(Ascorbic Acid, Calcium Ascorbate)

Vitamin C is a water soluble vitamin. Also known as Ascorbic acid (3-oxo-L-gulofuranolactone), Anti-scorbutic Acid, Hexuronic Acid, Cevitannic Acid, L-xyloascorbic Acid, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Ascorbyl Nicotinate. Isolated from fruits, paprika and adrenal glands in 1922 by Dr. Albert Szent-Gyorgi. It can be prepared by synthesis from glucose, or extracted from plant sources such as rose hips, blackcurrants or citrus fruits. It is easily oxidized in air.

Man is one of the few mammals unable to manufacture Ascorbic Acid in his liver.

Vitamin C Chemical Structure, C6H8O6

FUNCTION

• accumulates iron in bone marrow, spleen and liver
• antioxidant which helps defend cells from the effects of smoke, pollution and other highly reactive substances called free radicals
• controls blood cholesterol levels
• converts amino acids into substances needed for normal brain and nerve functions
• converts Folic Acid into active form Folinic Acid
• essential for the formation of intercellular material, bone and teeth
• essential for the absorption of iron
• fights bacterial and viral  infections
• helps in healing
• helps produce anti-stress hormones
• maintains elasticity of the skin
• maintains healthy blood capillaries
• maintains healthy reproductive organs
• may help protect against certain cancers, cataracts and heart disease
• necessary in production of red blood cells
• prevents allergic reactions (antihistamine activity)
• prevents hemorrhaging
• promotes healthy cell development and resistance to infections
• promotes wound healing
• protects Vitamin E
• vital for collagen formation which is the connective tissue protein in all cells

FOOD SOURCES

• acerola cherry juice
• blackcurrants
• broccoli, especially tops
• Brussels sprouts
• cauliflower
• chilies
• fresh fruits, especially citrus, such as grapefruit, lemons, oranges; and berries, such as blackberries, gooseberries, strawberries; kiwi fruit, lychees
• green leafy vegetables, such as cabbage
• guavas
• herbs, such as chives, kale, parsley, watercress, mustard tops
• horseradish
• onions
• radishes
• red cabbage
• red and green peppers
• rose hips
• tomatoes

EFFECTIVE WITH

• all vitamins and minerals
• calcium
• magnesium

INCREASED INTAKES NEEDED

• after physical stress
• after accidental and/or surgical injuries to speed up the healing process
• by alcohol drinkers
• by athletes
• by diabetics
• by the elderly
• by those with an infectious disease
• by those with gastric or duodenal ulcers
• by tobacco smokers
• for formula fed babies
• if taking Aspirin
• if taking contraceptive pill
• if taking antibiotics, especially Tetracycline
• if taking barbiturates
• if taking corticosteroids
• if undergoing dental surgery

USED FOR

• bone viral and bacterial infections
• allergic reactions (due to its antihistamine qualities)
• a photographic developing agent in alkaline solution.
• arthritis
• atherosclerosis
• bed sores
• certain psychiatric states
• colds and influenza
• gastro-intestinal hemorrhages
• hangovers from alcohol
• infectious diseases, especially of the respiratory tract
• iron-deficient anemia
• preventing the occurrence and development of cancer
• reducing high blood cholesterol levels
• reducing leg cramps during pregnancy
• skin hemorrhage due to fragile capillaries
• spongy and bleeding gums
• treating lead, mercury and cadmium poisoning
• treating loose teeth
• treatment of scurvy
• great antioxidant
• bleeding gums

DESTROYED BY

• alkalis in the presence of copper
  
• heat
  
• high temperature, such as in a pressure cooker
  
• hot air drying
  
• leaching into cooking water
  
• light
  
• oxygen
  
• pre-soaking vegetables

SYMPTOMS OF DEFICIENCY

In Infants (usually shows between 6 and 18 months):

• bone formation ceases
  
• cries when handled
  
• irritable
  
• loss of appetite
  
• pain on moving
  
• tenderness of extremities
  
• thickened rib endings
  
• weight loss

and hemorrhages of the:

• gums
  
• long bones
  
• mucous membranes
  
• skin

In Adults:

• bleeding gums
  
• gingivitis
  
• irritability
  
• lassitude (no energy)
  
• loosening of teeth
  
• muscle and joint pains
  
• weakness
  
• weight loss

and hemorrhages of the:

• brain with bleeding from nose
  
• digestive tract
  
• eyes
  
• skin (minute bleeding under the skin)
  
• thigh muscle (larger hemorrhage)
  
• urinary tract

DEFICIENCY LEADS TO

• Scurvy

SYMPTOMS OF TOXICITY

Vitamin C is generally regarded as one of the safest vitamins, but occasionally the following symptoms of overdose can occur:

• abdominal cramping
  
• diarrhea
  
• nausea

It should be avoided in high doses by those:

• taking anti-coagulant drugs
  
• with an inherited metabolic disorder resulting in excess Oxalic Acid, Cystine or Uric Acid in the blood and urine
  
• with kidney stones
  
  

A large Range of Vitamin C can be purchased from Global Herbal Supplies - Click Here

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More Vitamin Information: 

Beta Carotene  ||  Biotin  ||  Choline & Choline/ Inositol  ||  Folic Acid  ||  Inositol  ||  Multivitamins  ||  Vitamin A  ||  Vitamin B-1 (Thiamin)  ||  Vitamin B-12 (Cyanocobalamin)  ||  Vitamin B-2 (Riboflavin)  ||  Vitamin B-3(Niacin)  ||  Vitamin B-5 (Pantothenic Acid)  ||  Vitamin B-6 (Pyridoxine)  ||  Vitamin B-Complex  ||  Vitamin C/ Bioflavonoids  ||  Vitamin D  ||  Vitamin E  ||  Vitamin K