VITAMIN C (Ascorbic Acid)

Description

            Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water soluble compound similar to glucose. Although fairly stable in acid solution, it is usually the least stable of the vitamins and is very sensitive to light, heat and air, which stimulate the activity of oxidative enzymes.
    One of its important function is to maintain active participation in collagen, a protein necessary for the formation of connective tissue of the skin, ligaments and bones. Vitamin C has an important role in the healing of wounds and burns because it facilitates the formation of connective tissue scar. The cells of the arterial wall collagen of the need to expand and contract with the beats of the heart, capillaries also need them because they are more fragile. Another important property of vitamin C is an antioxidant, which among other things, makes it useful as a food additive. This function is carried out when vitamin C is self-oxidizes and then regenerates the oxidized substances such as iron or copper returning them to their original form. During this process, the harmful oxidizing agent is removed.

            Vitamin C protects iron from oxidation in the gut.
    It also contributes to the formation of red blood cells and prevents bleeding. Also fights bacterial infections and reduces the effects of certain substances that cause allergies. For these reasons, vitamin C is often used in the prevention and treatment of common cold. It 'was discovered that vitamin C acts as an antihistamine and can be used to reduce the dosage form of medicine.
    Vitamin C has significant relationships with other nutrients. Contributes to the metabolism of some amino acids such as phenylalanine and tyrosine becoming hormones. Vitamin C converts inactive forms of folic acid into active form of folic acid and can have a significant role in the metabolism of calcium and iron. It also protects the thiamine, riboflavin, folic acid, pantothenic acid, vitamin A and E from oxidation. Protects the brain and spinal cord from destruction by free radicals. Studies on vitamin C as cancer treatment continue, but there is already evidence regarding the protective effect of vitamin C against some types of cancer in large population groups.
    Large amounts of vitamin C is found in the adrenal glands, which release epinephrine and norepinephrine in times of stress.

    Absorption and storage

            Since vitamin C is a "stress vitamin" is consumed more rapidly under stress. Small reserves are quickly consumed by the daily stresses and frustrations. Humans, monkeys and guinea pigs are among the few animals that need feeding vitamin C because they are not able to meet demand through organic synthesis and are therefore by the contribution diet.
    The level of ascorbic acid in the blood reaches its peak two or three hours after ingestion of an average amount, and then starts decreasing when the excretion via urine and perspiration. Most vitamin C is eliminated from the body into three or four hours, that's why it must be taken several times a day. Increased elimination of vitamin C through the urinary tract due to an increased intake of vitamin does not mean that the body's tissues are saturated. The level of vitamin C in the blood return to average levels in 12 or 13 hours, regardless of the amount taken. To maintain an appropriate level of the vitamin in the serum, we should take it at intervals of three or four hours. An excess of vitamin C that reaches the bladder may prevent bladder cancer.

            When taken orally, most of the vitamin is absorbed through the mucous membrane of the mouth, stomach and upper small intestine. The higher the dose, the lower the percentage absorbed. For example, in a dose of less than 250 mg of vitamin consumption is the percentage eighty percent, while a dose of more than two grams of 50% will be absorbed. Because a healthy body can only absorb a certain amount during a certain period of time, taking high doses of vitamin C at one time, if necessary, results in a greater elimination of ascorbic acid is not metabolized. In therapeutic intravenous injections of a few grams of ascorbic acid are more effective than oral administration of the same amount. The intestinal absorption of iron and calcium is greatly improved after taking the right amounts of vitamin C.

            A normal human body when it is fully saturated contains about 5000 mg of vitamin C, of ​​which 30 are located in the adrenal glands mg, 200 mg in extracellular fluids, the rest is distributed in varying concentrations in all cells of the body. The body's ability to absorb vitamin C is reduced by smoking, stress, high fever, or by inhaling gases from the combustion of petroleum derivatives. The sulfa drugs enhance the elimination of vitamin C through the urinary tract of two or three times the normal amount. The baking soda creates an alkaline environment that destroys the vitamin C. In addition, excessive quantities of water depleting the reserves of organic vitamin C. The cooking of food in containers made of copper destroys vitamin C in foods. Vitamin C found in food deteriorates rapidly with the transport, processing, storage, cooking, bruising, cutting, exposure to light, air and heat. Orange juice, if it is kept covered in the refrigerator, will keep its strength for several days. The more fresh and less cooked food will be greater the amount of vitamin contained. Among the preferred methods of cooking include microwave ovens, steam and fry quickly. The stems of broccoli vitamin store much longer than the inflorescence. Spinach lose 105 mg of vitamin within 10 days. Sweet peppers can be stored for 3 weeks with minimal loss.

