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Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is an important nutrient necessary for human life. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that is required for the production of collagen, tissue growth and repair, adrenal gland function, and healthy gums. There are several different types of collagen that serve a variety of functions in our bodies. Some of those types are found in the connective tissue of skin, bone, teeth, tendons, ligaments, fascia, organ capsules, liver, spleen, kidneys, and cartilage. Vitamin C is also important in protecting the fat-soluble vitamins A and E as well as fatty acids from oxidation, and it stimulates the immune system. It also aids in the production of anti-stress hormones and interferon, and is needed for the metabolism of folic acid, tyrosine, and phenylalanine. It protects against the harmful effects of pollution, helps to prevent cancer, protects against infection, and enhances immunity. Vitamin C increases the absorption of iron. It also may reduce the cholesterol levels and high blood pressure, and prevent atherosclerosis. Essential in the formation of collagen, vitamin C protects against blood clotting and bruising, and promotes the healing of wounds and burns.
New evidence indicates that vitamin C works synergistically with vitamin E - that is, when these vitamins work together, they have a greater effect than when they work separately. Vitamin E scavenges for dangerous free radicals in cell membranes, while vitamin C attacks free radicals in biologic fluids. These vitamins reinforce and extend each other's antioxidant activity.
Because the body cannot manufacture vitamin C, it must be obtained through the diet or in the form of supplements. Unfortunately, most of the vitamin C consumed in the diet is lost in the urine. When larger amounts of vitamin C are required due to serious illness, such as cancer, it is more effective to take vitamin C intravenously, under the advisement and supervision of a health care provider, than it is to take high doses orally.
In addition to collagen production, Vitamin C prevents and cures the disease scurvy, which is rare, except in alcoholics who receive their entire calorie intake from alcohol. It is also beneficial in the treatment of iron deficiency anemia. Some people claim regular use has limited the number of colds they get.
Scurvy is a disease caused by vitamin C deficiency. It is characterized by poor wound healing, soft and spongy bleeding gums, edema, extreme weakness, and "pinpoint" hemorrhages under the skin. Fortunately, this condition is rare in Western societies. More common are signs of lesser degrees of deficiency, including gums that bleed when brushed; increased susceptibility to infection, especially colds and bronchial infections; joint pains; lack of energy; poor digestion; prolonged healing time; a tendency to bruise easily; and tooth loss.
SOURCES OF VITAMIN C
Vitamin C is found in berries, citrus fruits, and green vegetables. Good sources include asparagus, avocados, beet greens, black currants, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cantaloupe, collards, dandelion greens, dulse, grapefruit, kale, lemons, mangos, mustard greens, onions, oranges, papayas, green peas, sweet peppers, persimmons, pineapple, radishes, rose hips, spinach, strawberries, Swiss chard, tomatoes, turnip greens, and watercress.
Herbs that contain vitamin C include alfalfa, burdock root, cayenne, chickweed, eyebright, fennel seed, fenugreek, hops, horsetail, kelp, peppermint, mullein, nettle, oat straw, paprika, parsley, pine needle, plantain, raspberry leaf, red clover, rosehips, skull cap, violet leaves, yarrow, and yellow dock.
VITAMIN C DOSAGE INFORMATION
Vitamin C is water-soluble and comes in pill, capsule, or powder form. Read product label directions for use.
COMMENTS
Alcohol, analgesics, antidepressants, anticoagulants, oral contraceptives, and steroids may reduce levels of vitamin C in the body. Smoking causes a serious depletion of vitamin C.
Diabetes medications such as chlorpropamide (Diabinese) and sulfa drugs may not be as effective when taken with vitamin C. Taking high doses of vitamin C may cause a false-negative reading in tests for blood in the stool.
For maximum effectiveness, supplemental vitamin C should be taken in divided doses, twice daily. Esterified vitamin C (Ester-C) is a remarkably effective form of vitamin C, especially for those suffering from chronic illness such as cancer and AIDS. It is created by having the vitamin C react with a necessary mineral, such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, or zinc. This results in a form of the vitamin that is non-acidic and that contains vitamin C metabolites identical to those produced by the body. Esterified vitamin C enters the bloodstream and tissues four times faster than standard vitamin C, moves into the blood cells more efficiently, and also stays in the body tissues longer. The levels of vitamin C in white blood cells achieved by taking esterified vitamin C are four times higher than those achieved with standard vitamin C. Further, only 1/3 as much is lost through excretion in the urine. Natrol produces supplements of Ester-C in combination with other valuable nutrients: one with the antioxidants Pycnogenol and proanthocyanidins; another with the herb echinacea; and still another with garlic.
