How does IV Vitamin C differ from oral supplements. What are the key benefits of IV Vitamin C for immune health. Can IV Vitamin C help treat viruses and cancer. Discover the powerful potential of high-dose Vitamin C therapy.

The Power of Intravenous Vitamin C: Beyond Oral Supplementation

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a crucial nutrient that plays a vital role in numerous bodily functions. While many people are familiar with oral Vitamin C supplements, intravenous (IV) administration of this powerful vitamin offers unique benefits that surpass traditional methods. Let’s explore the remarkable advantages of IV Vitamin C and its potential applications in health and wellness.

Understanding the Absorption Advantage of IV Vitamin C

One of the primary benefits of IV Vitamin C lies in its superior absorption rate compared to oral supplements. When Vitamin C is taken orally, it must pass through the digestive system, where various factors can impede its absorption. These factors include:

• Stress
• Smoking
• Alcohol consumption
• Certain medications
• Leaky gut syndrome
• Inflammation
• Infections

Additionally, oral Vitamin C can sometimes cause gastrointestinal discomfort, such as abdominal cramping and diarrhea. In contrast, IV Vitamin C bypasses the digestive system entirely, allowing for 100% absorption directly into the bloodstream. This method enables the administration of significantly higher doses – up to 30-70 times more than what can be safely taken orally – without the risk of digestive side effects.

Why is IV Vitamin C more effective than oral supplements?

The increased bioavailability of IV Vitamin C leads to more pronounced therapeutic effects. When administered intravenously, Vitamin C can achieve blood concentrations that are simply not possible through oral supplementation. This higher concentration allows for a more potent antioxidant effect and enables Vitamin C to function in ways that oral supplements cannot, such as producing hydrogen peroxide at levels that can target infections and cancer cells.

Immune System Support: IV Vitamin C as a Powerful Ally

IV Vitamin C offers substantial benefits for immune system function, making it a valuable tool in maintaining overall health and fighting off infections. Here’s how IV Vitamin C supports immune health:

1. Rapid immune boost: IV administration provides an immediate influx of Vitamin C, crucial for bolstering the immune response in the early stages of infection.
2. Antioxidant protection: High-dose IV Vitamin C offers superior antioxidant function, neutralizing free radicals and reducing oxidative stress more effectively than oral supplements.
3. Enhanced cellular defense: IV Vitamin C helps protect cells against damage from unstable molecules, which is linked to various diseases and aging processes.
4. Improved immune regulation: The consistent high levels of Vitamin C achieved through IV therapy may help balance the immune response, particularly in cases of severe infections.

How does IV Vitamin C combat oxidative stress?

Oxidative stress occurs when there’s an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body. IV Vitamin C acts as a potent antioxidant, neutralizing these harmful free radicals and protecting cells from damage. This protection is particularly important as we age, as our natural ability to combat oxidative stress diminishes over time. By providing a high concentration of Vitamin C directly to the bloodstream, IV therapy offers a level of antioxidant support that surpasses what can be achieved through diet or oral supplementation alone.

IV Vitamin C in Viral Infections: A Promising Approach

The potential of IV Vitamin C in treating viral infections, including COVID-19, has garnered significant attention in recent years. While research is ongoing, several mechanisms make IV Vitamin C a promising therapeutic option:

• Hydrogen peroxide formation: At high concentrations achievable only through IV administration, Vitamin C can generate hydrogen peroxide, which inhibits viral growth without damaging healthy cells.
• Replenishment of antioxidant reserves: Fighting serious infections rapidly depletes the body’s antioxidant resources. IV Vitamin C quickly restores these vital defenses.
• Modulation of immune response: IV Vitamin C may help regulate the immune system’s response, potentially mitigating the harmful effects of an overactive immune reaction (systemic inflammatory response syndrome or SIRS).
• Enhanced viral clearance: Some studies suggest that high-dose Vitamin C may accelerate the clearance of viruses from the body.

Can IV Vitamin C effectively treat COVID-19?

While research is still in progress, preliminary studies and clinical observations have shown promising results for IV Vitamin C in treating COVID-19. Its ability to support immune function, reduce inflammation, and potentially inhibit viral replication makes it an intriguing therapeutic option. However, it’s important to note that more comprehensive clinical trials are needed to fully understand its efficacy and optimal dosing in treating this specific virus.

