VITAMIN C (ASCORBIC ACID)
Vitamin C is a potent anti-oxidant and the most widely taken supplement. Vitamin C is important to the growth and repair of body-tissue cells, gums, blood vessels, bones and teeth. The best Vitamin C supplements contain the complete C complex of bioflavenoids, hesperidin, and rutin (citrus salts.)
According to Dr. Earl Mindell, R.Ph., Ph.D., author of the Vitamin Bible, Vitamin C has the ability to:
Aid in healing of wounds, burns, and bleeding gums;
Increase effectiveness of drugs treating urinary tract infections;
Accelerate healing after surgery;
Help prevent oxidation of bad cholesterol (LDL);
Help prevent many viral and bacterial infections;
Help protect again several forms of cancer;
Act as a natural laxative;
Lower incidence of blood clots in veins;
Help prevent colds and shorten the duration and severity of colds;
Help lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure;
Prevent scurvy.
The human body can not synthesize its own Vitamin C so must rely on dietary sources from food or vitamin supplementation. It is important to maintain a constant high level of C in the blood stream at all times. Stress can quickly lower the body's supply of Vitamin C. Smokers, older persons, women on birth control pills and city dwellers breathing pollution have a greater need for Vitamin C. Vitamin C is excreted within two to three hours. Taking aspirin triples the excretion rate.
Caution: If taking over 750mg a day, supplementation with magnesium, B-6 and drinking plenty of water will prevent oxalic acid and uric acid stone formation. Vitamin C may change the results of certain lab tests so tell your doctor before scheduling tests or surgery. High doses are not recommended for people taking radiation or people with iron overload diseases. Certain diabetic drugs and sulfa drugs may be less effective when taken with Vitamin C. Please ask your doctor or pharmacist.