What is vitamin C?
Vitamin C is a co factor in at least eight enzymatic reactions, including several collagen synthesis reactions that, when dysfunctional, cause the most severe symptoms of scurvy. In animals, these reactions are especially important in wound-healing and in preventing bleeding from capillaries.
When should you take vitamin C?
You should take vitamin C when:
- Your lab tests report vitamin C deficiency
- You are wanting to increase iron absorption
- You intend to improve genetic disorders in newborns
- You want to rectify age related vision problems
- You have increased protein in the urine
- You are diagnosed of atherosclerosis
- You want to fight common cold
- You have to treat kidney problems or certain lung infections
- You want to get rid of wrinkles, dullness and age spots on your skin
- You are taking medication for chest pain to increase the potency of these medications
- You have developed a sunburn and you want to get rid of it
What are the possible risks of low levels of vitamin C?
Low levels of vitamin C can cause serious health issues such as heart related and kidney related issues.
How should you use vitamin C?
You can take it in the pill form, inject it or apply topically on your skin.
What happens when you take excessive dose of vitamin C?
You are at an increased risk of developing kidney stones, severe diarrhea and extreme dehydration if you take excess amounts of vitamin C.
What are the side effects of vitamin C?
This vitamin is generally safe if taken within the prescribed dose but in some cases it can cause nausea, vomiting, heartburn, stomach cramps, headache and other side effects in some individuals.
What is recommended daily dose of vitamin C?
The daily recommended dietary allowances (RDAs) are:
- Infants 0 to 12 months, human milk content (older recommendations specified 30-35 mg)
- Children 1 to 3 years, 15 mg
- Children 4 to 8 years, 25 mg
- Children 9 to 13 years, 45 mg
- Adolescents 14 to 18 years, 75 mg for boys and 65 mg for girls
- Adults age 19 and greater, 90 mg for men and 75 mg for women
- Pregnancy and Lactation: age 18 or younger, 115 mg; ages 19 to 50 years 120 mg
- Tobaccos users add 35 mg more to their diet
WARNING:
Do not exceed these amounts for the age range mentioned below:
- 400 mg per day for children ages 1 to 3 years
- 650 mg per day for children 4 to 8 years
- 1200 mg per day for children 9 to 13 years
- 1800 mg per day for adolescents and pregnant and breast-feeding women 14 to 18 years
- 2000 mg per day for adults and pregnant and lactating women
Related Articles:
- Vitamin C – Using Oranges May Cure Eyesight
- The Truth About Topical Vitamin C
- Quench Your Vitamin C Needs With These Foods
By : Natural Health News
