Ascorbic acid, also known as vitamin C, is a water-soluble nutrient that is easily excreted from the body when not needed. It is a necessary antioxidant which humans need to survive. It is needed for your body’s production of collagen, bone tissue, wound healing, and other intercellular material.
Without it for extended periods of time, you will get scurvy disease; a condition which causes bleeding mucus membranes, neurological problems, and many other nasty things. Centuries ago, people would get this during the year when produce was not available. If left untreated and you do not get vitamin C, it will kill you. Fortunately today, in developed countries like the US, scurvy is extremely rare. When it does occur, it’s usually the result of an excessively poor diet.
Contrary to popular belief, they are not structurally identical. This acid is created in a laboratory and is an artificial, reduced form of natural vitamin C. If you want a truly natural vitamin C supplement, it can only be found in natural health supplements, whole food vitamins, and organic vitamin C.
The C vitamin is a naturally occurring nutrient found in countless fruits and vegetables. However the problem is that when it is heated, the vitamin breakdown and becomes useless. So if you heat up your food, it’s gone. Nowadays, virtually all juice and prepared foods are pasteurized (boiled to kill bacteria) and therefore, the vitamin is destroyed. So when you boil that broccoli or heat up that spaghetti sauce, it’s gone. By the way, this is especially important to remember with baby formula – if you microwave it to warm it up, you are killing off the vitamin C!
Ascorbic acid was invented as a synthetic version to replace the natural form which is destroyed by heat. So when you drink that glass of orange juice in the morning, you aren’t actually consuming natural vitamin C. Rather, you are consuming synthetic ascorbic acid which was added to replace the original.
Government regulator bodies and most of the academic community agree that although these two things differ in structure, the benefits of each are the same. On the other side of the argument, there are those who claim the full benefits may not be realized with the synthetic form.
The Food & Drug Administration has permitted ascorbic acid to be identified as vitamin C. This is why beverages, foods, and supplements which are fortified with ascorbic acid can say they contain this vitamin. Technically they do contain it, since according to the FDA, they’re allowed to call it that.
However the natural vitamin C complex (as found in raw fruits and vegetables) contains additional components; vitamins J, K, P, and an enzyme known as terrosenase. One description I commonly read is that if you compare vitamin C to an egg, ascorbic acid allegedly only represents the protective outer shell, not what’s inside.
Most say it is, but there are some whom believe it is not equivalent. They say that because ascorbic acid is only one component of the full natural structure (vitamin C), it is not the same. In a sense, they are right, since it is not the full structure. Most believe it still gives the same benefits, however there is evidence out there which suggests otherwise.
The majority say that ascorbic acid performs the same functions. However there are many out there who say that natural vitamin C (the full structure) acts differently. I am not here to give my personal opinion and take sides. Rather, the purpose of this site is to publish the other side of the argument which is rarely discussed.
Many claim that the other components or “co-factors” which are not included in the synthetic form act as a catalyst; allegedly increasing the effectiveness of the vitamin. There are many other theories and studies which reportedly link to the two forms performing differently. It has been said that without those co-factors occurring naturally, your body may need to get them from its own reserves in order to fill in the missing pieces.
The Nobel Prize winner Dr. Albert Szent-Georgi (whom discovered vitamin C) reportedly said that “ascorbic acid simply cannot confer vitamin activity.” Whatever the case, it can be said that almost every supplement sold today only contain these “fractional” reproductions, and not the complete natural form which includes these other parts.
Virtually every supplement sold at the store uses ascorbic acid, not a natural vitamin C form. So do foods and beverages which fortify their ingredients. But what I was surprised to learn is that, not only is the common form of vitamin C synthetic, but so are many other vitamins, including most in the “B” family.
If you want natural vitamins, it’s highly unlikely you will find them at any chain store. You may be able to get them from a specialty vitamin shop, but not even they always carry them. I buy mine online because it’s so much cheaper. The supplements which use natural vitamin C are known as whole food vitamins (not to be confused with the grocery store of the same name). Whole food multivitamins use camu camu, amla extract, and other natural vitamin C sources.
If you want to take the natural form of C (instead of ascorbic acid) you can obtain from most raw, uncooked fruits and vegetables. However vitamin C is water soluble, therefore it leaves your body via urination after just a few hours. So unless you are eating these foods multiple times per day, you can see why many say it is best to also use supplements. Of course the problem is finding natural vitamin supplements which do not use synthetic versions.
Basically, the process involves taking fruits and vegetables which are rich in the desired nutrient (such as vitamin C) and extracting the water and inert substances through a cold vacuum procedure. What’s left is the natural vitamin complex.
