The benefits of Vitamin C
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, plays a crucial role in the proper
function of healthy organs, tissues and the immune system. It is critical in
tissue repair and regeneration. Vitamin C is a key regulator in stem cell
behavior, influence, and differentiation. Vitamin C is necessary for the
growth, development and repair of all body tissues and is involved in many
body functions including the formation of collagen, absorption of iron, the
immune system, wound healing, and the maintenance of cartilage, bones and
teeth. While severe vitamin C deficiency is not common you may have heard of
it before as ‘Scurvy’. Once common among sailors who were away from fresh
fruits and vegetables, It is characterized by weakness, anemia, bruising,
bleeding, and loose teeth.
One of the mechanisms that vitamin C employs to promote health is its
ability to reduce inflammation through antioxidant properties. These
properties can protect against damage caused by harmful molecules called
free radicals. Free radicals buildup in our bodies over time and can promote
the development of dangerous health conditions… and some not so dangerous
ones. A study published by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
investigated relationships between nutrient intake and skin aging. 4025
women age 40-74 participated in a study which concluded that higher vitamin
C intakes were associated with a lower probability of wrinkled appearance,
increased suppleness of the skin, and more youthful presentation. There is a
plethora of new and exciting research looking at the benefits of vitamin C
that are very encouraging. In some University medical centers very high dose
vitamin C is currently being used as a chemotherapeutic agent for leukemia
and hepatocellular carcinoma. At doses higher than 500 mg per day vitamin C
has been shown to reduce the risks of high blood pressure, coronary artery
disease, stroke and macular degeneration. It can increase the absorption of
iron when the two are taken together. Most recently there was a study in
China that showed that high-dose vitamin C slowed some aspects of viral
transmission.
Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin and as such must be constantly supplied
in the diet to maintain adequate levels. Consuming vitamin C rich fruits and
vegetables are a good way to obtain ascorbic acid. Vitamin C is readily
absorbed either through food, pill and I.V. forms. Our oral vitamin C
protocol is as follows: Take 500mg daily for one week, If no stomach upset
increase by 500mg up to a max of 2500 mg. If stomach upset occurs, back down
by 500mg to the previous weeks dosing and continue at this level.
Oral supplementation is great but by far the fastest, most effective way to
increase your vitamin C level is through intravenous supplementation (I.V.).
IV therapy is a very safe and effective way to get higher amounts of vitamin
C in a very short period of time, without the inconvenience of having to
take large numbers of pills. In addition the amount of vitamin C that we can
provide through an IV is much larger than the amount that can be taken
orally because we can bypass the stomach and digestion process.
Please consider heavily the use of vitamin C in her daily regime and however
you get your vitamin C, we are here to help field your questions.
In health,
Dr. B