VITAMIN C
(Ascorbic Acid)
Vitamin C is a water soluble vitamin.
Even though vitamin C is taken by
more people than any other supplement.
Yet studies show that a large percentage
of the population have deficiencies
in this vitamin. It is an important
antioxidant.
Vitamin C also helps to boost immunity.
It does this by:
1) Increasing the production of B
and T cells and other white blood
cells involved in our bodies’
natural defences.
2) Increasing antibody (immunoglobulin)
responses.
3) Increasing the level of antiviral
interferon molecules.
Histamines trigger the flu symptoms
such as sneezing & coughing. Histamines
are the culprits that make life uncomfortable
when we catch a cold. Vitamin C is
able to reduce the level of histamines
in the blood, thus alleviating the
severity of the flu symptoms.
Cancer prevention properties: Although
stomach juices are an integral part
of the digestive process, it also
promotes potentially cancerous changes
in the stomach cells. Researchers
in the United Kingdom have found out
that vitamin C in the stomach is able
to reduce by almost 50%, the changes
in cells that typically lead to stomach
cancer
Due to vitamin C’s important
role in the body’s manufacture
of collagen (the protein ‘glue’
that holds connective tissues and
bone together. There is a general
belief that vitamin C is able to speed
wound healing. Although little research
has been conducted to support this
claim.
Sperm cells can sometimes clump together
limiting the sperms’ mobility
–limiting the sperms ability
to swim to the egg. Researchers have
found that vitamin C is able to unclump
these sperms, freeing them to do their
job. A study done on 35 infertile
males resulted in 12 of these males
conceiving with their partners.
Benefits
• Prevents scurvy.
• Significantly reduces the
severity of colds.
• Antioxidant - protects LDL
cholesterol from free radical damage.
• Lowers blood cholesterol.
• Aids in the absorption of
iron (from vegetables).
• Reverses pre-cancerous conditions
(but not inhibit established advanced
cancer).
• Maintains healthy bones, teeth,
and sex organs.
• Helps in collagen formation
(maintains healthy connective tissue
and bone).
• Aids wound healing.
• Natural antihistamine actions.
• Helps manage asthma. May help
to overcome male infertility.
• Protect the eye lens from
anti-oxidative damage.
• Working with vitamin
E, slows the progression of Parkinson’s
disease.
• Improve blood sugar control
in diabetics.
• Helps male fertility.
Negatives
May cause diarrhoea, loose motions,
bowel discomfort and abdominal cramps.
However, vitamin C tolerances vary
from individual to individual. If
these problems arise, a simple solution
is to cut back on intake until symptoms
clear.
Deficiency symptoms
• Reduced immune function.
• Weakness.
• Irritability.
• Scurvy.
• Male infertility.
• Poor healing ability
• Irritability.
• Bleeding gums
• Bruise easily
• Loose teeth
• Joint pain
• Scurvy.
Vitamin C deficiency also leads to
the weakening of the blood vessels,
connective tissue and bone. Resulting
in: Easy bruising. Poor healing ability.
Bleeding gums. Loose teeth. Joint
pain. Scurvy.
Food sources
Fresh fruits (especially citrus fruits)
& vegetables. Apples.
Kiwi
fruit. Rosehips. Blackcurrants.
Raspberries.
Green pepper. Broccoli. Brussels sprouts.
Cauliflower. Cabbage. Tomatoes.
Best source: citrus fruits (eg. Oranges
& lemons).
U.S. RDA : 60mg
for adults.
EU RDA: 60mg
Supplementation up to 3,000mg is
ok.
Smokers should take at least 1,000mg
daily. Smoking reduces Vitamin C in
the blood by as much as 40%. (25mg
is depleted with every cigarette).
Water soluble – so it is not
stored in significant quantities in
the body and must be replaced continuously.
Best taken in smaller quantities over
the day rather than all in one go.
Nutrient Destroyers
Stress. Trauma. Sugar. Tobacco. Antibiotics.
Fever. Aspirin. Antacids. Contraceptive
pill. Cortisone.
>>
more info on nutrient destroyers
Toxicity
May cause kidney stones and gout in
some individuals.
Caution
Avoid taking Vitamin C with inorganic
selenium.
Do NOT take with aspirin as this may
increase the bleeding and intestinal
irritation associated with aspirin.
If you have been taking vitamin C
for long periods of time and plan
to quit. Taper off slowly (over a
few days). Scurvy has been reported
in some cases where individuals who
were taking large doses abruptly discontinued
supplementation.
|
