Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) – Recommended Dose, Uses, Side Effect,

Overview

What is Vitamin C

It is a water-soluble vitamin that occurs naturally in fruits and vegetables. It is also contained as supplements and is referred to as Ascorbic acid that the body needs to form blood vessels, cartilage, muscles, and collagen in bones. It helps the body intrinsically during healing. Research has shown that Vitamin C is best taken in the diet than a supplement. Orange juices that are squeezed from fresh oranges are good sources. 

Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps to combat free radicals. These free radicals are also known as reactive oxidative species (ROS), and they result from processes taking place in the body, exposure to pollution, and other factors. All of these lead to oxidative stress, which can cause cell damage such as heart diseases, cancer, and other diseases. In addition, severe deficiency of Vitamin C leads to scurvy which makes the gum tender and may cause bleeding, anaemia, bruising and poor wound healing.

How it works – Vitamin C Tablets

The effect of how Vitamin C works in the body leaves the body cells and immune system a booster to fight against oxidative stress caused by free radicals. As a coenzyme, it helps synthesize and utilize specific amino acids that are helpful to the body. Vitamin C works to affect the production of collagen, which is the most abundant protein in the body that helps the connecting tissue get the body parts together and function effectively. A diet deficient in Vitamin C would affect the whole body as cells become prone to infections. Vitamin C is effective for the following conditions:

  • Atrial fibrillation which means irregular heartbeat 
  • Low level of red blood cell
  • Common cold 
  • High cholesterol 
  • High blood pressure 
  • Lead poisoning 
  • Wrinkled skin 
  • Reduction of blood uric acid levels and prevent gout attacks
  • Prevent Iron deficiency 
  • Complex regional pain in the limb

Generally, as much as it is effective for the above conditions, consumption would be moderate and directed by your doctor.

Vitamin C Administration and Dosage 

It is an essential source of nutrients to the body cells and is obtained from vegetables fresh fruits, especially the citrus family. However, all of this comes with regulations despite its relative importance to the body. The required or recommended dietary allowance reveals the amount that should be consumed daily. The recommended dietary allowances for males and females are 90 mg and 75 mg, respectively. For children, their recommended intake depends on their age; also, for pregnant women and nursing mothers, their RDA is 120 mg. Please consult your doctor to know which will be better for any particular condition and how to go about it, as Vitamin C can be found in supplements and other products.

Vitamin C Tablet and Supplement Recommendations

Get Vitamin C 1000MG by 20 online

Get Vitamin C 1000MG 100 By Piping Rock Online

Get Puritan Vitamin C Chewable 500MG 1 X 60 Online

Get Puritan Vitamin C 500MG 1 X 250 Online

Get Healthlife Vitamin C 500MG 1 X 50 Online

Get Calgovit Vitamin C 1000MG 20 Online

Get Nature Made Vitamin C 1000MG 300 Online

Get Nature Made Vitamin C 500MG 250 Onine

Get Nature Made Vitamin C 250MG 150 Online

Get Nature’S Field Vitamin C 500MG Oline

Get Halls Defense Vitamin C 60MG/DROP Onine

Vitamin C Storage

Since it is water-soluble and readily dissolves quickly in water, keeping it out of damp regions prolongs the shelf life. However, storing Vitamin C in a dark area under room temperature is enough to prevent spoilage or reduce efficacy.

Recommendation

Vitamin C is an antioxidant and essential nutrient that has many functions. It functions in reducing oxidative stress, enhancing wound healing, and promoting the production of collagen, which helps in the stretchiness of skin. Vegetables and fruits are good sources of Vitamin C; however, some people prefer to take supplements though the tendency to take more than the required dose. It is always best to consult your doctor and determine which is best to use. Overall, Vitamin C supplements are a great way to boost your immunity, especially if you are struggling to get enough from your diet, but all of these must be done under the strict guidance of your health care provider. 

Vitamin C Side Effects 

When Vitamin C is taken at the appropriate dose recommended by the doctor, it is expected to yield great results. However, when it is taken, then it is necessary, it may lead to the following:

  • Heartburn
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Stomach cramps
  • Fatigue and sleepiness which may sometimes lead to insomnia
  • Skin irritation and tingling

The chances of getting very complicated issues are high, especially when you consume more than 2000 mg daily of Vitamin C. It is unsafe and may lead to kidney stones and severe diarrhea, and for patients who already have kidney stones, it will lead to more kidney stones. Therefore, in the cause of any medical check-up or test, endeavor to speak with your doctor on your intake of Vitamin C. This is due to a high amount of it, which may impact specific test results, e.g., Stool tests.

Consuming large amounts of Vitamin C can lead to various complications. Patients who are deficient in Glucose -6- phosphate dehydrogenase, a condition where the red blood cell breaks down when exposed to certain drugs or stress of infection, should avoid excessive intake of Vitamin C. In essential multivitamins, consuming more than expected quantity may increase getting kidney stones. It is advisable to stick with what the doctor recommended or check the leaflet and follow the instructions. People who smoke regularly and consume a lot of tobacco should be mindful, as this habit reduces the level of Vitamin C in the body. It is expected that they consume a lot of Vitamin C in their diet to replenish the already depleted amount in the body or quit smoking and chewing tobacco. Mothers who are breastfeeding or pregnant should stay with the recommended dietary amount for Vitamin C since it impacts their children and can cause harm to them. This is possible, especially when a large amount is taken excessively through the mouth. When taken appropriately through the mouth, it is safe and advisable for children. The required amounts higher than 400 mg daily for children between 1- 3 years, 650 mg for children 4 – 8 years, 1200 mg for children 9 – 13 years, and 1800 mg for adolescents 14 – 18 years are unsafe to their health. The need for parents to monitor the intake of Vitamin C, so children don’t get to abuse it given its sweety taste. Cancerous patients should be aware that cancer cells consume a lot of Vitamin C; they should therefore speak with the Oncologist to ascertain the required consumption of Vitamin C. Kidney failure may occur for patients with kidney disease as the presence of a high amount of oxalate in the urine caused by Vitamin C supplements. Patients with kidney conditions increase the deficiency of Vitamin C, and their bid to improve it without adequate care and prescription may lead to kidney failure.

Generally, Vitamin C is safe for most people, and it is safe for people to take it in their diet than as supplements. Individuals who take Vitamin C as supplements are at the very best of getting exposed to consuming a high amount of it and experiencing side effects. More severe consequences such as iron overload and kidney stones may also result from supplements. In combining Vitamin C and the following compounds, moderate caution must be applied. They include:

  • Aluminium
  • Estrogen
  • Prolixin
  • Medication for cancer
  • Warfarin
  • Niacin

These compounds interact with Vitamin C, and caution must be applied to avoid health complications.

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