|
| |
Please visit our new website:
www.suprahealth.net Vitamin C
(ascorbic acid; ascorbate)
DESCRIPTION/FUNCTION
- Vitamin C (ascorbic acid; ascorbate) is an essential
nutrient for humans and most other animal species. It acts as an antioxidant by
protecting the body against oxidative stress. It is also a cofactor in at least
eight enzymatic reactions, including several collagen synthesis reactions. These
reactions are especially important in wound healing and in preventing bleeding
from capillaries. Vitamin C is also important in immune response, allergic
reactions, and increasing absorption of nonheme (plant source) iron.
DRI (RDA or AI for Adults)
- Males: 90 mg.
- Females: 75 mg.
- Smokers: an additional 35 mg.
- Pregnancy: 85 mg.
- Lactation: 120 mg.
MAJOR SOURCES
- Acerola cherry, citrus fruit, peppers (green and red), strawberries,
tomatoes, fruit (most), vegetables (especially green and raw).
- Specifically: orange juice, grapefruit juice, papaya, strawberry, red pepper,
cantaloupe, tomato juice, broccoli, mango, Brussels sprouts, peapods,
green pepper, cauliflower, kale, red cabbage.
MAINTENANCE/THERAPEUTIC RANGE
- 200 mg to 10,000 mg (or 90% of bowel tolerance).
POSSIBLE THERAPEUTIC APPLICATIONS
- Allergies
- Asthma
- Cancer (gastric)
- Cataracts
- Common cold
- Coronary heart
disease
- High blood pressure
- Immune function
- Infection
- Macular degeneration
- Memory loss
- Osteoarthritis
- Osteoporosis
- Ulcers
- Wound healing
COMMENTS
- Vitamin C is an excellent antioxidant. It reduces oxidized vitamin E, and in
turn, glutathione can reduce oxidized vitamin C. Most supplements contain
vitamin C in the form of ascorbic acid. If the acidity is a problem, non-acidic
forms exist as various salts, including calcium ascorbate and sodium ascorbate.
There is a fat-soluble form of vitamin C called ascorbyl palmitate. There is
little research supporting its use. The oxidized form of vitamin C,
dehydroascorbic acid (dehydroascorbate) is also found in food. It can be
converted back to ascorbic acid by glutathione. Also, vitamin C can cross the
blood-brain barrier as dehydroascorbic acid, where it is then reduced back to
ascorbic acid.
CAUTIONS
- None significant. Large doses may interfere with some lab tests. Consult
with your health practitioner if you have kidney stones, but it is not likely to be a
problem.
|
