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what is Vitamin C
Scientific Name: Vitamin C hi (Ascorbic Acid).
Vitamin C is known as ascorbic acid, and is considered a water-soluble vitamin that is naturally present in or added to some foods, as well as in many nutritional supplements.
A person cannot manufacture or store vitamin C inside his body, so it is considered one of the basic elements that he must eat and obtain from foods or nutritional supplements.
the excess amount of it from the body is excreted through the urine.
Vitamin C supplement
Vegetables and fruits are among the best sources of vitamin C.
It is one of the most important sources of vitamin C:
- (Orange and tangerine – kiwi – grapefruit – broccoli – strawberry – cabbage – tomato – spinach).
- Although it is not found in grains, there are some types of bread that are fortified with vitamin C.
The content of vitamin C in vegetables and fruits is affected by several factors. as the content of vitamin C may decrease , through long storage and cooking.
because vitamin C is one of the vitamins that dissolve in water , and are destroyed by heat, (using steam in cooking or microwaving reduces the amount of vitamin lost).
Fortunately, the best sources of vitamin C are eaten fresh without long storage or cooking.
Vitamin C benefits
There are a number of reasons that highlight the benefits of vitamin C. especially taking it in the form of supplements, including:
- 1)-preventing colds and flu
- 2)- Treatment of viral diseases
- 3)- Lower cholesterol
- 4)- Promote eye health
- 5)- Protection from environmental toxins
- 6)- Protection of the heart and the circulatory system
- 7)- Collagen production
- 8)- Fight cancer
- 9)- An overall positive effect
1)-preventing colds and flu:
vitamin c prevents colds and flu. also in treating them, many people attest to this, and the vast majority of studies support this position.
It all depends on the dose, which should be high enough to treat or prevent the flu.
- 2)- Treatment of viral diseases:
Vitamin C cures most viral diseases when used correctly. For example, Dr. Frederick Kilner has documented 60 cases of polio, which he treated with injections containing vitamin C.
Recovery was complete, and no muscle damage occurred in any of these children.
Giving children vitamin C before and after receiving the vaccine. protects them from potential damage to the vaccine itself.
children who receive an adequate daily dose of this vitamin, are less likely to have viral diseases , that are vaccinated against.
- 3)- Lower cholesterol:
Vitamin C reduces cholesterol levels. cholesterol is an essential substance for the body, and according to the molecular correction approach, the level of cholesterol increases when the body needs it.
Apparently, vitamin C works in a way that eliminates the body’s need for high cholesterol in the blood.
- 4)- Promote eye health:
Vitamin C is present in high concentration in all parts of the eye, and this indicates that the eyes need it.
Taking vitamin C effectively , and quickly lowers high eye pressure, thus preventing the formation of glaucoma.
It’s possible that taking vitamin C also prevents cataracts. and it works in conjunction with vitamin E , to prevent diabetes damage to the retina.
- 5)- Protection from environmental toxins:
Vitamin C neutralizes or reduces damage from a wide range of environmental toxins. including benzene, pesticides, nicotine, nitrates, radiation and heavy metals. Reduces the harmful effects of smoking and alcohol.
- 6)- Protection of the heart and the circulatory system:
When high levels of vitamin C are present in the blood, the initial process of atherosclerosis can be avoided.
the combination of vitamin C and the amino acid lysine , can reduce plaque in the arteries. This process relieves angina sufferers, usually within ten days to a month.
- 7)- Collagen production:
Vitamin C produces collagen, the connective protein in the body. thus it is essential for the health of connective tissues, such as the skin, bones and tendons, gums and blood vessels.
Because of this feature, vitamin C is essential for wound healing. therefore it should be used as a pre- and post-operative treatment.
- 8)- Fight cancer:
There are several features of Vitamin C, that protect against cancer.
- 9)- An overall positive effect:
Vitamin C appears to be the most important of the existing drugs. Almost no disease can not affect it positively, but the important thing is the appropriate dose.
Vitamin C benefits for skin
Vitamin C is the most important ingredient, used in skin care treatments. Its ability to provide an effective shield against , the sun has made it an indispensable ingredient , used in the cosmetic industry.
- 1). Sun protection:
Vitamin C protects the skin from the free radicals. that they develop due to excessive exposure to sunlight, environmental pollution and regular smoking.
The antioxidants in Vitamin C protect the skin , from UV rays and the effect of sun exposure.
Vitamin C helps to reduce sunburn , caused by exposure to ultraviolet radiation to a great extent.
This not only reduces sunburn , but also prevents the consequences of long-term exposure to sunlight, which can lead to skin cancer.
- 2). Collagen production:
It is a component required for the production of hydroxylysine, both of which need to bind to the molecules that produce collagen. This in turn gives the skin firmness and tones the skin.
Collagen deficiency makes skin dull and lifeless. Collagen regenerates skin from the roots , and reduces wrinkles and aging symptoms.