Cancer Treatment: The Potential of High-Dose Vitamin C

High-dose IV Vitamin C has emerged as a potential adjunctive therapy in cancer treatment. While it’s not considered a cure, research suggests that it may offer several benefits for cancer patients:

1. Inhibition of cancer cell replication: IV Vitamin C may help stop the replication of cancer cells without causing damage to healthy cells.
2. Suppression of hyaluronidase: This enzyme plays a crucial role in cancer cell replication and spread. IV Vitamin C has been shown to inhibit its activity.
3. Enhanced quality of life: Some studies indicate that high-dose Vitamin C can improve the quality of life for cancer patients by reducing treatment-related side effects and fatigue.
4. Potential synergistic effects: When used alongside conventional cancer treatments, IV Vitamin C may enhance their effectiveness while reducing toxicity.

How does IV Vitamin C target cancer cells?

The mechanism by which IV Vitamin C affects cancer cells is multifaceted. At high concentrations, Vitamin C can generate hydrogen peroxide, which preferentially damages cancer cells while leaving healthy cells unharmed. Additionally, Vitamin C may interfere with the metabolic processes that cancer cells rely on for growth and survival. However, it’s crucial to emphasize that IV Vitamin C should be considered a complementary therapy and not a replacement for standard cancer treatments.

Safety and Regulation of IV Vitamin C Therapy

One of the advantages of IV Vitamin C therapy is the stringent regulation and quality control measures in place. Unlike over-the-counter oral supplements, which are not regulated by the FDA, IV vitamins are subject to strict pharmaceutical standards:

• Prescription requirement: IV Vitamin C therapy must be prescribed by a licensed physician, ensuring proper medical oversight.
• Pharmacy-grade quality: IV vitamins are sourced from regulated pharmacies, guaranteeing accurate potency and high quality.
• Controlled administration: IV therapy is typically performed in a clinical setting, allowing for careful monitoring and dosage control.
• Individualized treatment: Doses can be tailored to each patient’s specific needs and health status.

Are there any risks associated with IV Vitamin C therapy?

While IV Vitamin C is generally considered safe when administered properly, there are some potential risks and contraindications to be aware of. These may include complications related to the IV insertion, fluid overload in patients with heart or kidney issues, and interactions with certain medications. It’s crucial for patients to undergo a thorough medical evaluation and disclose their full medical history before undergoing IV Vitamin C therapy.

Maximizing the Benefits of IV Vitamin C: Frequency and Dosage

The optimal frequency and dosage of IV Vitamin C therapy can vary depending on the individual’s health status and treatment goals. Some general guidelines include:

1. Acute infections: More frequent treatments, potentially daily, may be recommended during the early stages of an infection.
2. Chronic conditions: Regular treatments, such as weekly or bi-weekly sessions, may be suggested for managing ongoing health issues.
3. Cancer support: High-dose protocols may involve multiple treatments per week, often in conjunction with conventional cancer therapies.
4. Preventive care: Less frequent treatments, such as monthly or quarterly sessions, may be used for general health maintenance and immune support.

How long do the effects of IV Vitamin C last?

The duration of IV Vitamin C’s effects can vary depending on the dose administered and the individual’s metabolism. Generally, the immediate effects may be felt for several days following treatment. However, the long-term benefits, such as improved immune function and reduced oxidative stress, can accumulate over time with regular treatments. Your healthcare provider can help determine the most appropriate treatment schedule based on your specific health needs and goals.

In conclusion, IV Vitamin C therapy offers a powerful and versatile approach to supporting health and treating various conditions. Its superior absorption, high-dose potential, and multifaceted effects make it a valuable tool in the realm of integrative medicine. As research continues to unfold, IV Vitamin C may play an increasingly important role in immune support, viral defense, cancer care, and overall wellness strategies.

It’s More Than Just A Vitamin

Posted on May 28, 2020June 1, 2020

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a vitamin your body needs to form blood vessels, cartilage, muscle and collagen in bones. Vitamin C is also vital to your body’s healing process. It has been used as an effective anti-oxidant, immune booster, anti-viral, and anti-aging supplement when administered and dosed effectively. When given through intravenous route, the higher concentrations and immediate availability to the body makes a Vitamin C IV a popular treatment for a variety of conditions.

