Functions
Vitamin C is a water soluble vitamin, easily excreted, and should be replaced daily for optimum health. It has numerous functions, including:
- Activation of folic acid and protein metabolism
- Anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory activity
- Antioxidant activity
- Control of blood cholesterol
- Enhancing iron absorption from food
- Formation of brain chemicals like norepinephrine and serotonin
- Immune system reinforcement
- Maintenance of bones, collagen, skin and teeth
- Production of anti-stress hormones
- Resistance to infection
- Strengthening of internal walls of blood vessels
Sources
Best food source of vitamin C is acerola cherry juice. Other sources are rosehip syrup, kiwi fruit, blackcurrants, guavas, parsley, kale, horseradish, broccoli, green peppers, citrus fruits, strawberries, watercress, cabbage, mangos, all other fruits and vegetables. Elevated doses of vitamin C are required by the aged, athletes, and persons on or with,
- Antibiotics, aspirin, anti-arthritic drugs
- Barbiturates, contraceptive pills, corticosteroids
- Diabetes, infectious diseases, peptic ulcers
- Surgery or recovering from serious illness
Uses
- Alcoholism
- Allergies
- Arthritis
- Bleeding gums and under the skin
- Colds and flu
- High cholesterol
- Iron deficiency anemia
- Scurvy
- Bleeding gums and hemorrhages in the eyes and nose
- Frequent colds or other infections
- Hair loss
- Irritability
- Lassitude
- Loose teeth
- Muscle and joint pains
- Persistent dreams of salads or fruit cornucopia
- Weakness
Safety
Generally considered a safe vitamin. Persons suffering from peptic ulcers should take the buffered form. Doses above 1g a day should be avoided by women on the pill, while people with kidney disorders should seek the advice of qualified health professionals. For long term use, the ester form may be advisable, but do not chew vitamin C tablets as the acid may erode your tooth enamel. Evidence exists that elevated levels of vitamin C supplementation (1,500mg a day) over the course of two months, may suppress copper levels in the blood of males. For the risks of copper deficiency, see section on Copper under Minerals.