Vitamin C and your body

One of the most commonly known, and popular, of all supplements is Vitamin C. This is in large part, due to the work of Nobel-prize winning scientist Linus Pauling. It is reported that Pauling took up to 25 grams of Vitamin C, every day for years. He died at the age of 96, but was still actively working and mentally sharp at the time of his death.He credited Vitamin C, with providing him with optimal health and slowing of the aging process.Whether or not the Vitamin C, deserves the credit, is still open for argument today, however we know that it plays an important role in health and nutrition. Here is what you need to know about Vitamin C and your body-

Vitamin C, (also known as ascorbic acid), is an important nutrient that is found in many fresh fruits, and vegetables. Vitamin C occurs naturally in citrus fruits, bell peppers, rose hips, tomatoes, strawberries, and many other fruits.It has been proven repeatedly that it is essential to a healthy diet. It should be noted that Vitamin C breaks down readily, when foods are heated, or when they sit around too long on the shelf.

Vitamin C is also important for proper tissue strength, and is known to support collagen, and cartilage growth. It also helps protect cell membranes, from toxic wastes, and destruction, from an overactive immune system. Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant, and is especially effective, when taken with Vitamin E. Vitamin C is used for allergies, and as an anti-viral medicine. Some research indicates that regular use of Vitamin C may reduce your risk of cancer.

There are many other benefits from Vitamin C.Some of these include but are not limited to:

• It promotes wound healing.


• Vitamin C is commonly used for supporting immune function, and protection from viral disease, and cancer.


• Some research indicates that regular doses of Vitamin C can help people with high cholesterol, cataracts and diabetes.


• Vitamin C has also been used in the treatment of allergies, asthma, and periodontal disease.


• Because Vitamin C is an antioxidant, it protects blood vessels, and the lenses in your eyes, and helps keep body tissues strong.


• Some studies indicate that Vitamin C can be used for warding off, and shortening, the unpleasant effects, of the common cold.


• Consumers who are interested in Vitamin C supplementation, should understand that the minimum requirement, to prevent vitamin C deficiency, (also known as scurvy), is 60 mg. Vitamin C is most commonly taken in 500 to 1,000 mg doses. It should be noted that larger amounts, (like 10 to 20 grams daily), may cause mild toxicity. Diarrhea is reported as the most common side effect.

Health professionals are not too concerned about mega dosing (taking more then the Recommended Daily Allowance), with Vitamin C, since it is non-toxic, because you eliminate excessive amounts through your urine. However some vitamin experts, caution pregnant women, not to exceed 1 or 2 grams a day, due to unknown effects on the unborn baby. In addition, anyone with a propensity to develop kidney stones should be careful about mega dosing with Vitamin C.

Most nutritional experts agree that it is just not practical, for most people, to consume the required servings of fruits, and vegetables that are needed on a consistent basis, whereas taking a once-daily supplement is safe, effective, and easy to do. Studies show that only 10% to 20% of adults get the recommended nine servings of fruits and vegetables daily. The bottom line is that taking Vitamin C is easy, affordable, and one of the best things you can do for your health.