"C" what Vitamin C does!

In 1747, a ships surgeon in the British Navy, James Lind, discovered that the nutrient, Vitamin C, in citrus foods, prevented scurvy.

He gave sailors two oranges and one lemon per day and compared the sailors taking his treatment to another group not eating the citrus fruits. He concluded that citrus prevented scurvy and published a paper on it. Since lemons were expensive and not found on any British territory, they used limes. Hence the nickname for British sailors, limey.

It was re-discovered in 1912 by two Norwegians, Axel Hoist and Theordor Froelich. It was first artificially synthesized in 1935.

L-ascorbate

• Also known as chemical compound ascorbic acid.
• Ascorbate is an antioxidant and necessary for metabolic reactions in animals and plants.
• An essential nutrient, our bodies cannot make it on our own.(The scurvy problem in sailors who had no adequate source of this vitamin.)
• It is a water-soluble vitamin that needs to be replaced constantly.
• It is a protection against oxidative stress and has a part in enzymatic reactions.
• Also a powerful antioxidant that protects cells throughout the body.
• Also a critical nutrient for Guinea pigs, bats, some fish and birds.

It helps the body form, maintain, repair, regenerate connective tissue, including bones, blood vessels, ligaments and skin. Ascorbic acid helps speed the healing of burns and wounds by stimulating the formation of connective tissue in scars. Also in corneal burns.

Even more Vitamin C good news!

• Used to control asthma
• Helps form red blood cells
• Aids in the absorption of iron and lutein
• Synthesis of enzymes, proteins and hormones
• The adrenal glands need large amounts of this nutrient
• Aids in the prevention of hemorrhaging
• Enhances tooth formation
• Prevents scurvy
• Decreases total and LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides
• Neutralizes the effects of nitrites (preservatives found in some packaged foods that may cause cancer)
• Supports a healthy immune system
• Helps in preventing many types of viral and bacterial infections
• A natural laxative
• Lower incidence of blood clots in veins

Clinical trials published in the April 21, 1999 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association says "Since it is water soluble, a lot will not hurt you but it won’t help you either."

There are 2 well-designed studies that show 200 to 500 mg divided into 2 doses, saturates the body tissues and this amount is the limit that human cells can absorb at one time. This is enough to protect against cancer, heart disease, cataracts, and other chronic illnesses.

Ascorbate helps fight the damaging effects of environmental toxins like pesticides and heavy metals.

The exception and reasons for needing more (up to 1,000 mg): extra oxidative stress , cold or flu, smog-filled city, smokers and second hand smokers.

Food sources for Ascorbic Acid.

If you take this vitamin as a supplement, it should be derived from d-glucose (taken with a meal to avoid an upset stomach). It is used a lot as a food additive. People with ascorbate in their diet are healthier and have less chronic illnesses.

If you are deficient in Vitamin C...

• Scurvy is well known as a result from a lack of vitamin C
• The body cannot make collagen, the substance that holds the body’s cells together
• Formation of liver spots on the skin
• Spongy, bleeding swollen gums
• Bleeding from all mucous membranes
• Pale
• Lowered immunity
• Slow healing
• Nosebleeds
• Depressed
• Partially immobilized
• Leg rashes
• Open wounds
• Weakened enamel or loss of teeth
• Fatigue
• Anemia
• Easy bruising
• Impaired digestion
• Muscle weakness, swollen joints and muscle aches
• Poor lactation

The body does not absorb Ascorbic acid very well, taking the essential nutrient every day is necessary. It is important for smokers to take vitamin C to reduce the risk of lung-borne diseases.

Tuft’s University did a study on ascorbate for senior men. The study showed that vitamin C boosted bone strength in older men. Vitamin D and calcium are important for bones, it also protects against inflammation that would cause bone loss by taking calcium away from the bones.

A report in the March 9, 2009 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine discusses a 20 year study involving almost 47,000 men found that the more vitamin C they consumed, the lower their risk of developing gout, the most common type of inflammatory arthritis. The investigators noted that this nutrient appears to reduce levels of uric acid in the blood. Uric acid buildup can precipitate the formation of crystal deposits in and around joints leading to the pain, inflammation and swelling associated with gout.

It looks like Ascorbic acid may be an effective way to destroy cancer cells without killing the healthy cells. The idea of vitamin C can inhibit tumor growth dates back to 1973.

Side effects, which are rare, can range from nausea, vomiting, heartburn, abdominal cramps, headache, diarrhea and gastritis. It may contribute to the formation of kidney stones unless the vitamin is in the form of sodium ascorbate, which has no effect on urine acidity and can help with oxalate excretion.

Adverse affects may occur when taken with acetaminophen, antacids that contain aluminum, aspirin and Warfarin.

What can decrease the effects of vitamin C?

This vitamin may interfere with the absorption and metabolism of vitamin B12.

It can be detrimental for diabetics causing wounds to heal poorly and cholesterol levels to rise.

Vitamin C can be easily destroyed by exposure to heat, light and oxygen, food processing. Research shows that absorption of Ascorbic acid is different with each person and the body uses it throughout the day.

The National Institute of Health recommendation for daily intake of Vitamin C...

Nature’s Sunshine makes a vitamin C product in powdered form, non-acidic, unsweetened (sugar-free) with 3 types of ascorbates, calcium, potassium and magnesium; and it is easy on the stomach.

Rose hips is a natural nutrient of this vitamin.

Taking this supplement increases excretion of folic acid so be sure you are getting folic acid. Bioflavonoids work with Ascorbic acid and help with absorption and can help with menopausal hot flashes.

Lactose, complex carbohydrates, pectin, Ascorbic acid and roughage encourage additional growth of intestinal flora.

What Journal of the American College of Nutrition says about this vitamin...

"Evidence overwhelmingly points to the value of vitamin C in maintaining health and preventing cancer, cardiovascular disease and cataracts".

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