Unfortunately, it’s extremely hard to find them at the store. Because they are most costly to produce (and therefore sell) most manufacturers don’t like making them and most stores don’t like selling them. However I have been able to get mine online for extremely affordable prices which I feel are comparable to the cheap big brands you see on the drugstore shelf. As we learn more about them, I predict whole food vitamins will become huge.
Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin, meaning that your body doesn't store it. We have to get what we need from food, including citrus fruits, and broccoli.
You need vitamin C for the growth and repair of tissues in all parts of your body. It helps the body make collagen, an important protein used to make skin, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels. Vitamin C is needed for healing wounds, and for repairing and maintaining bones and teeth.
Vitamin C is an antioxidant, along with vitamin E, beta-carotene, and many other plant-based nutrients. Antioxidants block some of the damage caused by free radicals, substances that damage DNA. The build-up of free radicals over time may contribute to the aging process and the development of health conditions such as cancer, heart disease, and arthritis.
Prevention of Scurvy: Scurvy is prevented by sufficient intake of vitamin C. The symptoms of scurvy appear due to the weakening of connective tissues, bones and blood vessels which include collagen. Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant, is required for the production of collagen.
Blood Vessels Function: Along with lowering your blood pressure, vitamin C ensures proper dilation of blood vessels, which can prevents such diseases as atherosclerosis, high cholesterol, congestive heart failure, and angina pectoris (a inadequate supply of blood to the heart that causes severe chest pains).
Boosts Immunity: Not only is vitamin C a well-known component of your immune system, it is also necessary for collagen, the main structural protein found in connective tissue. A healthy dose of vitamin C will protect your body from infection and maintain healthy bones and teeth, as well as quicken the body's ability to repair wounds.
Treatment of Common Cold: It enhances the immune system of our body which protects us from cold and cough. It facilitates the absorption of iron and hence strengthens the resistance to infection. It fights with viruses.
Antioxidant Effects: Vitamin C is a powerful and effective antioxidant that protects our bodies from free radicals that cause oxidative stress. Excessive oxidative stress, or "cellular rust," can lead to a host of severe medical conditions, such as atherosclerosis that can cause both heart disease and stroke, and is associated with many different types of cancer, including lung, mouth, throat, colon, stomach and esophagus. Vitamin C also helps to regenerate your supplies of vitamin E (another useful antioxidant).
Lowering Hyper Tension: People with hyper tension are at high risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. The supplement of vitamin C intake helps in lowering the blood pressure.
Treatment of Vasodilation: Treatment with vitamin C has effectively resulted in proper dilation of blood vessels in the cases of atherosclerosis, congestive heart failure, high cholesterol, angina pectoris, and high blood pressure. Results have been found that supplements of vitamin C improve blood vessel dilation.
Cure of Lead Toxicity: Lead Toxicity is a severe health problem found mostly in children, especially in the urban areas. Abnormal development and growth has been found in children who are exposed to lead. They develop behavioral problems, learning disabilities and have low IQ. It may damage the kidney and increase blood pressure in adults. Vitamin C supplements reduce the blood lead level.
Curing Cataracts (Eye Disorder): Cataracts are the most common reasons of visual problems. Decrease in the level of vitamin C in the lens of the human eye has been found with increased number of cataracts. Increase of vitamin C intake increases the blood supply to the visual zones of the body.
Treatment of Cancer: Researchers have found that high consumption of fresh vegetables and fruits have a linkage with a minimised risk for the various types of cancer. The studies have shown that increased consumption of vitamin C is connected with the decreased possibilities of cancers of lung, mouth, vocal chords, throat, colon-rectum, stomach, and esophagus.
Combating Stroke: Vitamin C or Ascorbic Acid helps in reducing the risk of stroke, a kind of cardiovascular disease. A diet full of vegetables and fruits produces good quantity of vitamin C which maintains the appropriate blood pressure level. It also protects the body from free radicals which could be the reason for the stroke.
Mood: Vitamin C plays a key role in the production of neurotransmitters, norepinephrine. They affect the mood of a person as they are critical to the proper functioning of the brain.
Immunity: Immunity is another important benefit of this vitamin. Vitamin C is widely known for its contribution to the immune system of the body.
Wound repair: Vitamin C helps to repair wounds. It facilitates the growth of the connective tissues, which fastens up the process of healing of wounds.
Controlling Asthma: It also helps to reduce the symptoms of asthma. It helps to protect against the harmful effects of pollution on human body.