    Dosage and Toxicity

            The National Research Council (U.S.) recommends 60 milligrams of vitamin C for adults. The requirements vary according to differences in weight, metabolic rate, activity, illness and age. States of stress, anxiety, infections, wounds, surgery, burns and fatigue and increases the body needs. Or hypoglycemic individuals who follow a high protein diet need a higher dose of vitamin C, as these conditions interfere with the metabolism of the vitamin. People with high levels of copper or iron in the blood they need a higher intake of vitamin C. Any condition that elevates the level of serum copper increases the vitamin C requirements, including schizophrenia, smoking (smokers should take 100 mg a day) the use of oral contraceptives, menstruation and the last month of pregnancy ( consult a doctor). Two grams per day for two weeks will decrease the duration and severity of colds and symptoms of allergies.

            When vitamin C is prescribed for therapeutic reasons, the dosage is very important. Too little will have little or no effect. In addition to 60 mg for adults, we recommend taking another 10 mg at 35 other pregnant women and lactating women. In some circumstances and in the course of certain diseases will be necessary to increase the dose, as in the case of extremely high or low body temperature, in the presence of toxic levels of lead, mercury and cadmium and the chronic use of medications such as aspirin and barbiturates. When given very high doses of vitamin, it is also necessary to increase calcium intake.
    In some cases, large doses of vitamin C can give side effects. The symptoms may be a slight burning sensation during urination, diarrhea or intestinal disorders, flatulence or abdominal pain, skin rashes and nausea. When one of these symptoms are present it is good to reduce the dosage. The presence of these conditions can be avoided by taking vitamin after a meal, which would also be useful for proper assimilation. If symptoms persist, you can try other types of vitamin C.

            They should not be taken large doses of vitamin C from those who have a tendency to calculus formation of oxalate or cystinuria, unless it is in the form of sodium ascorbate. Sodium ascorbate does not affect the acidity of urine and promotes excretion of oxalate. Some individuals suffer from a rare genetic disorder that causes the formation of kidney stones when you take large amounts of vitamin C. People who have a tendency to gout and those who, because of a genetic condition, have an impaired absorption of vitamin C, are more prone to stone formation. In these cases there is a need to reduce the intake of the vitamin. Black Americans, Africans, Asians, Jews, Sephardic and some other ethnic groups may have more side effects of taking very high doses. The vitamin may cause breakage of their red blood cells causing hemolytic anemia. People who suffer from sickle cell disease are particularly vulnerable.

            Although estrogen-based therapies increase the need for vitamin C and B6. Vitamin C can give a false reading of blood glucose tests (except for hexokinase), glucose oxidase and tests for the detection of blood in the stool. Lowering the amount of vitamin C, after intake of high doses may have symptoms of scurvy (especially in infants). Therefore, doses of the vitamin should be lowered gradually over a period of time until the body has adapted to the new regime. People taking anticoagulants may erase the effect of taking very high doses of vitamin C. Excess vitamin A can promote the absorption of iron, thus causing an overdose of the mineral.

    Effects of deficiency and symptoms

            Signs of failure are shortness of breath, poor digestion, brittle hair with split ends, hair under the skin break and twist, dry hair and tied, shortage of milk, broken blood vessels cause bleeding of the gums at the base of the teeth, broken capillaries because of pinpoint hemorrhages, skin problems, weakening of the enamel, tendency to bruising, swollen or painful joints, loss of nose bleeds, anemia, lowered resistance to infections, slow healing of wounds and fractures. The teeth may be less firm and lose fillings. Even small deficiencies of vitamin C can cause discomfort in the gums that allow bacteria and toxins to penetrate into the tissues causing periodontal disease.