What Is The Difference In Taking Vitamin C Orally vs. Getting IV Vitamin C?

When taken orally, vitamin C passes through the digestive tract and is only partially absorbed. Many factors can inhibit the absorption of vitamins in the gut including stress, smoking, alcohol, medications, leaky gut, inflammation, and infection. Also, oral dosing can lead to GI side effects such as abdominal cramping and diarrhea. When given through IV Vitamin therapy, vitamin C is 100 percent absorbed into the blood stream and can be given in doses 30-70x that of oral dosing. Therefore, a response can be much more therapeutic in achieving results related to disease prevention and treatment.
In addition, Vitamin C is processed by the body in different ways when given oral vs IV. Oral doses act more like an antioxidant protecting cells from damage from reactive oxygenated compounds. IV vitamin C not only provides a higher level of antioxidant protection, but can also produce hydrogen peroxide at higher doses which can attack infections and cancer cells. Also, it is important to know that the FDA does not regulate oral over the counter vitamins. This can often times lead to questions in quality. In contrast to oral Vitamin C, IV vitamins come directly from a pharmacy that has strict regulations ensuring accurate potency and quality. IV vitamins require a prescription from a physician.

How does IV Vitamin C benefit the Immune System?

When a patient needs an immediate effect, IV vitamin C can provide the body the quick and effective immune boost which is important in the early stages of infection.
IV Vitamin C can help protect your cells against the effects of free radicals (unstable molecules that can damage cells in your body causing illness and aging). This is known as oxidative stress. An antioxidant can help neutralize the unstable free radicals. As we age, we have less ability to control this damage resulting in physical appearance changes like wrinkles and hair loss. Oxidative stress is linked to many disease states such as dementia, heart disease, autoimmune disease, arthritis, cancer, and diabetes. Free radicals are increased with smoking, alcohol, pollution, pesticides, and certain foods.
Using vitamin C through an IV can provide a much higher level of antioxidant function.
There are many vitamins and supplements classified as antioxidants, but they are not identical in their effectiveness in modifying disease states and aging. IV vitamin C provides a potent and effective dose that is just not comparable to other oral antioxidants.
Oral vitamin C has been shown to shorten the course of viral infections. Oral doses of 2000 mg a day have been shown to be more effective then 1000 mg a day. The serum concentrations of oral Vitamin C are short lived and a person would need to take consistently to get the benefits. Although helpful, oral vitamin C is limited in the therapeutic response because of its restrictions in onset and potency related to the digestive process.

How does Vitamin C IV help treat viruses and COVID-19?

The ability to form hydrogen peroxide is only possible at the higher serum concentrations only achievable by IV route. Viruses are susceptible to this reactive oxygen species inhibiting their growth while the body’s own cells have a protective mechanism that prevents its own cell damage. This application is what makes IV vitamin C a promising treatment being studied in current clinical trials for COVID-19. IV Vitamin C also provides renewed resources of important antioxidant function which is often quickly depleted when fighting a significant infection. The ability to maintain consistent higher levels might help the immune response which can be harmful when it goes into overdrive. This systemic inflammatory response (SIRS) can be more harmful than the actual virus. IV Vitamin C may be one key method to help balance the immune response that can be difficult to regulate with serious infections.

Can high-dose Vitamin C cure or kill cancer cells?

High dose vitamin C is often times used as adjunctive treatment when fighting cancer. Its role is to stop the replication of cancer cells without damaging other cells. It inhibits hyaluronidase which is key in the ability of cancer cells to replicate and metastasize. IVC is used in some as monotherapy or an add on to chemo/radiation. It may also be used in cancer patients to improve quality of life as it helps protect the bodies healthy cells from the effects of cancer or chemotherapy.

Can IV Vitamin C help treat Lymes Disease & Inflammatory Arthritis?

Lymes disease, Inflammatory arthritis, and chronic fatigue syndrome are often treated with high dose vitamin C protocols. By lowering the inflammation and enhancing the immune response, patients with these difficult to treat conditions often get significant improvement when traditional treatment do not work.

