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Vitamin C is also known as ascorbic acid,
L-ascorbic acid, dehydroascorbic acid and the antiscorbutic vitamin. Chemically,
it is called L-xyloascorbic acid and L-threo-hex-2-uronic acid
g-lactone. The very highest concentrations of vitamin
C are found in the adrenal and pituitary gland. High levels are also found
in liver, leukocytes, brain, kidney and pancreas. Most of the
vitamin C is found
in liver and skeletal muscle because of their relative size to the rest of
the body.
The best characterized
function is the synthesis of collagen connective tissue protein at the level
of hydroxylation of prolyl and lysyl residues of procollagen. Vitamin C also
plays important roles in the synthesis of neurotransmitters, steroid hormones,
carnitine, conversion of cholesterol to bile acids, tyrosine degradation and
metal ion metabolism. This vitamin also may enhance iron bioavailability.
The role of ascorbic acid as a biological reducing agent may be linked to
its prevention of degenerative diseases, such as cancer and cardiovascular
diseases.
This vitamin
is important for tissue healing. Patients with peptic ulcers will heal faster
on vitamin C than those without extra
vitamin C. as mentioned
previously, vitamin C is an anti-oxidant. It is also water soluble as
B complex.
Deficiencies:
Severe ascorbic acid deficiency results in clinical scurvy which is characterized
by swollen, bleeding gums, loosening of the teeth, capillary hemorrhaging,
including bleeding into joints, tender and painful extremities, poor wound
healing, weakness and fatigue, and psychological disturbances.
Side effects
of large doses include diarrhea and flatulence. Studies in Canada show a decrease
number of colon polyps in patients taking high doses of vitamin C. such polyps
are precursors for colon cancer. If we can decrease polyp formation with vitamin
C perhaps we can decrease colon cancer as well. The use of vitamin C in this
capacity should accompany a very low fat diet that is high in dietary fiber.
Smoking and
alcohol consumption will increase the excretion of vitamin C. Alcohol will
actually deplete all of the water-soluble vitamins. Used by Pauling and Cameron
to decrease cancer growth and cause remissions in cancer patients .
Major trials
using high dose I.V. vitamin C fail to confirm any anti- cancer effect of
these vitamin in-patients with well established cancer. High dose vitamin
C may be a problem in patients with a tendency to kidney stone formation.
Check with your physician if this is your situation.
In patients
receiving iron supplements to help treat iron deficiency, the use of vitamin
C taken at the same time, as the iron medicine will greatly enhance the absorption
of iron. Vitamin C
will help with wound healing and healing of burns. It improves the strength
of the walls of the blood vessels and may help decrease the easy bruising
seen with some patients. Vitamin C in topical form to prevent sunburn and
to absorb the ultraviolet rays will soon be available.
Vitamin C may help
people with low back pain and arthritis due to its anti- oxidant effects.
This and other vitamins need to be taken over long periods of time.
Clinical
uses:
The only established use of vitamin C is in the prevention and treatment of
scurvy. Studies investigating possible effects on wound healing, blood pressure,
colds and immune function have often employed other antioxidants in addition
to ascorbic acid and, in most cases, the results have been unremarkable, conflicting
or inconsistent.
Diet recommendations:
The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for adults is 60 mg/day in the U.S.,
but may range from 30-75 mg/day in other Western countries. Intakes of 75-95
mg/day are recommended for pregnant and lactating women. The RDA is 35 mg/day
in infants and 40 mg/day in children, ages 1-3. About 10 mg/day is required
to prevent scurvy. Increased intake of vitamin C is recommended for stress
situations such as trauma, infection, strenuous exercise, or elevated environmental
temperatures. The requirement in smokers may be 100 mg/day.
Food sources:
The best food sources of vitamin C are citrus fruits, berries, melons, tomatoes,
potatoes, green peppers and leafy green vegetables. Vitamin C is sensitive
to air, heat and water, so it can easily be destroyed by prolonged storage,
overcooking and processing of foods.
Toxicity:
Megadoses of vitamin C of 1000-2000 mg have commonly been associated with
gastrointestinal disturbances (nausea, abdominal cramps and diarrhea). In
general, megadoses of vitamin C should be avoided in individuals with a history
of renal stones due to oxalate formation or hemochromatosis or other diseases
related to excessive iron accumulation. Excess vitamin C may predispose premature
infants to hemolytic anemia due to the fragility of their red blood cells.
In healthy individuals, it appears that megadoses of vitamin C are well tolerated
and not associated with any consistent adverse effects.
Recent research:
Work continues to develop and define a useful function test for vitamin C
status, such as activities of certain enzymes, white cell viability, or perhaps
a test related to the immune response. Investigations continue into developing
a better understanding of the role of vitamin C beyond preventing vitamin
C deficiency. Some examples are establishing optimal or pharmacologic uses
of the vitamin and discerning its role as an antioxidant/pro-oxidant in human
biology. Clinical studies also continue to define the role of vitamin C in
cancer and in treating other human diseases.
Reviews:
Gershoff, S.N. (1993) Vitamin C (ascorbic acid): new roles, new requirements?
Nutr. Rev. 51: 313-326
Diplock, A.T. (1995) Safety of antioxidant vitamins and b-carotene. Am.
J. Clin. Nutr. 62: 1510S-1516S.
Statements on this website have not been evaluated
by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent
any disease. Please Contact your physician.
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