CAUTIONS
If aspirin and standard vitamin C (ascorbic acid) are taken together in large doses, stomach irritation can occur, possibly leading to ulcers. If you take aspirin regularly, use an esterified form of vitamin C.
If you are pregnant, do not take more than 5,000 mg of vitamin C daily. Infants may become dependent on this supplement and develop scurvy when deprived of the accustomed megadoses after birth.
Avoid using chewable vitamin C supplements, as these can damage tooth enamel.
Vitamin C deficiency can lead to fatigue, external bleeding, irritability, and bleeding gums.
VITAMIN C SUPPLEMENTS & PRODUCTS
Alive! 100% Whole Food Complex Vitamin C, Nature's Way, 120 VCaps
Alive 100% Whole Food Complex Vitamin C derives its entire vitamin C content from four of Mother Nature's most potent organic fruit sources, Organic Acerola, Organic Goji, Organic Amla and Organic Kiwi.
Alive! 100% Whole Food Complex Vitamin C Powder, Nature's Way, 120 g
Alive 100% Whole Food Complex Vitamin C derives its entire vitamin C content from four of Mother Nature's most potent organic fruit sources, Organic Acerola, Organic Goji, Organic Amla and Organic Kiwi.
Avalon Organics Lotion, Vitamin C Moisture Plus Lotion, SPF 15, 4 fl. oz.
Avalon Organics Lotion, Vitamin C Moisture Plus Lotion SPF 15 is formulated with a powerful antioxidant team, Vitamins C & E, Lemon Bioflavonoids and Melatonin plus White and Green Teas, because antioxidants perform longer and more effectively when used in combination.
Avalon Organics Vitamin C Refreshing Cleansing Gel, 8.5 fl. oz.
Avalon Organics Vitamin C Refreshing Cleansing Gel gently removes impurities and nourishes skin with organic Aloe. Magnesium Ascorbal Phosphate is a form of vitamin C that is readily utilized by the skin cells to protect against damaging free radicals, and stimulate collagen and elastin production.
Avalon Organics Vitamin C Rejuvenating Oil-Free Moisturizer, 2 fl. oz.
Avalon Organics Rejuvenating Oil-Free Moisturizer with Vitamin C for sun-aging repair and protection.
Avalon Organics Vitamin C Revitalizing Eye Cream, 1 fl. oz.
Avalon Organics Vitamin C Revitalizing Organic Eye Cream formulated with a powerful antioxidant team, Vitamins C & E, Lemon Bioflavonoids and Melatonin plus White and Green Teas because antioxidants perform longer and more effectively when used in combination.
Avalon Organics Vitamin C Vitality Facial Serum, 1 fl. oz.
Avalon Organics Vitamin C Vitality Facial Serum is formulated with a powerful antioxidant team, Vitamins C & E, Lemon Bioflavonoids and Melatonin plus White and Green Teas, because antioxidants perform longer and more effectively when used in combination.
Buffered Vitamin C 500 Ascorbate, 100% Natural, 500 mg, 250 Caps
Nature's Way Buffered Vitamin C is less irritating to the stomach. Vitamin C provides antioxidant protection for many of the body's important enzyme systems. White blood cells (neutrophils) utilize Vitamin C to help produce cytotoxic enzymes which they use to eliminate foreign matter.
Buffered Vitamin C 500, 100% Natural, 500 mg, 100 Caps
Nature's Way Buffered Vitamin C is 100% natural from mineral ascorbates. The ascorbate forms are less acidic while maintaining excellent absorption. It contains no artificial ingredients or preservatives.
C-500 Chewable Vitamin C, Orange Flavor, Vegetarian, NOW Foods, 100 Tabs
NOW C-500 Chewable Vitamin C tablets provide a potent dosage of vitamin C and is blended with Acerola, a natural source of vitamin C.
Citric Acid Powder, Food Grade, 100% Pure, NOW Foods, 4 oz.
Citric Acid powder is useful in sprouting, canning, drying or freezing to preserve Vitamin C content, retard spoilage by bacterial growth, and prevent discoloration.
C The Change Ester C Serum, 87% Certified Organic, Kiss My Face, 1 fl. oz.
