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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 for colds and flu – benefits and properties

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is useful for metabolism, hormone production, protection against free radicals. It also helps the body fight infections – doctors prescribe vitamin C for colds and flu. Means based on it are used to prevent frequent SARS.

Ascorbic acid is needed by all organs and tissues. But the human body does not produce it and does not accumulate. Therefore, foods and preparations with a high vitamin content should be consumed daily. We will tell you where ascorbic acid is contained, how to choose and take the drug correctly.

General properties of vitamin C

Ascorbic acid is involved in the most important processes of the body:

● Synthesizes collagen – fibers that strengthen connective tissue. If there is enough vitamin C, the walls of blood vessels retain elasticity, and the skin remains youthful.

● Produces sex and adrenal hormones.

● It has an antioxidant effect – protects against reactive oxygen compounds that provoke aging and the development of malignant tumors.

● Strengthens the immune system. ¹

The lack of ascorbic acid (hypovitaminosis C) leads to fatigue, decreased performance, constant colds. And its pronounced deficiency (avitaminosis C) causes scurvy, which leads to anemia, affects the joints and gums. Vitamin deficiency is rare in developed countries, and hypovitaminosis is a common problem.

Vitamin C benefits for colds and flu

Ascorbic acid is often prescribed for the treatment and prevention of colds. It works in several directions at once:

● Increases immunity. Resistance to viruses cannot depend only on drugs – the body must be able to resist infections. Ascorbic acid affects all parts of the immune response: it promotes the production of antiviral interferons and antibodies.

● Reduces the impact of adverse factors leading to colds. Bad ecology creates an additional burden on the immune system. Vitamin C supports it by neutralizing the harmful effects of free radicals and reduces the risk of developing diseases and exacerbations.

● Helps to bear the disease more easily.
Ascorbic acid for colds and flu has an anti-inflammatory effect, reduces intoxication of the body.

Unlike many prescription drugs, vitamin C is safe. It dissolves in water, is absorbed into the intestinal wall, and the excess is easily excreted from the body. The use of ascorbic acid practically does not cause side effects and overdose. ²

How to take vitamin C for a cold

Vitamin C must be taken daily. The daily dose is about 30–120 mg, but the exact dosage depends on the individual characteristics of the body, lifestyle, and medication. The maximum safe dose is 2-3 g.

Average daily requirement for ascorbic acid (mg): ^{3. 4.5}

● Children – 30-60.

● Teenagers – 80.

● Adults – 70-100. The minimum dose of vitamin C required by pregnant women is 60 mg, while nursing mothers need 80 mg.

In higher doses of ascorbic acid need:

● smokers and people who drink alcohol;

● everyone who is on mono-diets;

● women taking combined hormonal contraceptives or undergoing estrogen therapy for menopause;

● patients who are treated for a long time with corticosteroids, acetylsalicylic acid, antibiotics, calcium preparations;

● Patients exposed to influenza and ARVI viruses;

● residents of latitudes with extremely cold or hot climates and those who are constantly exposed to hypothermia/overheating;

● Elderly – The dose depends on chronic diseases and their treatment.

To determine if you have hypovitaminosis and calculate an individual dose, take a blood test for vitamin C.

During the outbreak of SARS, vitamin C increases the body’s resistance. Studies have shown that a daily intake of 200 mg of ascorbic acid reduces the incidence of acute respiratory viral infections by 50%, and in those who are sick, it speeds up recovery. ⁶

For a quick recovery from a cold, symptomatic treatment or taking vitamins is not enough. It is important to use drugs directed specifically against the causative agent of the disease. With the viral nature of the disease – influenza, SARS – the patient is shown broad-spectrum antiviral drugs. An effective new agent that helps to suppress the action of a variety of pathogens that cause viral infections is Nobasit ^® Forte (INN enisamia iodide). Taking enisamium iodide in combination with ascorbic acid, the daily dosage of which is determined by the relevant instructions for medical use, increases the body’s resistance to SARS and influenza. ⁷

Vitamin C sources

Our body can get ascorbic acid from food and from vitamin preparations. Some people believe that pharmacy forms are less useful and less digestible, but this is not so.

Which foods contain vitamin C

Vitamin C is rich in plant foods – fruits, berries, vegetables. Main sources of vitamin C (per 100 g of product): ⁸

● Sea buckthorn, currant – 200 mg;

● Kiwi – 180 mg;

● Dill – 100 mg;

● Cauliflower – 70 mg;

● Oranges, bell peppers – 60 m;

● Spinach – 55 mg;

● White cabbage, grapefruits – 45 mg;

● Sorrel – 43 mg;

● Lemons – 40 mg;

● Mandarin – 38 mg;

● Garlic – 30 mg;

● Radishes, tomatoes, onions, raspberries – 25 mg.

