Vitamin C is also known as ascorbic acid and is a water soluble nutrient that is easily destroyed by heat, alkali and storage. Seventy percent of Vitamin C is lost in the process of cooking. Most plants and animals can synthesize ascorbic acid from Glucose. Man, higher primates, guinea pigs and bats are the only species which cannot synthesize ascorbic acid as they lack the genes responsible for the production of the enzymes for the conversion of gulono lactones through ascorbic acid. Human beings need to consume the vitamin through diet. Ascorbic acid is absorbed from the gastro intestinal tract and is excreted in urine. Vitamin C is essential for healing bones is known for its anti oxidant properties and is required to fight the pre radicals in the environment. It is found in fresh citrus fruits and green leafy vegetables, broccoli, potatoes, strawberries, meat and fish.
It is used for the normal production of supporting tissues of mesenchimal origin such as ospeoid, dentine, collagen and intra cellular cement substance of capillaries. It helps enhance the process of metabolism and augments iron absorption in the body. Scurvy a disease of the bones is often caused by the deficiency of vitamin C.
Dosage:
The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for Vitamin C in nonsmoking adults is 75 mg per day for women and 90 mg per day for men. For smokers, the RDAs are 110 mg per day for women and 125 mg per day for men. A dose of 200 milligrams daily is almost enough to maximize plasma and lymphocyte levels. Higher doses of ascorbic acid are required under conditions pertaining to environmental stress such as trauma, fever or infection.
Side Effects of Vitamin C Overdose:
On the one hand, where Vitamin C has a number of benefits it is also known to project various side effects if the recommended dosage is exceeded beyond 2000 mg. An
overdose of vitamin C can lead to severe disorders of the gastro intestinal tract, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, stomach cramps, dizziness, acute headache, irregular breathing and fluctuations in the blood pressure.
Overdose of Vitamin C can also result in the formation of gall or kidney stones leading to a number of problems of the urinary tract. According to various studies excessive intake of the vitamin may result in various types of cancers. If a dose of over 6,000 mg of the Vitamin is consumed during pregnancy it may lead to a sudden drop in daily intake and result in the development of rebound scurvy in the baby. It is recommended that patients suffering from Hemochromatosis disease should not take Vitamin C due to the enhanced accumulation of non-heme iron in the presence of this Vitamin.
Excessive chewing of Vitamin C may lead to jaundice, severe back pain, outbreak of rashes leading to itchy skin and fever. It is suggested that pregnant and nursing mothers should not take ascorbic acid in access in order to prevent birth defects in the baby.
High doses of Vitamin C may be beneficial in enhancing the absorption of iron depending upon the presence of the nutrient in the gut.
Before taking any nutritional supplements it is essential for you to consult a registered medical practitioner in order to determine if the nutrient is required by your body or not. You must also make note of any of the diseases or ailments you might be suffering from. You must also consider your present medial condition before taking the supplement, if you are allergic to any prescription or over the counter (OTC) drugs or have a family history of any ailments take proper consultation before taking any nutrient.
Vitamins are organic compounds present in small quantities in different natural foods and are necessary for the growth and maintenance of good health in human beings. These essential food factors are required for maximizing the utilization of carbohydrates, lipids and proteins in the body. They also serve the needs of growth, differentiation and maintenance of normal cellular functions. Too much of anything is bad and vitamins are no exception to this.
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