            The lack of vitamin C can cause heart attacks and stroke caused by clots. The deficiency can cause muscle degeneration, which can include heart. And 'well known that smoking decreases the level of ascorbic acid in the blood. For a sample of human blood that you know exactly the content of ascorbic acid was added nicotine. The content of ascorbic acid is reduced by a percentage from 24 to 31%.
    Alcoholics have a low rate of vitamin C in serum because the vitamin is used to eliminate the toxic effects of alcohol. It 'was recently discovered that the elderly and those suffering from chronic alcoholics form together with a group of people more vulnerable to scurvy. Serious deficiency causes scurvy in any person. People with cancer, those who suffer from dental disorders, orthopedic or dialysis are all vulnerable to deficiencies of vitamin C.

            In case of deficiency, the skin becomes rough, dry and scaly. The bone ends are softened and become painful, it causes birth defects that can cause imbalances in the growth and fracture. Heavy bleeding in the joints and cavities of the body can cause death.

    Beneficial effects in diseases

            Vitamin C plays an important role in the prevention and cure of scurvy. It facilitates the formation of healthy bones and teeth, protecting enamel and pulp. It also reduces the negative effects on the body of certain substances that produce allergic reactions. Vitamin C is frequently used to reduce the duration and severity of common cold. The lubricating fluid of the joints (synovial fluid) becomes smoother when the serum levels of ascorbic acid are high and allows greater freedom of movement. So, arthritic patients treated with vitamin C can get a bit 'of pain relief. It 'a nutrient important in the treatment of wounds that accelerates the healing process, especially in case of burns of the cornea. Ascorbic acid can lower cholesterol in the blood of patients with atherosclerosis. The rate of serum cholesterol is reduced by 35-40% with treatment with vitamin C. Even if you do not yet know the final results, studies on the relationship between cholesterol and vitamin C continue.

            The requirement for vitamin C increases with age due to a greater need for regeneration of collagen. Over the years, the sexual glands require a greater amount of vitamin C and get the other tissues that are exposed to disease. So adequate integration will help to reduce the depletion. Vitamin C has yielded positive results in cases of male infertility. It 'has been noted that vitamin improves the utilization of zinc, magnesium, copper and potassium, vital for normal sperm. Vitamin C gives positive results in cases of cervical dysplasia, a disorder that can lead to cancer. Vitamin C, vitamin E and bioflavonoids have given relief to many people suffering from varicose veins. A balanced diet along with exercise can help prevent them.

            The octocosanolo in wheat germ or in the form of Prometol (capsules crystalline substance), which can be purchased in health food stores, taken together with primrose oil, vitamin E (as mixed tocopherols), vitamin C, selenium and lecithin may improve symptoms of multiple sclerosis. Consult a doctor to get a therapeutic dosage. In Crohn's disease, the body uses zinc, magnesium, pyridoxine, niacinamide, vitamin C and E to protect from oxidation. Vitamins C and B6 are both natural and diuretics are used in conjunction with nutritionists bioflavonoids by doctors to treat patients with hypertension by enhancing the action of vitamin C in the body (excluding sodium ascorbate).

            Vitamin C is important in all stressful conditions. The requirement of ascorbic acid in the tissues is greater in the presence of accelerated metabolism. Vitamin C stimulates the production of interferon and acts as an inactivating factor against viruses and infections, including herpes virus, vaccinia rashes, hepatitis, polio, encephalitis, measles, pneumonia, and of ' AIDS. This is because vitamin C, catalyzed by copper ions, reduces the oxygen molecules in molecules such that, in turn, attack the virus nucleic acids. Given that the normal functioning of white blood cells which fight infection depends on vitamin C, this same mechanism works against bacteria, including those responsible for diphtheria, tuberculosis, tetanus, typhoid fever, and staphylococci.