In order for the body to receive enough ascorbic acid, you can eat a lemon, or an orange, or 4-5 apples daily. A good source of the vitamin is freshly squeezed juices. To close the daily need for vitamin C, it is enough to drink 116 ml of lemon juice, 150 ml of orange, or 1 liter of apple. ⁹

Vitamin C is destroyed during heat treatment and long-term storage of fruits. In addition, with many diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, the use of raw fruits and vegetables is not recommended. An alternative is ready-made preparations with ascorbic acid.

How to choose a vitamin C supplement

In pharmacy vitamin preparations, the concentration of ascorbic acid is higher than in products.

Natural preparations are made from natural raw materials – rose hips, currant leaves, rowan berries. They are dried and crushed to make syrups. Dried fruits and leaves have a lower concentration of vitamin C, but do not contain auxiliary substances – sweeteners, dyes. Such components may have contraindications – allergies, some metabolic diseases.

Tablets and powders are synthesized artificially. However, they are just as safe and effective as natural ones – they repeat the processes of natural synthesis in the laboratory. They are more convenient to take and dose, but they also contain excipients that cause individual intolerance. Contraindications are indicated in the instructions for each drug.

Vitamin C is produced in tablets with glucose, as part of multivitamin complexes. Pure synthetic ascorbic acid without additives is also on sale – powder in sachets with a dosage of 2.5 g. Monopreparations (containing only ascorbic acid) are better to choose if you need an increased intake of vitamin C. Complex preparations contain the daily norm of all essential vitamins.

Precautions for use

Ascorbic acid is not recommended to be taken together or sequentially with certain antibiotics, warfarin, estrogens, vitamin B12, preparations with copper, selenium. Keep an interval of at least 2-3 hours between them.

Taking vitamin C reduces the effectiveness of:

● drugs against thrombosis – heparin, indirect anticoagulants;

● psychotropic drugs – neuroleptics;

● means based on alkaloids – some antitumor, antitussive, lowering blood pressure;

● biologically active additives – copper and selenium.

If you are taking these medications, talk to your doctor about taking vitamin C.

Refrain from high doses of vitamin C if you need to take a biochemical blood test. Ascorbic acid can distort the result of liver parameters, blood glucose ⁴ .

Contraindications

Vitamin C in doses greater than the daily dose is contraindicated in case of individual intolerance, thrombophlebitis and a tendency to thrombosis. To assess the risk of thrombotic complications, do a blood coagulogram.

Consultation with a doctor is required if the patient:

● diabetes mellitus;

● hereditary diseases – sideroblastic anemia, thalassemia, deficiency of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, hemochromatosis;

● tendency to form stones in the urinary system;

● increased secretion of the stomach – hyperacid gastritis, peptic ulcer;

● long-term treatment with anticoagulants;

● salt-free diet.

In these cases, taking vitamin C may worsen the condition.

Briefly about the main

➢ Vitamin C increases the body’s resistance to colds, supports immunity, helps prevent illness and alleviate its course.

Vitamin C is not synthesized or stored by the body, so it must be taken daily.

➢ To prevent deficiency of ascorbic acid, eat fresh fruits, vegetables and greens in summer, drink freshly squeezed juices, and from the beginning of autumn to the end of spring, include vitamin supplements in your diet.

➢ Canned juices and long-term storage fruits contain significantly less vitamin C than fresh foods.

➢ In the treatment of colds, increased dosages of vitamin C are needed. However, like any treatment, vitamin therapy requires consultation with a doctor.

¹ L.M. Zhitnikova Vitamin and mineral complexes in the prevention of influenza and SARS in adults // Medical business. – №3, 2012.

² Timirkhanova E. A., Abdullina G.M., Kulagina I.G. Vitamin C: classical ideas and new facts about the mechanisms of biological action // Vyatka Medical Bulletin. – No. 4, 2007.

³ Abaturov A.E. The effect of vitamins on the state of the immune system in children // Health of the child – No. 6 (9), 2007.

⁴ Ascorbic acid // Register of Medicines of Russia.

⁵ Esaulenko E.E., Eremina T.V., Basov A.A., Popov K.A., Shvets O.V., Volkova N.K. The role of rational nutrition to ensure a healthy lifestyle // International Journal of Applied and Basic Research – No. 4 (1), 2017.

