Vitamin C Facts
September 18, 2009
Vitamin C, also known as the L-ascorbic acid, is a very strong antioxidant. It is a water soluble vitamin and is easily available in nature. The vitamin is essential to be taken every day and is present in major portion in almost all daily supplements available in market.
60 mg of vitamin C is the standard recommended dose to an average healthy adult. The deficiency disease caused by vitamin C is scurvy.
Benefits and Functions
Vitamin C helps in development of resistance against infection. It is involved in production of anti-stress hormones in the body and promotes iron absorption from the food. The vitamin is known to make folic acid active and functional.
It is a co-enzyme for production of several brain and nerve substances. It maintains optimal levels of cholesterol and acts as natural anti-histamine in the body. Additionally, vitamin C aids in helping the sex organs active and healthy.
The daily requirement of vitamin C is more for people who drink alcohol or are about to undergo an operation. Those consuming aspirin, barbiturates, corticosteroids, antibiotics and anti-arthritis drugs also need extra amount of vitamin C. Women using contraceptive pills also need an extra amount of vitamin C every day.
Vitamin C is helpful part of almost every anti-aging skin care preparation. People suffering from health diseases like diabetes, gastric or duodenal ulcer also need to consume extra amounts of vitamin C. One must consult a physician before raising the intake. Elderly people should consume vitamin C in liquid form.
Studies show that vitamin C has a significant role in treating colds, influenza, high blood pressure and psychiatric conditions.
Deficiency Symptoms
Since vitamin C plays a critical role in development of immunity of the body, its absence decreases strength of the body. Symptoms include weakness, lassitude, excess or persistent pain in muscles and joints.
Severe symptom like bleeding gums, losing of teeth and irritability may also occur. In rare cases, hemorrhage in nose, skin and eyes can be observed.
Best Sources
Best source of vitamin C is the entire berry-family. These include strawberries, blueberries, gooseberry, raspberry, etc. Other sources are mustard tops, cabbage, lemons, oranges, watercress, broccoli, blackcurrants, Brussels sprouts and guavas
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