health according to recent studies. In cases of atherosclerosis vitamin C may serve to prevent the oxidation process of LDL (bad) cholesterol that leads to plaque buildup in the arteries, a condition normally associated with this disease. It is reported that low blood levels of vitamin C directly increase the likelihood of heart attack, stroke and peripheral artery disease, plaque buildup in the blood vessels of the legs.

Antioxidant supplements

Much along the same lines, studies suggest that taking 2,000 mg of vitamin C each day or drinking the equivalent in three glasses of range juice, can lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides while simultaneously raising the levels of HDL (good) cholesterol.²

In the situation of hypertension (high blood pressure), large studies suggest that vitamin C consumed along with other antioxidant rich-foods, reduces the risk of this common disease. DASH or Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, suggests people regularly consume diets high in fruits and vegetables, which are naturally full of antioxidants.

Facts on vitamin C

Diabetes is another all too common issue today. In fact, the staggering increase in the number of new cases of this disease is alarming at best. Research however, suggests that vitamin C is extremely helpful for protecting the cells from devastating free radicals often found in high concentration among those suffering from diabetes.

As well, these same studies report that diabetics more often than not, also have very low blood levels of vitamin C. Together, research now knows this is a very dangerous combination that can further lead to secondary conditions such as atherosclerosis and high cholesterol levels.

Antioxidant dietary supplement of vitamin C

Vitamin C supplementation may further facilitate in cases of diabetes by ensuring insulin regulation. Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, is imperative to energy synthesis, a situation in which sugar and starches are converted into a useable substance to sustain the body’s energy requirements. Insulin helps the body to absorb vitamin C however, studies also indicate that when there is too much glucose (blood sugar) in the system, which is often the case in diabetics, the cells cannot synthesize vitamin C, even if the body receives adequate amounts from food. In such cases, extra vitamin C in the form of supplements is not only helpful but is also necessary.³

Antioxidant support

Vitamin C’s antioxidant properties make it a likely treatment for many diseases associated with free radical deterioration including cancer. Some studies suggest that a diet rich in antioxidant foods can lower the risk of such cancers as skin, cervical and possibly breast cancer. When used in conjunction with other antioxidants such as beta-carotene selenium and vitamin E, vitamin C has also shown great promise in the area of macular degeneration, This common disease affects over 10 million Americans according to statistics and is the leading cause of blindness in people over 55.

Vitamin C for cataract

Vitamin C has also been reported to slow the progression of cataracts in the elderly. One very large study showed that women under 60, who regularly consume a diet high in fruits and vegetables, have a much-lowered risk of developing cataracts.⁴

Anti oxidant benefits of vitamin C

In cases of osteoarthritis, which is another free-radical related condition, these scavenger cells promote degeneration in the cartilage and connective tissue. Vitamin C, in combination with vitamin E, is found to reduce inflammation and other often-painful symptoms of osteoarthritis, improving the overall condition of those suffering from this disease.

Vitamin C has also been found to prevent Alzheimer’s disease. As well, it was reported that decreased cognitive functioning and dementia often associated with stoke patients, improved with vitamin C supplementation.⁵

The uses for vitamin C appear endless. Research continues and to date, positive results have also been noticed in cases of Parkinson’s disease, Attention-Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD), glaucoma, allergies, asthma, pancreatitis and even sunburn.

Food sources of vitamin C

Food sources that are high in anti oxidants are plentiful. Red and green peppers, leafy greens such as beet tops, turnip greens and spinach, broccoli, tomatoes, potatoes brussels sprouts, squash, cauliflower, cabbage are all vegetables high in anti oxidant in vitamin C concentrations. Fruits such as pineapple, oranges, watermelon, papaya, kiwi, mango, cantaloupe, raspberries, cranberries and blueberries are also great food sources of the natural oxidant that have been provided with plentiful of vitamin C.

Vitamin C supplements

Vitamin C supplements are often sold with flavanoids, plant-based antioxidants such as quercetin, and grape seed extract that increase the body’s ability to absorb the vitamin C.

Liquid Vitamin C

Vitamin C is sensitive to light, heat and air so the highest concentrations of C will be found in raw foods, as well, if you purchase liquid vitamin C it must be kept in a dark, cool place and used by the expiration date.

Ascorbic acid especially, can be very hard on the stomach and has been known to cause erosion of dental enamel when taken over time in a chewable form. Because most commercial vitamin C supplements are derived form corn, those sensitive to corn must also take caution. Vitamin C will also increase iron absorption from foods, but can also increase urinary excretion so those taking vitamin C supplements should make sure they drink plenty of fluids.

Vitamin C dose and overdose

The recommended daily dose of vitamin C depends on the situation for which it will be used, however a preventative amount is between 250 to 500 mg per day. Vitamin C does have drug interactions including Tylenol. Studies indicate that vitamin C will actually decrease the amount of acetaminophen excreted in the urine thereby increasing blood levels and possibly the effects and or side effects of this drug. In any case, it is best to speak with a health professional if you are taking any type of medication because research shows that supplements and herbs can often have negative effects on prescription drugs.