Curing Diabetes: One of the chief reasons for diabetes as found by various studies is lower levels of vitamin C. Supplements of vitamin C are beneficial as a cure to diabetes as they help in processing of insulin and glucose.
Preventing Heart Diseases: Adequacy of vitamin C is essential for protection of blood vessels from the damage that free radicals can cause to them. This could be a major cause of a heart disease called atherosclerosis. Vitamin C acts as a preventing agent of this heart disease as well as various other cardiac problems.
It' s rare to be seriously deficient in vitamin C, although evidence suggests that many people may have low levels of vitamin C. Smoking cigarettes lowers the amount of vitamin C in the body, so smokers are at a higher risk of deficiency.
Signs of vitamin deficiency include dry and splitting hair; gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) and bleeding gums; rough, dry, scaly skin; decreased wound-healing rate, easy bruising; nosebleeds; and a decreased ability to ward off infection. A severe form of vitamin C deficiency is known as scurvy.
Low levels of vitamin C have been associated with a number of conditions, including high blood pressure, gallbladder disease, stroke, some cancers, and atherosclerosis, the build-up plaque in blood vessels that can lead to heart attack and stroke. Getting enough vitamin C from your diet -- by eating lots of fruit and vegetables -- may help reduce the risk of developing some of these conditions. There is no conclusive evidence that taking vitamin C supplements will help or prevent any of these conditions.
Some excellent sources of vitamin C are oranges, green peppers, watermelon, papaya, grapefruit, cantaloupe, strawberries, kiwi, mango, broccoli, tomatoes, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage, and citrus juices or juices fortified with vitamin C. Raw and cooked leafy greens (turnip greens, spinach), red and green peppers, canned and fresh tomatoes, potatoes, winter squash, raspberries, blueberries, cranberries, and pineapple are also rich sources of vitamin C. Vitamin C is sensitive to light, air, and heat, so you'll get the most vitamin C if you eat fruits and vegetables raw or lightly cooked.
You can purchase either natural or synthetic vitamin C, also called ascorbic acid, in a variety of forms. Tablets, capsules, and chewables are probably the most popular forms, but vitamin C also comes in powdered crystalline, effervescent, and liquid forms. Vitamin C comes in doses ranging from 25 - 1,000 mg.
"Buffered" vitamin C is also available if you find that regular ascorbic acid upsets your stomach. An esterified form of vitamin C is also available, which may be easier on the stomach for those who are prone to heartburn.
The best way to take vitamin C supplements is 2 - 3 times per day, with meals, depending on the dosage. Some studies suggest that adults should take 250 - 500 mg twice a day for any benefit. Talk to your doctor before taking more than 1,000 mg of vitamin C on a daily basis and before giving vitamin C to a child.
Daily intake of dietary vitamin C (according to the National Academy of Sciences) is listed below.
Pediatric
Birth - 6 months: 40 mg (Adequate intake)
Infants 6 - 12 months: 50 mg (Adequate intake)
Children 1 - 3 years: 15 mg
Children 4 - 8 years: 25 mg
Children 9 - 13 years: 45 mg
Adolescent girls 14 - 18 years: 65 mg
Adolescent boys 14 - 18 years: 75 mg
Adult
Men over 18 years: 90 mg
Women over 18 years: 75 mg
Pregnant women 14 - 18 years: 80 mg
Pregnant women over 18 years: 85 mg
Breastfeeding women 14 - 18 years: 115 mg
Breastfeeding women over 18 years: 120 mg
Because smoking depletes vitamin C, people who smoke may need an additional 35 mg per day.
The dose recommended to prevent or treat many of the conditions mentioned in the Uses section is often 500 - 1,000 mg per day.
The following doses have been studied
in scientific research:
BY MOUTH:
For scurvy: 100-250 mg once or twice daily for several days.
For treating the common cold: 1-3 grams daily.
For preventing kidney damage related to contrast media used during diagnostic tests: vitamin C 3 grams is given before coronary angiography and then 2 grams is given after the procedure in the evening and again the following morning.
For slowing progression of hardening of the arteries: slow-release vitamin C 250 mg in combination with 91 mg (136 IU) of vitamin E twice daily for up to 6 years.
For tyrosinemia in premature infants on high protein diets: 100 mg of vitamin C.
For reducing protein in the urine of patients with type 2 diabetes: vitamin C 1250 mg with vitamin E 680 IU daily for 4 weeks.
For preventing complex regional pain syndrome in patients with wrist fractures, vitamin C 500 mg daily for 50 days.