87% Certified Organic Ester C Serum. A generous mixture of potent antioxidants - including patented Vitamin Ester C, the leading antioxidant - to stimulate collagen production, refine wrinkles, and to heal and rebuild damaged skin.
Electromix, Natural Lemon Lime Flavor Sports Drink, Alacer, 36 Packets
Electromix supplies the electrolytes your body needs, including potassium, calcium, magnesium, manganese, and chromium. Pour a packet into your water bottle and turn it into pure sports water with just a hint of natural lime.
Emergenc-C Cranberry, Vitamin C, Alacer, 1000 mg, 36 Packets
Emergenc-C Cranberry offers 7 mineral acsorbates deliver 1,000mg of Vitamin C in a non-acidic formula that revs up your immune system. Tons of B vitamins give you natural, non-caffeinated energy.
Emergenc-C Lemon Lime, Vitamin C, Alacer, 1000 mg, 36 Packets
Emergenc-C Lemon Lime offers 7 mineral acsorbates deliver 1,000mg of Vitamin C in a non-acidic formula that revs up your immune system. Tons of B vitamins give you natural, non-caffeinated energy. Plus, there are 32 active mineral complexes, antioxidants and other micronutrients to help you really feel good.
Emergenc-C Lite, Vitamin C, Alacer, 1000 mg, 36 Packets
Emergenc-C Lite offers 7 mineral acsorbates deliver 1,000mg of Vitamin C in a non-acidic formula that revs up your immune system. Tons of B vitamins give you natural, non-caffeinated energy.
Emergenc-C Raspberry, Vitamin C, Alacer, 1000 mg, 36 Packets
Emergenc-C Raspberry offers 7 mineral acsorbates deliver 1,000mg of Vitamin C in a non-acidic formula that revs up your immune system. Tons of B vitamins give you natural, non-caffeinated energy.
Emergenc-C Super Orange, Vitamin C, Alacer, 1000 mg, 36 Packets
Emergenc-C Super Orange offers 7 mineral acsorbates deliver 1,000mg of Vitamin C in a non-acidic formula that revs up your immune system. Tons of B vitamins give you natural, non-caffeinated energy.
Emergenc-C Tangerine, Vitamin C, Alacer, 1000 mg, 36 Packets
Emergenc-C Tangerine offers 7 mineral acsorbates deliver 1,000mg of Vitamin C in a non-acidic formula that revs up your immune system. Tons of B vitamins give you natural, non-caffeinated energy.
Ester C With Bioflavonoids, Nature's Way, 500 mg, 180 Tabs
Nature's Way Ester-C with bioflavonoids is 100% natural calcium ascorbate with biologically active metabolites. These metabolites enhance cellular uptake and retention of Vitamin C.
Ester C With Bioflavonoids, Vegetarian, Nature's Way, 500 mg/200 mg, 120 Caps
Nature's Way Ester C with Bioflavonoids is suitable for vegetarians. Ester C is 100% natural Vitamin C (calcium ascorbate) with enhanced cellular uptake and retention. Ester C provides antioxidant protection, strengthens collagen, and supports white blood cell function.
Ester C With Bioflavonoids, Nature's Way, 1000 mg, 90 Tabs
Nature's Way Ester C with Bioflavonoids offers enhanced Retention. Ester-C is 100% natural Vitamin C (calcium ascorbate) with enhanced cellular uptake and retention.
Face Creme, Tissue Revitalizing, Antioxidant Skin Care System With Lipoic Acid, DMAE, Vitamin C Ester & Tocotrienol, 2 fl. oz.
Tissue Revitalizing Face Creme contains all four key ingredients, DMAE, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Vitamin C Ester and Tocotrienol, to rejuvenate your skin and reduce the signs of aging.
Hyland's Vitamin C Quick Dissolving Tabs For Children, 125 Tabs
Hyland's Vitamin C Tablets for Children are a great way to get some extra vitamin C.
Hyland's C-Plus Cold Homeopathic Formula For Children, 125 Tabs
For generations, wise mothers have used Hyland's C-Plus Cold Tablets to ease the drippy misery.
Meta C Vitamin C Supplement, 1000 mg, 100 Tabs
Meta C Vitamin C Supplement is a unique form of vitamin C that is absorbed faster than regular vitamin C and maintains higher serum levels for longer period of time with no intestinal discomfort.