            If vitamin C is assumed sufficient to saturate the tissues, it enters the cells and destroys viruses currently inactive. For more than 25 years Dr.. Frederick Klenner of Reidsville, North Carolina, has used vitamin C in the treatment of viral diseases. His therapy is based on the administration, intravenously or orally, of 20-40 grams of vitamin C daily. The symptoms of scurvy regress rapidly with the administration of 100 mg per day. It was found that administration of two grams per day or 500 mg injected twice daily inhibits blood clotting.
    Massive doses of vitamin C have been used to treat drug addicts, including heroin and methadone addicts and barbiturates. The chiropractor Alfred F. Libby in Santa Ana, California, has achieved good results in rats and four days from 25 to 85 grams of sodium ascorbate, a version of vitamin C, then reduced the dose to 5 grams of sodium ascorbate and 5 grams of ascorbic acid. The treatment helps heroin withdrawal, helps establish a good appetite and sound sleep, and helps to eliminate abnormal reasoning. Vitamin C was used for tests that evaluated its effects on intelligence. A study based on a control group made up of children found a 3.6% increase in IQ when the administration of vitamin C was increased by 50%.

            High doses of vitamin C reduce the levels of vanadium, which is associated with manic-depressive disorders and water and electrolyte metabolism. Vitamin C can increase the effectiveness of drugs such as haloperidol, thus allowing to reduce the amount, thus reducing side effects. The dr. Carl Pfeiffer said that vitamin C acts as an anxiolytic on the nervous system. He uses vitamin C to treat schizophrenia. Studies have shown that patients have an unusual need psychically excessive vitamin C. Treatment with vitamin C brings an improvement in cases of paranoia and depression.

            Vitamin C prevents the formation of carcinogenic nitrosamines from nitrites and nitrates found in some foods. Vitamin C has been used successfully to treat bites of snakes and spiders, insect bites and rabies. Currently research is carried out to determine its role in promoting resistance to fatigue, respiratory diseases and pain. Vitamin C is important for the recovery of patients suffering from heart attack, preventing the harmful effects of free radicals. However, the heart will absorb such a large amount of vitamin C from other tissues of the body, which will be needed as well enough. Some Scottish physicians argue that vitamin C combats bleeding of the intestinal tract caused by aspirin or alcohol. The bleeding can continue or start again if there is enough vitamin C to close the injury.

            Vitamin C is essential to stimulate the immune system, making the body unable to resist disease, including cancer, especially, according to recent findings, cancer of the stomach and esophagus. This finding was also enlarged to laryngeal cancer in individuals smoking and drinking. His role as an antioxidant in the lungs is valuable to minimize the effects of environmental pollution, including those due to carbon monoxide and cigarette smoking. The levels of vitamin C in smokers can be restored to normal through the integration.
    Vitamin C can block the formation of carcinogens such as nitrosamines. These substances are found in cosmetics, tobacco products, cigarette smoke, malt-based beverages and processed meats (salami to some types of vitamin C is added to prevent nitrosamines from entering the body) . It is reported that some individuals have been cured of cancer with the intake of 10 grams of vitamin C per day.

            Other patients with terminal cancer survivors are four times more than those of control un'gruppo. However, these results should be confirmed by further study. Vitamin C can neutralize the toxicity of chloramines, which are added to water to replace chlorine (which you know the carcinogenic action). Vitamin C also protects against harmful effects of harmful substances such as cadmium, mercury, lead, iron, copper, arsenic, benzene and some pesticides.
    The dr. James Greenwood, Baylor University, says that an intake greater than normal vitamin C helps to preserve the integrity of the intervertebral disks and prevent back problems. The high or low temperatures increase the requirement for vitamin C. The vitamin, in part, improves the metabolism of tyrosine and phenylalanine, precursors of thyroid hormones such as radiators. Vitamin C may help diabetics who suffer from bleeding gums, slow wound healing and premature aging of the skin.

            Research performed on monkeys in the laboratory have shown that vitamin C may protect from freezing. Studies conducted in Russia have shown that vitamin C slows down the aging process. The Russian athletes strive vitamin C to increase muscle tissue. Vitamin C can decrease the need for certain medications such as L-Dopa and painkillers administered to patients with cancer. The vitamin prevents certain enzymes to break down natural compounds in the brain painkillers.
    Vitamin C helps the victims of shock from injury, electric shock and electrocution. Miliaria rubra and prevents heat stroke. Leukemia, pancreatitis and rheumatic heart disease respond well to therapy with vitamin C. Vitamin C powder, moistened with water to obtain a spreadable mass applied to the skin, can solve the Rhus radicans irritation from contact and Rhus diversiloba (two varieties of vines spread to America, Ed) in 24 hours if will be taken at the same time adequate doses of the vitamin by mouth.