- 3). Heals wounds:
The body uses vitamin C to replace tissue damage, which helps the wound heal at a faster pace.
Wounds that heal slowly indicate a vitamin C deficiency. Vitamin C improves skin elasticity and helps create scar tissue and ligaments for quick recovery.
- 4). Protects against discoloration of the skin:
Vitamin C protects DNA from light reactions , that can lead to tumors, discoloration of the skin and several types of skin cancer.
It also lives in the production of pyrimidine dimers , which are the main cause of melaninosis in humans.
it lightens dark discolorations , such as skin freckles , and age spots and helps to get younger and smoother complexion.
- 5). Improves skin texture:
Collagen also provides the structure of blood vessels , so the body needs vitamin C for a healthy vascular system. Small blood vessels under the skin carry oxygen , and nutrients that keep the skin healthy.
Without enough nutrients, the complexion will become rough and dry. Creams containing vitamin C improve the appearance, and texture of the skin.
It increases the formation of elastin that thickens, protects and heals skin cells.
Thickening effect helps retain moisture, increases blood circulation and skin until falling off the surface of the skin.
Vitamin C deficiency symptoms
Vitamin C deficiency is rare , because almost all nutrients that are included in our diet contain an amount of vitamin C.
Cigarette smoking reduces vitamin C absorption so that smokers have a higher risk of vitamin C deficiency:
Signs of vitamin C deficiency include:
- Broken, dry hair.
- Gingivitis ,bleeding gums, rough, dry, and scaly skin.
- Reducing the rate of wound healing, bruising and nosebleed.
- Decreased ability to stave off infection.
- The most severe form of vitamin C deficiency is scurvy.
Scurvy leads to the formation of liver spots on the skin, spongy gums and bleeding from the mucous membranes.
A person with this disease looks pale, feels depressed and partially frozen. In advanced scurvy there is an open wound which later leads to tooth loss and eventual death.
- Low levels of vitamin C may lead to high blood pressure, gallbladder disease, stroke, cancer, hardening of the arteries and plaque buildup.
that can lead to heart attack and stroke. Make sure you eat enough vitamin C foods to reduce your risk of developing these conditions.
Vitamin C daily dose
For most people, one orange or a cup of strawberries, chopped red peppers, or broccoli , is enough to provide the body with vitamin C for the day.
One of the American studies stated that the amount of vitamin C , needed for the human body , depends on age and explained it in a statement as follows:
Birth to 6 months 40 mg.
Children between 7-8 months 50 mg.
Children between 1-3 years 15 mg.
Children between 4-8 years 25 mg.
Children 9-13 years 45 mg.
Adolescents from 14 to 18 years (boys) 75 mg.
Adolescents from 14 to 18 years (girls) 65 mg.
Adults (men) 90 mg.
Adults (women) 75 mg.
Pregnant women 85 mg.
Breastfeeding 120 mg.
Pregnant women 85 mg.
Breastfeeding 120 mg.
Vitamin C supplements
Vitamin C is widely available in supplement form. It is available in many forms including tablets, capsule, syrup and tablets.
These products:
C-Retard – each capsule contains 500 mg.
C-VIT drops 100 mg / 1 ml (20 drops).
Vitacid Effervescent Tablets Each tablet contains 1000mg (1g) of Vitamin C.
How to use vitamin C
- Oral vitamin C:
It is taken with or without food (on an empty stomach), and it is preferable to take it with food if stomach upset occurs. It is taken with water.
- Vitamin C powder: mix with water.
- Vitamin C sucking pills: must be chewed well and mixed with food, and not swallowed whole.
- Long-acting pills should be swallowed whole and not crushed or broken.
- Vitamin C injection: It is given intramuscularly, intravenously, or in the oily part of the skin. Washing hands before and after use. you must learn the method of injection from the doctor. If you takes the injection at home, avoid antacids for a period of two hours when taking the medicine.
vitamin C and Corona virus
When people get colds and influenza, they take large amounts of vitamin C, to boost their immunity against these viruses. so should we do this with the Corona virus or not?
There are still many studies to know the effectiveness of vitamin C , against the Corona virus.
but the available information says that the Corona virus may reduce the pneumonia , caused by the virus only by preventing a type of protein called cytokines from infecting the cells of the lungs.
There is no evidence yet of the effectiveness of vitamin C , against the new Corona virus. but it may work to strengthen the immune system , in its fight against the new Corona virus.
What are the drug interactions of vitamin C?
If you are taking any of the following medicines, consult your doctor or pharmacist , before taking vitamin C supplements:
- Aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (paracetamol or acetaminophen).
- Antacids containing aluminum.
- Barbiturates.
- Chemotherapy drugs.
- Hormonal contraception.
- Protease inhibitors (HIV drugs).
- Tetracycline and Warfarin.