⁶ Shikh E.V. Vitamins with antioxidant properties in the prevention and treatment of acute respiratory infections in children // Questions of modern pediatrics. – T.12, No. 4, 2013.

⁷ Pshenichnaya N.Yu., Bulgakova V.A., Volchkova E.V., Kareva E.N., Selkova E.P., Gorodin V.N. of viral infections in Russia // Therapeutic archive No. 11 – 2019.

⁸ Adyg-Tyulyush A.A., Kuular A.M. Vitamin C in drugs of synthetic and herbal origin // Natural Compounds and Human Health. – Irkutsk, 2020.

⁹ Kostenkov E.A., Zagainov M.A. The content of vitamin “C” in juices and juice-containing drinks. // Biological sciences – №2 (26), 2019.

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properties and benefits, which products contain

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a water-soluble organic compound, one of the main substances necessary for a person to maintain life. Vitamin C is not synthesized by the body, but comes only from the outside with food. A micronutrient deficiency can lead to the development of serious diseases, so it is important to monitor your diet to ensure that you are getting enough ascorbic acid.

Vitamin C Properties

Vitamin C was first isolated almost a hundred years ago, in 1928. Since then, scientists have conducted a huge amount of research that helped to establish the physicochemical properties of the micronutrient, find out its benefits for the human body and sources of intake.

Ascorbic acid is a white powdery substance with a sour taste and a neutral odor. It is highly soluble in water and alcohol, quickly destroyed at high and low temperatures, exposure to ultraviolet rays.

From a chemical point of view, vitamin C is an electron donor or reducing agent. It is precisely this ability of it that explains most of the physiological effects known to science ¹ . Entering into biological reactions, vitamin C acts as a coenzyme, promotes the regeneration of bone and connective tissue cells, acts as an antioxidant, helping the body fight free radicals.

Only L-ascorbic acid, which is called vitamin C or biological supplement E 300, is capable of participating in biochemical reactions. It does not accumulate in the body and is excreted by the kidneys. The compound is very unstable, easily destroyed during heat treatment and long-term storage, which often leads to its deficiency.

Physiological need for vitamin C

Currently, there is no accurate information on the need for vitamin C depending on body weight and data on the characteristics of its metabolism, which creates some difficulties in substantiating differentiated recommendations regarding micronutrient intake norms.

According to the methodological recommendations of the Federal Service for Supervision of Consumer Rights Protection and Human Welfare, the physiological need for vitamin C for adults is 100 mg / day, for children – from 30 to 90 mg/day ² . However, these are very average indicators, since in different periods of life and under different conditions, the need for a micronutrient changes.

So, per kilogram of body weight, the need for L-ascorbic acid in children is higher than in adults, which is explained by the rapid development of organs and structures of a growing organism. Women need higher doses of vitamin C during pregnancy and lactation.

Environmental conditions and the diet associated with them also have a great influence on the need for ascorbic acid. The greatest deficiency of vitamin C is experienced by residents of the Far North. Additional intake of ascorbic acid at low temperatures and a poor diet reduces the risk of developing meteoneurosis, accelerates acclimatization, and increases the body’s resistance to infections.

The results of some studies indicate a possible relationship between vitamin C and the energy needs of the body, so the individual level of consumption of ascorbic acid is determined at the rate of 25 mg per 1000 kcal, for example:

• a man aged 20 to 40 who lives in an urban environment and performs mental work needs 2800 kcal and, accordingly, 70 mg of ascorbic acid per day;

• a worker of the same age, engaged in physical labor and living in the same conditions, requires 3700 kcal and 93 mg of vitamin C per day;

• a person whose activity is associated with heavy manual labor, other things being equal, needs at least 4500 kcal and 120 mg of ascorbic acid daily.

The need for vitamin C also increases during a cold, with chronic infectious processes, reduced immunity, pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract, accompanied by impaired absorption of nutrients.

Health benefits and intakes

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant. It protects cells and tissues of internal organs from damage, regulates redox processes, promotes the synthesis of collagen, procollagen, steroid and neurohormones, mediators, and participates in the metabolism of folic acid and iron. And this is not a complete list of the properties of ascorbic acid. Vitamin C performs a number of other equally important functions:

• regulates blood clotting;
• strengthens the vascular wall;
• has an anti-inflammatory effect;
• reduces the body’s sensitivity to allergens;
• strengthens the immune system;
• supports higher nervous activity;
• is involved in the breakdown of fats;
• accelerates the processes of tissue regeneration;
• prevents malignant transformation of cells ³ .