    Research carried out on humans

        Vitamin C and pertussis. Ninety children with pertussis, vitamin C was administered orally, injected 5,000 milligrams per day for seven days, reducing the dose gradually until you reach the level of 100 milligrams daily. For a control group was administered instead of a vaccine against pertussis.

        Results. The duration of the disease in children who received ascorbic acid was 15-20 days, while the average for children who received a vaccine was 34 days. When the ascorbic acid therapy was initiated during the catarrhal stage, the stage was prevented spasm in 75% of cases. (Journal of the American Medical Association, November 4, 1950, as reported in Rodale, The Encyclopedia of Healthful Living, p.. 956.)

        Vitamin C and miliaria rubra. Thirty children were divided into two groups. For one of them was given vitamin C in relation to body weight, the other was administered a placebo, in this case the form of sugar pills. Only the pharmacist knew who they were actually administered. After two weeks the dr. Hindson and pharmacist compare their notes:

        Placebo group, vitamin C Group
        1 9 unchanged unchanged
        4 4 improved improved
        10 recovered from the injury worsened 2

        For the 15 patients who were given the placebo were given vitamin C after the first comparison. Within two months, there were no injuries in any of the 30 children. (Dosage: 17 kg child = 250 milligrams per day). (Dr. C. Hindson, as reported in Rodale, ed., Prevention, July 1972.)

        Vitamin C and iron deficiency. Thirty women aged between 14 and 40 years suffer from iron deficiency. They were given one tablet of 200 milligrams of ascorbic acid per day.

        Results. After 60 days of treatment, iron deficiency improved. A chronic deficiency of iron is often complicated by the effect side of scurvy. To influence the absorption of iron is required intake of at least 200-500 milligrams of vitamin C per day. (Margo Enlil Schleicher, director of the Department of Haematology St. Barnabas Hospital, Minneapolis, as reported in Rodale, ed., Prevention, August 1970.)

        Vitamin C and nicotine. Fourteen smokers and 14 non-smokers with similar dietary habits have been subjected to diets deficient in vitamin C. All were taken blood samples. So were given 1.1 grams of vitamin C and large doses of water-soluble vitamins for easy absorption. This process has lasted for 5 days, until the body of the subjects were not saturated with vitamin C. For three days intakes of vitamin C were limited and carefully analyzed the urine.

        Results. Blood tests showed that smokers had about 30% less vitamin C in their blood than non-smokers. (Pelletier Omar of the Research Division of the Food and Drug Directorate in Ottawa, Canada, as reported in Rodale, ed., Prevention, July 1969.)

        Vitamin C and inflammation of the urethra. Twelve men were suffering from painful inflammation of the urethra, after careful examination, each of them were administered for four days, 3 g of vitamin C. The irritation was caused by the phosphate crystals were formed due to insufficient urine acidity.

        Results. High doses of vitamin C are found to be good therapy to introduce sufficient acidity to regress crystals in solution. The excess intake of vitamin C resulted in the elimination from the urine of that part is not stored by the body and the subsequent recovery of patients. An excess of vitamin C in urine has proved 100% effective in treating the symptoms. (Rodale, ed., Prevention, July 1973.)

    Research carried out on animals

        Vitamin C and the formation of teeth. In mice deficient in vitamin C stopped the formation of dentin and the pulp was separated from liquids by dentin, or dentin produced was of inferior quality. The pulp is restricted and, once freed from the dentin, seemingly floating in a liquid.

        Results. With the administration of vitamin C has had a rapid improvement. (Journal of Dentistry for Children, Third Quarter, 1943, as reported in Rodale, The Encyclopedia for Healthful Living, p.. 953-954.)

        Vitamin C and mercury poisoning. In 20 guinea pigs were given 200 milligrams of vitamin C per day for six days (the equivalent of 14 grams per day for men). On the sixth day, each rat was administered a large dose of mercury. After the poisoning were reported to their usual diet, which consisted of 200 milligrams of vitamin C daily.