Can other vitamins or minerals be added to IV Vitamin C therapy?

Vitamin C can be combined with other vitamins in IV Vitamin drips which can lead to a variety of health benefits. Some common combinations include magnesium, b12, b complex, essential minerals, and calcium.

Does IV Vitamin C therapy help improve the skin?

Yes. IV Vitamin C has been used for its affect on lightening skin. It is often used along with glutathione – another potent antioxidant to achieve the desired improved skin appearance and as an effective anti-aging combination.

How often should I get a Vitamin C IV?

For general wellness 1 to 2 times a month is a common routine. For mild viral infections 1 or 2 can be used as needed. For more significant infections like COVID-19, clinical trials are investigating daily infusions for 1 week. For cancer therapy 1-3 times a week with higher dosed vitamin C is often used.

What is the dosage of an IV Vitamin C treatment?

The dosing of IV vitamin C can range from lower doses of 1-2 grams and higher doses of 50 grams. Smaller doses can be infused through a slow IV push and can take around 5-15 minutes. Common doses of 10-25 grams of IV vitamin C is used for most medical conditions as well as anti-aging and disease prevention. These doses are mixed in sterile water often with other vitamins and nutrients. These drips are infused over 30-60 minutes. Finally, “high dose vitamin C” is typically around 50 grams and is used mostly used for cancer and more significant infections and chronic inflammatory conditions. This potent dose takes around 120 minutes to infuse.

What are the side effects of IV Vitamin C?

Most patients tolerate Vitamin C infusions very well. Without involving the digestive tract we can eliminate the GI issues such as nausea, diarrhea or abdominal cramping that some get with oral vitamin dosing. Higher doses of IV vitamin C can lower blood glucose levels and it is encouraged for those patients to eat before infusions. Caution should be used in pregnancy as there is not much safety data available.

How do I know if IV Vitamin C therapy is right for me?

The best way to determine if IV vitamin C is right for you is to consult with a physician first. A medical history and exam should be performed to best customize a treatment that suits your needs. IV Vitamin C might be just what your body needs to get into an optimal state of health.

How much does a Vitamin C IV Cost?

The price ranges between $100 – $250 depending on the amount of vitamin C used and other vitamins added.

Dr. Luciano on PHL17 discussing IV Vitamin Therapy

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Vitamin C Injection and Intravenous Vitamin C: Purpose and More

Vitamin C Injection and Intravenous Vitamin C: Purpose and More

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Medically reviewed by Alan Carter, Pharm. D. — By the Healthline Medical Network — Updated on December 8, 2018

Overview

Vitamin C is an essential nutrient in our diet. It has many important roles our body’s immune function, including:

• wound healing
• preventing damage to cells
• building collagen
• producing chemical messengers called neurotransmitters

Vitamin C can be found in many healthy foods, especially:

• citrus fruits and juice
• red and green peppers
• broccoli
• strawberries
• Brussels sprouts

You can also get vitamin C from dietary supplements. Vitamin C supplements are available in many forms:

• oral tablets
• chewable tablets
• extended-release tablets
• extended-release capsules

Vitamin C is also available by prescription as an injection. The injectable vitamin C can be given into a vein (intravenously), into a muscle (intramuscularly), or under the skin (subcutaneously).

Many people take vitamin C for general health or to boost their immune system. It’s also taken to treat vitamin C deficiency.

Vitamin C deficiency can lead to scurvy. Characteristic symptoms of vitamin C deficiency include:

• swollen and bleeding gums
• fatigue
• poor wound healing
• joint pain
• loose teeth
• colored spots on the skin

In some cases, signs of scurvy can occur within a month of consuming less than 10 milligrams (mg) per day of vitamin C.

Today, scurvy is rare in developed countries. It’s most likely to occur in people who:

• smoke
• consume a limited variety of food
• have nutrient absorption problems

Vitamin C injections are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating vitamin C deficiency. They’re also approved for helping to treat serious wounds from trauma or burns.

However, vitamin C injections are typically only used when vitamin C levels need to be increased quickly or when oral supplements can’t be taken due to poor absorption or other reasons.