The debate about the exact amount of vitamin C that a person needs to maintain normal life is still ongoing, and scientists do not yet have a consensus on this matter. The minimum daily norms of ascorbic acid for people of different ages are presented in the table below.

The greatest need for vitamin C is experienced by children in the period of active growth, pregnant and lactating women, athletes, people involved in heavy physical labor, residents of the northern regions. The consumption of ascorbic acid increases with acute infections, oral contraceptives, during periods of severe stress. Vitamin C supplementation is recommended during this time to avoid micronutrient deficiencies.

Signs of vitamin C deficiency

A deficiency in the body of one or more vitamins is called hypovitaminosis, an acute shortage is called beriberi. Hypovitaminosis is accompanied by a decrease in the concentration of vitamin C, as evidenced by the following signs:

1. the appearance of hematomas without injury;
2. slow healing of wounds and abrasions;
3. bleeding gums;
4. dry skin;
5. brittle nails;
6. hair loss;
7. decreased immunity, frequent colds;
8. joint pain;
9. fatigue;
10. emotional instability and depressed mood.

Vitamin C deficiency is more often observed in the autumn-winter period. To some extent, this is due to a change in the diet, as well as the high activity of viruses, the fight against which the body consumes a large amount of micronutrient.

If symptoms of hypovitaminosis appear, you should consult a doctor and undergo an examination. If the test results confirm a vitamin C deficiency, the specialist may prescribe supplements containing ascorbic acid.

Symptoms of vitamin C surplus

An excess of ascorbic acid is extremely rare, since the micronutrient does not accumulate in the body, it is easily excreted by the kidneys. However, uncontrolled intake of the vitamin can cause side effects:

• from the gastrointestinal tract: nausea, vomiting, heartburn, bloating, intestinal cramps, diarrhea;

• from the nervous system: sleep disturbance, headache, dizziness;

• on the part of the immune system: allergic reactions in the form of a rash, itching, redness of the skin, swelling;

• from the urinary system: the appearance of kidney stones, back pain.

These symptoms can be dangerous to health, so when they appear, you should immediately stop taking ascorbic acid and seek medical help.

Despite the relative safety of ascorbic acid, vitamin C supplements for a number of diseases should be taken with caution and only with the permission of the attending physician, as it can enhance the effect of certain drugs and cause side effects. For example:

• Simultaneous intake of salicylic acid (aspirin) and vitamin C can increase the acidity of gastric juice, which increases the risk of gastritis and stomach ulcers.

• The use of ascorbic acid with increased blood clotting increases the risk of thrombosis, so people with high levels of prothrombin and platelets need to coordinate the micronutrient intake with their doctor.

• High doses of vitamin C are contraindicated in patients with type 2 diabetes, as high doses (above 1000 mg/day) inhibit insulin production. On the contrary, prophylactic doses of ascorbic acid can help strengthen blood vessels, which often suffer from diabetes.

• For people who are prone to stone formation, additional intake of vitamin C may be contraindicated due to the high risk of developing urolithiasis. In this case, it is enough to diversify your diet with foods rich in this micronutrient.

• Long-term joint use of ascorbic acid and drugs containing estrogens can lead to menstrual irregularities, weight gain, deterioration of the skin and hair. Therefore, women taking oral contraceptives should limit themselves to short-term courses of the vitamin.

Healthy people can take prophylactic courses of vitamin C at the recommended dosages without fear of harming the body. However, as with any vitamin/mineral supplement, it is advisable to seek the advice of a physician or nutritionist before starting to take ascorbic acid.

Vitamin C sources

Vegetables, fruits, berries, greens are rich in ascorbic acid. The advantage of these products is that most of them can be consumed fresh without being subjected to heat treatment, which destroys vitamin C.

Contrary to popular belief, citrus fruits are not leaders in the content of ascorbic acid – they only close the top twenty. In addition to vegetables and fruits, dried porcini mushrooms and beef liver are rich in vitamin C.

The TOP 20 foods high in Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) are shown in the table below. Adding them to your daily diet will be an excellent prevention of hypovitaminosis.

