Our expert: Head of Department of Therapy of the Institute of Health LLC, Afanasyeva V.A.
From an early age, children are taught the importance of vitamin C. The human body does not produce vitamin C on its own and cannot store it, so having regular intake from outside sources is essential. Let’s explore the benefits and possible downsides of vitamin C.
What are the benefits of vitamin C?
● boosts the auto-immune system
● possesses antioxidant properties
● promotes the production of collagen, improves skin, and speeds up tissue healing
● impacts synthesis of a range of hormones
● regulates blood cell production and improves blood flow
● improves metabolism
● helps flush out toxins
● improves bile secretion
● promotes the production of serotonin
● effects of cholesterol metabolism
● promotes the absorption of vitamin E
● decreases the risk of having cardiovascular disorders
Who Needs Vitamin С?
One group that needs vitamin C is smokers. Smoking leads to a metabolic disorder that causes the body to have fewer vitamins as a whole. In particular, ascorbic acid is affected. Vitamin C is also needed in those who don’t eat enough vegetables or fruit. It is also prescribed to patients recovering from surgery or injury, as well as those suffering from malabsorption, cachexia, renal failure, or cancer since it is a powerful immune stimulant.
Women who take oral contraceptives are advised to include ascorbic acid in their diet, as oral contraceptives have an adverse effect on the amount of vitamins B, C, and E in the body. This can lead to fatigue, depression, and anxiety.
Vitamin C is necessary for those who are constantly overstressed or not getting enough sleep, as well as for people living in ecologically unsafe areas.
Due to the existing global pandemic, it is worth noting that doctors recommend taking ascorbic acid for the treatment and prevention of coronavirus infection.
How Much Vitamin C Should You Take
The correct dosage of vitamin C depends on your age, height, and weight. As a rule, when taken for preventive purposes, the following dosages are recommended:
adults: 50–100 mg per day
Pregnant women: 120 mg per day
smokers: 125 mg per day
children: 25–75 mg per day
During the active period of coronavirus disease: 1,000 mg per day
Please note that an overdose of ascorbic acid can be dangerous. The safe upper limit is 2,000 mg per day, but uncomfortable side effects may occasionally appear when exceeding 1,000 mg per day.
Who Should Be Wary of Taking Vitamin C
This popular vitamin can be misused and cause health issues. To stay safe, vitamin C should be not be taken randomly. It is recommended to have a blood test done to determine your correct dosage to avoid any health issues. Ascorbic acid pills should not be taken by those suffering from diabetes, as vitamin C can slow down the glucose process. This can lead to hyperglycemia, raising blood sugar levels.
Vitamin C should be taken with caution by people suffering from:
- Kidney stones or nephrolithiasis
- hemochromatosis
- hyperoxaluria
- thalassemia
- oxalosis
- sideroblastic anemia
- glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency
- And those expecting surgery, as vitamin C is a blood thinner.
Ascorbic acid can irritate certain parts of the digestive system, so those suffering from gastrointestinal tract disorders should consult their doctor before taking the vitamin.
In addition, vitamin C has a negative effect on tooth enamel. Those with dental issues should take this into consideration.
Similar to any other medicine, vitamin C shouldn’t be taken without proper medical advice. In the case of an overdose, it can lead to insomnia, anxiety, fever, headache, diarrhea, and high blood pressure. Large doses of vitamin C can be dangerous for pregnant women and lead to the termination of pregnancy.