Off-label use

Vitamin C injections are sometimes used off-label for other conditions, including:

• cancer
• general health
• immune function
• weight loss

Off-label drug use means that a drug that’s been approved by the FDA for one purpose is used for a different purpose that has not been approved. However, a doctor can still use the drug for that purpose. This is because the FDA regulates the testing and approval of drugs, but not how doctors use drugs to treat their patients. So your doctor can prescribe a drug however they think is best for your care. Learn more about off-label prescription drug use.

Cancer

As early as the 1970s, some researchers were suggesting that using high doses of intravenous vitamin C along with cancer drugs could improve treatment of cancer. Intravenous vitamin C can produce very high levels of vitamin C in the body. Researchers believe that these high vitamin C levels can be toxic to cancer cells without harming the healthy cells of the body.

Some researchers also believe that vitamin C might be able to reduce the side effects of cancer drugs.

However, the potential benefits of intravenous vitamin C in cancer treatment remains controversial. In a systematic review, researchers found inadequate evidence to determine if intravenous vitamin C was beneficial for cancer treatment.

General health and immune function

Some people receive vitamin C injections for general health or to boost immune function and for convenience. The injection means they don’t have to remember to take a supplement pill each day.

It’s true that vitamin C has an important function in the body, but it’s controversial whether taking additional vitamin C — orally or by injection — offers any advantage for people who consume adequate vitamin C in their diet.

The research is inconclusive regarding whether vitamin C reduces the chance of developing cancer, prevents heart disease, prevents eye disease such as macular degeneration, or prevents the common cold.

Weight loss

Vitamin C injection is sometimes used for weight loss. Some research suggests that people who don’t have adequate vitamin C intake aren’t able to burn fat very well.

This means that it’s important to ensure adequate intake of vitamin C. However, there is no scientific research showing that taking vitamin C supplements orally or vitamin C injections causes weight loss.

For treating vitamin C deficiency, the typical vitamin C injection dose is 200 mg once daily for up to a week.

For wound healing, the typical vitamin C injection dose is 1 gram once daily for 5 to 21 days.

For off-label uses, a wide variety of vitamin C injection doses have been used. These typically range from 10 to 100 grams. Doses may be given daily or periodically at different intervals.

Vitamin C injections are safe when used for FDA-approved reasons at typical doses. The most common side effects are pain and swelling at the injection site.

Very high doses of vitamin C injections also seem to have few side effects. Some of these include nausea and pain at injection site. Learn more about vitamin C side effects.

If you’re thinking about getting high doses of vitamin C through injection, talk with your doctor about the potential risks.

Vitamin C increases iron absorption from the food you eat. If you take very high doses of vitamin C, your body might absorb too much iron. This could be a potential problem if you already have high levels of iron in your body.

If you have kidney disease, very high doses of vitamin C might result in kidney damage.

High-dose vitamin C injections might increase your chance of developing a kidney stone. People who’ve had kidney stones in the past may have a greater risk.

When any injection is given, there is also risk for infection.

Vitamin C can interact with some other medications.

Vitamin C can make your urine more acidic. In some cases, this can change how your body gets rid of certain medication. This in turn can change levels of some medications in your body and result in decreased effectiveness or increased side effects. Some of these medications include:

• fluphenazine (Prolixin)
• magnesium salicylate (Novasal)
• mexiletine (Mexitil)
• salsalate

There is some concern that high-dose vitamin C might make radiation therapy and some chemotherapy drugs less effective. However, this is controversial, and more evidence is needed.

If you’re taking other medications or being treated for cancer, talk with your doctor before taking high-dose vitamin C injections.

Vitamin C injections are typically only used for correcting a vitamin C deficiency when oral supplements can’t be taken.

High-dose vitamin C injections are used for off-label conditions, especially cancer. Some researchers think that vitamin C injections can make chemotherapy work better or prevent some chemotherapy side effects. There is some research that suggests vitamin C injections might help reduce side effects and improve quality of life. More research is needed to determine if vitamin C can help fight cancer.

Some people use vitamin C injections for weight loss. However, there’s no scientific support for this use.

Talk with your doctor before using vitamin C injections.