Ola Loa Children's Multi-Vitamin Drink Mix, Cran Raspberry, 30 Packets
Better your kids health by introducing them to this Child Multi-Vitamin based upon the most up-to-date studies on nutrition and child development and is 100% all-natural.
Sambucus Elderberry & Vitamin C, Nature's Way, 30 Lozenges
Sambucus Lozenges contain the original formulation of the award winning black elderberry extract. Sambucus Black Elderberry extract has been used by millions of people with positive results being reported worldwide.
Skin Formula, Antioxidant Skin Care System With Lipoic Acid, DMAE, Vitamin C Ester & Tocotrienol, 60 Caps
This antioxidant formula supports and enhances your body's natural defense mechanisms against free radical damage from the inside, where caring for your skin starts.
Super Skin Serum, Antioxidant Skin Care System With Lipoic Acid, DMAE, Vitamin C Ester & Tocotrienol, 1 fl. oz.
Unique to Super Skin Serum is the healing power of beta glucan, a complex carbohydrate. Oat beta glucan, found in the bran part of the oat, stimulates renewal of skin cells and is used by burn surgeons worldwide to treat burn victims.
The Right C, Nature's Way, 120 Tabs
Developed by leading scientists, researchers and clinicians, The Right C Supplement represents a technical breakthrough in vitamin C.
The Right C Vitamin C Powder, Nature's Way, 120 g
Developed by leading scientists, researchers and clinicians, The Right C Vitamin C Powder Supplement represents a technical breakthrough in vitamin C.
The Right C Vitamin C Supplement, Nature's Way, 500 mg, 120 VCaps
THE RIGHT C Vitamin C Supplement is a revolutionary, patent-pending complex of fully reacted, non-acidic vitamin C strongly bound to a sodium molecule and combined with Riboperine metabolites.
Vitamin C-500 With Bioflavonoids, Nature's Way, 100 Caps
Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids provides powerful antioxidant protection, strengthens collagen and maintains white blood cell function.
Vitamin C-500 With Bioflavonoids, Nature's Way, 100% Natural, 250 Caps
Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids provides powerful antioxidant protection, strengthens collagen and maintains white blood cell function.
Vitamin C 1000 With Bioflavonoids, Nature's Way, 100% Natural, 1000 mg, 250 VCaps
Nature's Way Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids provides antioxidant protection for many of the body's important enzyme systems.
Vitamin C-500 With Rose Hips, Nature's Way, 100 Caps
Vitamin C with Rose Hips provides antioxidant protection and strengthens collagen, and maintains white blood cell function.
Vitamin C-500 With Rose Hips, 100% Natural, Nature's Way, 500 mg, 250 Caps
Nature's Way Vitamin C with rose hips offers a rich whole plant source of vitamin c.
Vitamin C-1000 With Rose Hips, 100% Natural, Nature's Way, 1000 mg, 250 Caps
Vitamin C provides antioxidant protection for many of the body's important enzyme systems. White blood cells utilize Vitamin C to help produce cytotoxic enzymes which they use to eliminate foreign matter.
Vitamin C Liquid For Baby & Children, 4 fl. oz.
Vitamin C is known as a principal antioxidant, the need for which is greatly increased in infants and children due to today's elevated environmental stresses and pollution.
Vitamin C Liquid, With Rose Hips & Bioflavonoids, Kosher, Natural Citrus Flavor, 1000 mg, Dynamic Health, 16 fl. oz.
Liquid Vitamin C with Natural Rose Hips & Bioflavonoids is an easy to swallow dietary supplement that exceeds the recommended daily intake of vitamin C.
Vitamin C Renewal Facial Cream, Avalon Organics, 2 fl. oz.
Vitamin C Renewal Facial Cream is the perfect age-defying moisture cream formulated with nourishing organic Borage, Flax and Sweet Almond oils plus Vitamin C for the ultimate in photo-aging protection.
Zinc Lozenges With Echinacea & Vitamin C, Nature's Way, 23 mg, 60 Lozenges
Nature's Way Zinc lozenge boosts cold season defense with zinc, widely recognized as an important nutritional support during the cold season, and echinacea pupurea, clinically shown to support the immune system, and Vitamin C, a vitally important vitamin for general health maintenance.
Herbal Remedies: Vitamin C / Ascorbic Acid / Ester C Information
Herbal Remedies: Vitamin C (Citric Acid) Supplements & Products
MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: Nutrition Basics - Vitamins Index
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