There are some, both medical professionals and everyday people, who believe that mega ascorbic acid dosage is more beneficial. These people typically consume anywhere from a few hundred milligrams all the way up to a couple thousand milligrams or more per day.
A study of more than 11,000 adult males in the United States, from 25 to 74 years of age, were used in a study conducted by the University of California Los Angeles. The study – which lasted a full decade – concluded that males who consumed 60 milligrams per day had a lifespan which was an average of six years less than those whom consumed 800 milligrams per day. However the results were highly scrutinized since supposedly the average ages in each group were different and other factors like diet were apparently not equal between the two. (See Vitamin C Reviews for more in formation about mega doses and its effectiveness by normal people.)
The following side effects apply to the following ascorbic acid products:
Ascorbic Acid (General)
Ascorbic Acid Chewable Tablets
Ascorbic Acid Controlled-Release Capsules
Ascorbic Acid Lozenges
Ascorbic Acid Solution
Ascorbic Acid Tablets
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Ascorbic Acid:
Diarrhea; nausea; upset stomach; vomiting, burning, stinging, or swelling at the injection site.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Ascorbic Acid:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); kidney stones (eg, abdominal pain/back pain, painful urination).
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
Because it is a water soluble vitamin, it is not stored by our bodies. Rather, excess vitamin which is not needed leaves our body through urine. This is in contrast to those that are fat-soluble (like vitamin E) because our body can store them for long periods of time, therefore the chances of an overdose with a fat-soluble vitamin is much, much greater.
Because C is water soluble, it is unknown just how much would cause an overdose. Unofficially, 2000 mg per day is generally considered to be safe. Many state that excess ascorbic acid will probably not hurt most people, but it won’t give you any additional benefits either. In fact, taking super massive doses may cause digestive issues, like diarrhea. When around 10,000 or more milligrams is consumed per day, it has also been known to cause indigestion. Because it increases your absorption of iron, consuming too much has been known to contribute to an iron overload. There are other suspected conditions massive ascorbic acid dosages have been associated with also.
Because of the potential for side effects and interactions with medications, you should take dietary supplements only under the supervision of a knowledgeable health care provider.
Vitamin C supplements have a diuretic effect, meaning the help the body get rid of excess fluid. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids when taking them.
Most commercial vitamin C is made from corn. People sensitive to corn should look for alternative sources, such as sago palm.
Vitamin C increases the amount of iron absorbed from foods. People with hemochromatosis, an inherited condition where too much iron builds up in the body, should not take vitamin C supplements.
Vitamin C is generally considered safe because your body gets rid of what it does not use. But at high doses (more than 2,000 mg daily) it can cause diarrhea, gas, or stomach upset. If you experience these side effects, lower the dose of vitamin C.
People with kidney problems should talk to their doctor before taking vitamin C.
People who smoke or use nicotine patches may need more vitamin C because nicotine makes vitamin C less effective in the body.
Infants born to mothers taking 6,000 mg or more of vitamin C may develop rebound scurvy because their intake of vitamin C drops after birth. If you are pregnant, talk to your doctor before taking more than 1,000 mg of vitamin C.
Vitamin C may raise blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. In older women with diabetes, doses of vitamin C above 300 mg per day were associated with an increased risk of death from heart disease.
Taking vitamin C right before or after angioplasty may interfere with healing.
If you are being treated for cancer, talk to your oncologist before taking vitamin C. Vitamin C may potentially interact with some chemotherapy drugs.
The following reviews have been selected:
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Vitamin C...great for living, May 10, 2009
By
Mary Santos (San Antonio, Texas)
In this day and age, I am shocked that the media doesn't tout the benefits of Vitamin C more. So easy to take, cheap and safe. I am now on permanent daily Vitamin C.
Every person in the world should be supplementing with it. Last year, I suffered through a nasty cold during the summer and vowed that it would not happen to me again this year. I searched for homeopathic ways to prevent/combat common viruses (cold, influenza) and was amazed how often Vitamin C was mentioned. Not only that, but it could cut the duration of cold/flu in HALF when taking megadoses of Vitamin C with few side effects! That's as good as Tamiflu! Without the horrible side effects. The worst side effect I could find info on for Vitamin C overdose was diarrhea. Seems pretty minor compared to the side effects of RX drugs.
I want to be prepared if/when the next flu/cold outbreak hits and I feel confident that I am now. I keep extra bottles in case I do become ill and will need to megadose every hour.