Last medically reviewed on June 28, 2018

How we reviewed this article:

Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

• Ascorbic acid – ascorbic acid injection solution. (2018).
  dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=a1bd3cf4-bc9d-4c86-861c-7c708daab07f
• Bazzan AJ, et al. (2018). Retrospective evaluation of clinical experience with intravenous ascorbic acid in patients with cancer [Abstract].
  journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1534735418775809
• High-dose vitamin C (PDQ) – health professional version. (2017).
  cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/cam/hp/vitamin-c-pdq
• Jacobs C, et al. (2015). Is there a role for oral or intravenous ascorbate (vitamin C) in treating patients with cancer? DOI:
  10.1634/theoncologist.2014-0381
• Johnston CS. (2005). Strategies for healthy weight loss: From vitamin C to the glycemic response. DOI:
  10.1080/07315724.2005.10719460
• Padayatty S, et al. (2006). Intravenously administered vitamin C as a cancer therapy: Three cases. DOI:
  10.1503/cmaj.050346
• Vitamin C. (2015).
  lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/vitamins/vitamin-C
• Vitamin C. (2018).
  ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminC-HealthProfessional/

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

Current Version

Dec 8, 2018

Written By

the Healthline Medical Network

Edited By

Phoebe Campbell

Jun 28, 2018

Medically Reviewed By

Alan Carter, PharmD

Share this article

Medically reviewed by Alan Carter, Pharm. D. — By the Healthline Medical Network — Updated on December 8, 2018

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Ascorbic acid: benefits and harms

Ascorbic acid is an organic compound that is an indispensable element of the human body. It can be found in the nutritional composition of certain vegetables and especially fruits. Another name for ascorbic acid is vitamin C.

Ascorbic acid brings undeniable benefits: it helps to strengthen immune defenses, restore lost strength, and normalize metabolic processes. The connection may be in various forms. Often it is a dragee with an acidic yellow center. But there are also powders for the preparation of solutions, soluble tablets, special biological additives, injection ampoules. In our article, we will look at the benefits and harms of ascorbic acid.

Indications for the use of ascorbic acid

Ascorbic acid brings many benefits to people who have been poisoned by gas. In case of severe poisoning, vitamin C helps to restore the body’s natural internal environment and normalize oxidative processes.

The recommended dosage of ascorbic acid in case of poisoning is no more than 0.25 ml per kilogram of human weight. Another indication for the appointment of ascorbic acid is the seasonal lack of vitamins.

You can provide your body with vitamin C with the help of pharmaceutical preparations or by eating natural fruits and vegetables. They must be present in the daily diet and in sufficient quantities. With the right dosage, ascorbic acid will protect against colds. An increased dose of vitamin C is necessary for people who smoke.

Ascorbic acid has an invaluable benefit: it restores the acidic environment. As prescribed by a doctor, a useful element is often prescribed to pregnant women. According to scientists, during the period of bearing a child, a girl should drink about a third more vitamin C than before conception.

You can get recommendations from experts on the use of certain drugs and vitamins based on the results of passing check-up examinations at the Anadolu clinic.

Learn about the check-up

Ascorbic acid: benefits

Ascorbic acid is beneficial for such negative manifestations:

• insomnia, poor sleep with nightmares;
• bleeding gums and loosening of teeth;
• pain in lower limbs;
• prolonged wound healing;
• pale skin;
• general weakness and fatigue
• frequent colds;
• subfebrile temperature.

Ascorbic acid is useful in the body’s fight against various infections and viruses. It helps with inflamed lymph nodes, strengthens the walls of blood vessels, helps cleanse the blood and eliminate free radicals.

Vitamin C helps the body fight dermatological and allergic problems, improves skin condition, promotes its rejuvenation, hair becomes more well-groomed, and glands produce hormones like clockwork. Acid improves the absorption of iron, blood clotting, and also normalizes metabolism, promoting the formation of lipids, proteins and the breakdown of fats.

Ascorbic acid brings not only benefits, but also harms

A high-quality medical product containing ascorbic acid is considered safe for health. However, it should be consumed in moderation, an overdose is fraught with side effects.

People who have ulcers, gastritis or other stomach problems should be especially careful. In large amounts, vitamin C causes diarrhea, stomach and bladder upset, abdominal pain, and sometimes even cramps.