Product	Quantity, mg/100 g	Percentage of Daily Value
Rose hip	650	929
Sea ​​buckthorn	200	286
Before Sweet (Bulgarian)	200	286
Black currant	200	286
Kiwi	180	257
Dried white mushrooms	150	214
parsley	150	214
Brussels sprouts	89	127
Cauliflower	70	100
Papaya	61	87
pomelo	61	87
Orange	60	86
strawberries	60	86
red cabbage	60	86
Spinach	55	79
Grapefruit	45	64
White cabbage	45	64
Lemon	40	57
Mandarin	38	54
Beef liver	33	47

When calculating the intake of vitamin C, it should be borne in mind that the amount of nutrients depends on the method of processing products and the duration of their contact with oxygen. In order to preserve the maximum of vitamins in vegetables and fruits, it is recommended to cut them immediately before eating, and put them in boiling water during cooking without peeling.

Therapeutic and prophylactic use of vitamin C

Ascorbic acid is used for the treatment and prevention of hypovitaminosis, viral infections, some vascular pathologies, strengthening the immune system ⁴ . With a slight decrease in the level of vitamin in the blood, the doctor can give recommendations for correcting nutrition, with severe hypovitaminosis, prescribe a course of vitamin C in the form of soluble tablets, dragees or powders. In case of an acute shortage of ascorbic acid, as a rule, intramuscular injections of vitamin preparations are prescribed.

The prophylactic dose of vitamin C is 50–100 mg for adults, 25–75 mg for children, and 25–100 mg for pregnant and lactating women. Therapeutic dosages depend on the severity of the disease and are calculated individually. The duration of the course and the regimen are determined by the attending physician.

In severe viral infections in the acute period of the disease, patients may be given loading doses of vitamin C. According to studies, high doses do not affect the duration and severity of viral infections, but allow maintaining a sufficient level of ascorbic acid in conditions when the body consumes it most actively ⁵ .

How to take vitamin C correctly?

Vitamin C is available in pharmacies in single form and as part of complex dietary supplements, but regardless of the form of release, it is best to take it during or immediately after a meal. Together with food, ascorbic acid itself is absorbed better and promotes the absorption of nutrients that come with it. After taking a dietary supplement in the form of chewable lozenges or lozenges, it is recommended to rinse your mouth thoroughly so that the acid does not destroy tooth enamel.

When using ascorbic acid, it is also necessary to take into account its interaction and compatibility with other vitamins and minerals. Remember that vitamin C:

• enhances the activity of vitamins A, E, B ₅ , B ₉ ;
• accelerates the absorption of iron and calcium;
• destroyed by vitamins B ₁ , B ₁₂
  and K;
• promotes the excretion of copper from the body.

If you do not want to remember the rules of interaction, choose multivitamin complexes and dietary supplements for prophylactic use, in which the optimal combinations and dosages are selected to provide a person’s daily need for micronutrients.

Cosmetic use of vitamin C

Ascorbic acid has antioxidant and anti-aging properties, so it is often included in cosmetics and anti-aging complexes. Oral vitamin supplements can have a systemic effect, and topical treatments can help:

• relieve inflammation;
• improvement of cellular metabolism and microcirculation;
• stimulation of collagen synthesis;
• alignment of color and increase of skin turgor;
• strengthening local immunity;
• improve blood circulation;
• reduce the appearance of wrinkles ⁶ .

Care products with ascorbic acid are available in the form of creams, gels, peels, masks, patches. Homemade masks based on berries and fruits also have a healing and rejuvenating effect.

¹ Vitamin C: the known and the unknown and Goldilocks. Padayatti C . D ., Levin M . OralDis. 2016 Sep; 22(6):463-93. doi: 10.1111/odi.12446 . Epub 2016 Apr 14. PMID: 26808119; PMCID: PMC4959991.
² Norms of physiological needs for energy and nutrients for various groups of the population of the Russian Federation: Guidelines. – M.: Federal Service for Supervision of Consumer Rights Protection and Human Welfare, 2021. – 72 p.
³ Vitamin C/ Vitamin C . Likkesfeldt J., Michels A. D., Frei B. Adv Nutr . 2014 Jan 1;5(1):16-8. doi : 10.3945/ an .113.005157 . PMID : 24425716; PMCID : PMC 3884093 20 4 Vitamin C as an antioxidant: assessment of its role in disease prevention / Vitamin C as an antioxidant: 1 in disease prevention. Padayatti S. D., Katz A., Wang Y., Ek P., Kwon O., Lee D. H., Che S., Corp. K., Datta A., Datta S. K., Levin M. J Am Coll Nutr. 2003 Feb;22(1):18-35. doi: 10.1080/07315724.2003.10719272 . PMID: 12569111.
⁵ The antiviral properties properties of vitamin C 0 C. Biancatelli C., Burrill M., Marik P. E. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther. 2020 Feb;18(2):99-101. doi: 10.1080/14787210.2020.1706483 .