If you don't believe me on the benefits, just Google "Vitamin C cold flu megadose" and read all about it. I cannot believe I am just now learning all this and wanted to share this information.
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20 of 23 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars My brother was right, March 17, 2008
By
E. Wright (Jamaica)
Picked up a bad FLU that relapsed when I returned to work after 10 days sick leave. It started all over again and just wouldn't go away even after several visits to my doctor and several rounds of prescription drugs. I shared my problem with an older brother who lives abroad and he just had a good laught at me before boasting that he hadn't had a cold or FLU for over 30 years. What's his secret? Vitamin C. "Get C-1000 with Rose hips time released," he said. "Take about 6,000 miligrams per day. That's what they taught me in the army [Jamaican Army]" I followed his advice for a week and it worked. I am down to about 2,000 miligrams per day now for protection and I am telling all my friends with the FLU about it.
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5.0 out of 5 stars Great deal on Vitamin C!, October 3, 2011
By
sowelu
I will continue buying vitamin C here. It's probably the best deal. It's food quality vitamins and I think having a bottle of vitamin C in your kitchen cabinet is a must. It helps you stay healthy, is necessary if you are stressed and many other reasons.
The item is a good deal, because it's 1000mg, it's a huge bottle, very affordable and it was timely shipped and neatly packaged. Thank you!
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5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome Product!, September 11, 2011
By
Sandy Nolan
Husband started this program with the C-1000 and after six months with no colds and better health with this product and couple others I jumped on board. Been 2 years and so far no colds or downtime!!! We see no reason to change or modify since it seems to be the ticket.
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13 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars superb natural vitamin C from a reputable company, December 23, 2008
By
tom sawyer "000000" (United States)
i love this brand of vitamin C. the vitamin C is truly natural. GNC brand of vitamin C and most others you will find at wallgreens and other drug stores are synthetic and will actually do more harm then good as the body doesn't know what to do with chemical vitamins, so beware of using synthetic vitamins. they are cheap but they are worthless in the end.
what this helps with: whenever i start to get a little sick and feel like i have a cold or flue coming on, I take a mega doze of it, say four pills at the same time, every 5 hours or so for about a day. this generally does the trick and knocks the cold right out of my system.
yes you will pay more money for this brand of vitamin C, but its a guarantied to be REAL vitamin C not synthetic that will do nothing for you no matter how much you take it except may be harm you in the end.
in short, this stuff is good.
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30 of 30 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars autistic son is thinking clearer, May 31, 2010
By
Karen Gruver
I heard about the value of vitamin C in curing mercury poisoning from reading Dr. Thomas Levy's book, 'Curing the Incurable'... In the book it talks about mega-doses of vitamin C given intravenously. When I looked it up online I found this product that Dr. Levy says is even more effective than that given intravenously.
We bought some and started giving it to our autistic son. We have been thrilled with the results. He is stimming less and is obviously thinking clearer. The improvements are slow but steady. After 6 years of trying all kinds of things (and none of them working) we are beyond thrilled to have the hope that this product gives us. I can't imagine any reason we would ever stop using it with our son. I highly recommend it to anyone who is dealing with autism. There is everything to gain and nothing to lose.
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17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Stuff, December 6, 2010
By
Rebecca
I was a little weird about it at first because it was not the conventional sour pill your take when your sick, but I was referred to it by a good friend so I gave it a shot. My husband and I both love it! We have been taking it for about 4 years (as needed) and we have not once gotten sick! We take it when we have been around sick people or when we feel run down or when we feel like we may be coming down with something... The price does not bother me because if something works for our health its worth it. No doctor bills to worry about. I also give it to my 118 lb dog to help with her medical problems. I tell everyone I know to get this stuff and I share it with my friends when they are sick. We both feel better after taking it and we have not gotten sick so in my opinion it is worth it!
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44 of 44 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Optimized Delivery of Vitamin C, August 15, 2009
By
K. A. Minden "Writer, educator, mother & Lyme... (Richmond, VA United States)
My doctor suggested [Vitamin C]. My understanding is that the water soluble vitamins are encapsulated in fat soluble phospholipids so the vitamins get delivered to the liver instead of being lost in digestion. What I do know is that I have a lot more energy when I take these. I mix them with some grape juice each morning about 15 minutes before eating breakfast. The first week, I had to nap in the afternoons - I was worn out from working harder each morning as I have a chronic illness, Lyme disease. I've been taking them for two weeks now, and find my energy level stays high for about 6 or 7 hours after taking these. They are not inexpensive, but considering that I am more able to work consistently with them, the investment is worth it.
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