|
Functions
|
Vitamin C is essential for growth. It plays a role in the metabolism of amino acids (especially tyrosine and phenylalanine), conversion of folic acid to folinic acid. Vitamin C is essential for many hydroxylation reactions. It has a role in tooth and bone formation, connective tissue integrity, and capillary integrity, promoting the healing of wounds and fractures and reduces chance of infections. Essential for production of collagen, antioxidant, biosynthesis of steroid hormones, prevents scurvy. Has an antihistamine effect. |
|
Uses
|
Used to inc. immunity; wound healing; schizophrenia; manic depression; CV dz, dec. TG, dec. platelet aggregation; allergies; colds; cancer; cataracts, glaucoma; periodontal dz; infertility; back ache; heavy metal toxicity; familial polyposis; Fe def anemia; pressure sores. |
|
Deficiency
|
Vitamin C deficiencies include scurvy (may show bleeding gums as a first sign progressing to pinpoint hemorrhages in the skin, skin changes and internal bleeding). A person with deficiency may be listless, experience fatigue, weakness, SOB, muscle cramps, aching bones, joints, muscles, anorexia, dry skin, feverish, hemorrhage; secondary infection; bleeding gums, pyorrhea, dental carries; decreased glucose tolerance, incr. cholesterol; anemia. |
|
Antagonists |
Vitamin C is lost during cooking and storage, light and heat. |
|
Co-
|
Vitamin C mobilizes iron from ferritin stores and activates folate. Vitamin C is absorbed from the small intestine. It takes approximately 3 months for severe deficiency symptoms such as scurvy to appear. It is depleted in infectious processes, in smokers, in people with burns and those who have undergone surgery. |
|
Drug Interactions
|
Large doses of vitamin C may increase estrogen levels when taken at the same time as the contraceptive pill. Oral contraceptives may increase requirements but supplements should be taken at a different time. Aspirin, alcohol, antibiotics and steroids may increase vitamin C requirements. Vitamin C may be useful for preventing the development of tolerance to nitrate drugs which are often used to treat angina. |
|
Dose
|
RDA: 60 mg/d adult; 45mg/d kids; 35mg/d infants More likely requirements are 1-
|
|
Toxicity
|
Excess vitamin C may result in diarrhea; painful urination; flatulence;skin rash; inc. uric acid; rebound scurvy in pregnancy. Use of vitamin C is contraindicated in cystinuria; oxalate stone formers; Fe storage dz; before lab tests, esp. glucose, guyac stool test.
|
|
Sources
|
Vitamin C sources include most fruits and vegetables including: Puerto Rican cherry Citrus fruit Tomato Melon Peppers Raw cabbage Greens Guava Strawberries Pineapple Potato
|