Also, prolonged and excessive use of this element is fraught with the formation of kidney stones, if there is a predisposition. Like other drugs, ascorbic acid can cause allergic reactions. In this case, you need to stop taking and consult a doctor.

Whether ascorbic acid is beneficial or harmful depends on the correct use of it and the individual characteristics of the organism.

Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid) – effects on the body, benefits and harms, description

General characteristics of vitamin C (Ascorbic acid)

In Edinburgh in the 18th century, a medical student discovered that citrus fruits were an effective treatment for scurvy. Only 2 centuries later it was found out that ascorbic acid or vitamin C is the substance that treats a painful illness. It was synthesized only in 1928 from lemon juice.

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a water-soluble vitamin. Vitamin C is important for the growth and repair of tissue cells, gums, blood vessels, bones and teeth, promotes the absorption of iron by the body, accelerates recovery (calorificator). Its benefits and value are very great for protection against infections. It acts as an immune booster.

As a food additive, listed as E300.

Physico-chemical properties of vitamin C

Ascorbic acid is an organic compound related to glucose, in the form of a white crystalline powder with a sour taste. Performs the biological functions of a reducing agent and coenzyme of some metabolic processes, is an antioxidant.

Vitamin C is easily destroyed by cooking, light and smog.

Loss of vitamin C can occur due to improper processing of food and prolonged storage of prepared foods. The safety of vitamin C is ensured by the correct cooking of vegetables and fruits. Vegetables should not be left peeled and cut in the air for a long time; when cooking, they should be placed in boiling water immediately after cleaning. Frozen vegetables should be immersed in boiling water, as slow thawing increases the loss of vitamin C.

Dietary sources of vitamin C

The richest sources of ascorbic acid are: kiwifruit, rose hips, red peppers, citrus fruits, black currants, onions, tomatoes, leafy vegetables (lettuce, cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, etc.) , liver, kidneys, potatoes.

You can also buy vitamin C in tablets in the store.

Daily requirement for vitamin C

The daily requirement of a person for vitamin C depends on a number of reasons: age, sex, pregnancy, climatic conditions, bad habits. The average daily dose of vitamin C is 70-100 mg.

Smokers and the elderly have an increased need for vitamin C (one cigarette smoked destroys 25 mg of C).

Useful properties of vitamin C

Ascorbic acid is a powerful antioxidant. Vitamin C strengthens the human immune system, and also protects it from viruses and bacteria, accelerates the process of wound healing, affects the synthesis of a number of hormones, regulates hematopoiesis and normalizes capillary permeability, participates in the synthesis of collagen protein, which is necessary for the growth of tissue cells, bones and cartilage of the body, regulates metabolism, removes toxins, improves bile secretion, restores the exocrine function of the pancreas and thyroid gland.

Vitamin C slows down the aging process, reduces intoxication in alcoholics and drug addicts.

Ascorbic acid is used as a tonic for various diseases.

The harmful properties of vitamin C

Vitamin C itself is safe. But when ascorbic acid is used in large quantities, an allergic reaction can develop in the form of itching and a small rash on the skin. For those people who have stomach problems, such as gastritis or ulcers, a large amount of this vitamin can cause a number of complications. An overdose may cause indigestion, abdominal pain, diarrhea, or convulsions.

Vitamin C absorption

Vitamin C is best absorbed in combination with calcium and magnesium.

Vitamin C deficiency in the body

With hypovitaminosis (deficiency) C, the following symptoms appear: heart weakness, fatigue, shortness of breath, resistance to various diseases (calorizator) decreases. In childhood, the processes of ossification are delayed.

Acute vitamin C deficiency causes scurvy.

Scurvy is characterized by: swollen and bleeding gums, loosening and loss of teeth, frequent colds, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, overweight, fatigue, irritability, poor concentration, depression, insomnia, early formation of wrinkles, hair loss, blurred vision , hemorrhages in muscles, skin, joints.

Excess vitamin C in the body

Vitamin C is considered safe even in large amounts, as the body easily eliminates unused vitamin residues.

However, excessive intake of vitamin C can lead to:

• diarrhea;
• nausea;
• vomiting;
• heartburn;
• bloating and cramps;
• headache;
• insomnia;
• kidney stones.