Vitamin C

Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid is one of the most common water-soluble vitamins and is also an antioxidant. As one of the safest and most effective nutrients, the total content of vitamin C in the human body ranges from 300 mg to about 2000 mg (the tolerable upper intake level for adults). In cells and tissues, vitamin C is found in high millimolar concentrations, whereas in extracellular it is found at relatively low millimolar concentrations fluid ^[1].

Functions

Due to its diverse functions in human health, vitamin C has received extensive attention. It plays an important role in immune system deficiency, cardiovascular disease, eye disease, and more, as shown in the following functions.

• Participates in the biosynthesis of collagen, L-carnitine and certain neurotransmitters.
• Promotes the absorption of calcium, phosphorus, iron and other minerals.
• Enhances immune function and promotes antibody formation.
• Participates in protein metabolism.
• Scavenges free radicals and regenerates other antioxidants in the body, such as alpha-tocopherol.
• Helps control infection and wound healing.
• Reduces the risk of certain cancers and cardiovascular disease.
• Maintains healthy skin, blood vessels, bones and cartilage.

Food Sources of Vitamin C

The best food sources > Roxburgh rose, Jujube and kiwi fruit.

Good food sources > Citrus, tomatoes, cauliflower, strawberries, green leafy vegetables.

General food sources > Abbages, lettuces, pumpkins, apples, bananas, peaches and cherries.

Other food sources > Animal-source food, such as livestock and poultry meat, fish, eggs and dairy.

Deficiency

Vitamin C deficiency is relatively rare, especially in developed countries. However, people with limited food variety, malabsorption and certain chronic diseases are at risk of vitamin C deficiency. Smokers and passive "smokers" are also prone to vitamin C deficiency. The hallmark disease of severe vitamin C deficiency is scurvy, including the following symptoms.

• General weakness and tired
• Sore arms and legs
• Skin hemorrhages
• Anemia
• Hair loss
• Delayed healing of skin wounds

Toxicity

Excess vitamin C intake of > 2000 mg per day can lead to some side effects. Symptoms of vitamin C excess include diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, insomnia, headache, fatigue, and muscle pain. And some of the serious side effects of vitamin C toxicity are listed below.

• Kidney stones: Taking too much vitamin C may lead to the formation of oxalate and uric acid stones. It can also cause hyperuricemia in some people and accelerate the formation of kidney stone and vesical calculus.
• Blood system problems: Intake of vitamin C above the upper limit in the body can cause methemoglobinemia and reduce intestinal absorption of vitamin B12. Besides, excessive vitamin C can interfere with the healthy antioxidant-oxidant balance in the body, which is very dangerous for people who have blood disorders such as hemochromatosis or thalassemia to consume excess vitamin C because it may lead to iron overload.

Vitamin C has received a great deal of attention because its vital role in in the formation of collagen, carnitine, hormones and amino acids. In addition to some specific groups (people with chronic diseases, malabsorption, smokers and so on), supplementing vitamin C can also be beneficial for those who have a lot of stress in their lives or who need to promote wound healing before or after surgery.

Alfa Chemistry provides a variety of vitamin C ingredients as additives for nutritional supplements. Having trouble finding what you're looking for in the search bar? Please contact us and we'll be glad to assist.

Reference

1. Jacob. R, A.; Sotoudeh. G.; Vitamin C function and status in chronic disease. Nutr Clin Care. 2002, 5: 66-74.

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