        Results. After two days, while losing weight, behaved normally. After 20 days the animals could be considered safe. (Mokranjae Momcilo Petrovic and Ceda, in CR Acad. Sc Paris, as reported in Rodale, ed., Prevention, July 1972, p.. 82.)

        Vitamin C and death from lack of oxygen. Forty-two rats were placed in a decompression chamber until atmospheric pressure was equivalent to an altitude of 33,000 feet. They all died in 13 minutes. A second group of rats was injected with vitamin C before being subjected to decompression. The dosage given to them was equivalent to a human dose of 7 grams.

        Results. Three rats survived the experiment, while the others remained alive for an average of about 23.7 minutes.
        A third group of 44 rats were injected with double doses of vitamin C compared to the second group (equivalent to a human dose of 14 grams) and then subjected to decompression.
        Results. 21 rats survived while the others remained alive for almost an hour. Scientists have not determined the cause of this effect of vitamin C. (Asahina Kazuo and Katsumi Asano, Toho University School of Medicine, Tokyo, as reported in Rodale, ed., Prevention, July 1972.)

    VITAMIN C CAN 'BE EFFECTIVE IN THE TREATMENT OF DISEASES FOLLOWING


    Organs Diseases
    Ulcerative intestinal tract
    Diarrhea
    Hemorrhoids
    Cystic Fibrosis
    Celiac disease
    Constipation
    Worms
    Reproductive Prostatitis
    Contraception
    Pregnancy
    Period
    Cervical dysplasia
    Arthritis Joints
    Bursitis
    Gout
    Halitosis Mouth
    Esophageal cancer
    Cancer of the larynx
    Aphthous ulcers of the mouth
    Hair / Scalp Hair Loss
    Hair Problems
    Gallbladder gallstones
    Angina pectoris Heart
    Arteriosclerosis
    Heart Attacks
    Hypertension
    Brain / nervous system fatigue
    Epilepsy
    Shingles
    Stroke
    Insomnia
    Hypertension
    Hypoxia
    Mental Illness
    Meningitis
    Parkinson's disease
    Psychosis
    Schizophrenia
    Multiple Sclerosis
    Dizziness
    Teeth / gums to the teeth and gum disorders
    Bleeding gums
    Pyorrhea
    Liver Cirrhosis
    Hepatitis
    Jaundice
    Leg Cramps
    Phlebitis
    Varicose Veins
    Exhaustion of the adrenal glands
    Cystic Fibrosis
    Swollen glands
    Goiter
    Prostitis
    Muscles Muscular Dystrophy
    Backache
    Rheumatism
    Amblyopia Eye
    Asthenopia
    Cataract
    Conjunctivitis
    Disorders of vision and focus
    Glaucoma
    Ear Otitis
    Bone Fractures
    Osteomalacia
    Osteoporosis
    Rickets
    Acne Skin
    Abscesses
    Carbuncle
    Herpes
    Eczema
    Boils
    Shingles
    Impetigo
    Bruising
    Spider bites and snake
    Bedsores
    Athlete's Foot
    Psoriasis
    Scurvy
    Burns
    Lungs / Respiratory Allergies
    Bronchitis
    Asthma
    Emphysema
    Smoke
    Influence
    Whooping cough
    Pneumonia
    Common Cold
    Allergic rhinitis
    Tuberculosis
    Kidneys Kidney Stones
    Nephritis
    Blood / circulatory system High levels of cholesterol
    Anemia
    Pernicious anemia
    Angina pectoris
    Arteriosclerosis
    Diabetes
    Hemophilia
    Gastrointestinal bleeding
    Alcoholism
    Phlebitis
    Stroke
    Hypertension
    Hypoglycemia
    Jaundice
    Leukemia
    Bruising
    Mononucleosis
    Varicose Veins
    Stomach cancer Stomach
    Gastritis
    Gastroenteritis
    Peptic Ulcer
    Head Headache
    Bladder Cystitis
    General AIDS
    Arthritis
    Beri-beri
    Cancer
    Diphtheria
    Back pain
    Alcoholism
    Fever
    Rheumatic fever
    Stroke
    Infections
    Influence
    Kwashiorkor