"Vitamin C - A Powerful Antioxidant That May Prevent Strokes!"
Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid) is a potent, water-soluble vitamin that performs numerous metabolic functions in the human body.
Water-soluble vitamins are vitamins that are not stored in the body and must be replaced each day.
Most mammals are able to manufacture it with humans being the only exception.
It is required for a number of metabolic functions that range from repairing tissues to the production of collagen. Collagen is an important protein used to make skin, tendons, scar tissue, ligaments, and blood vessels.
It may prove useful in stress reduction as well. It produces the 'feel-good' neurotransmitters norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine. It also assists with the conversion of L-Tyrosine into dopamine.
Next, along with Vitamin B6, it converts dopamine into norepinephrine. This particular neurotransmitter, along with dopamine, have been linked to controlling stress levels and depression.
Vitamin C is thought to provide relief from the symptoms of Asthma. This is primarily because of the role that C plays regarding immune system function. This vitamin is thought to be essential for the production of immune system cells.
When our bodies becomes stressed, levels of Vitamin C can be quickly depleted. This as why C should be taken several times each day by individuals with Asthma when they are under stress.
It is also thought to be beneficial as a result of the role it plays as an antioxidant.
When an Asthma attack occurs, allergens in the lungs release oxidants which weaken the smooth muscles of the bronchi. C functions as the primary antioxidant in the lungs functioning to suppress these oxidants.
It is also a vital element for healing of burns and wounds, and for repairing and maintaining teeth, bones, and cartilage.
In 1753, Scottish physician James Lind suggested the British Navy carry fresh fruits and vegetables onboard each ship to prevent Scurvy.
Some forty years later, they acted on his advice and began to carry lime juice onboard, thus earning the nickname “limeys” for the sailors.
Ascorbic acid also helps the body to absorb iron, which is necessary for the production of red blood cells.
Some studies have shown it is useful in reducing the length and severity of colds. Results are mixed in this area, however.
In a study done in 2007, researchers examined clinical data from the last 60 years investigating Vitamin C's effect on colds. The researchers found if taken after the beginning of a cold, it had no effect on its duration or severity.
But the researchers also discovered those individuals that were in extreme condition, such as marathon runners, could cut their risk of catching a cold by 50 percent by taking it.
Ascorbic acid is a powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants are substances that prevent cells from being damaged by entities called free radicals.
Google News reports on a story from The Press Association that states antioxidant vitamins may limit the effectiveness of Cancer medications. They state they "could block the process by which radiation and many chemotherapy agents kill tumours."
Both types of treatments work by causing free radicals to form. Free radicals are damaging molecules that can harm cellular DNA.
Consequently, antioxidants act to negate the effect of these radicals. They do this by 'sacrificing an electron thus converting them into normal cells.
A study published in the Journal of Epidemiology in 1992 stated those individuals with high levels of this vitamin live six years longer then those individuals with low levels of it.
Researchers from the National Institute on Aging report that elderly individuals taking vitamins C and E had a 50 percent lower risk of premature death than those that did not take these supplements.
Google news reports the University of Michigan has found Vitamin C, along with vitamins A and E, and the mineral Magnesium may protect against hearing loss.
In animal studies, guinea pigs given those vitamins an hour before exposing them to loud noise were protected from hearing loss.
Levels of Vitamin C may determine your probability of having a stroke.
A population study of 20,000 middle aged and older individuals in the United Kingdom was recently done. After 9.5 years had elapsed, 448 strokes had occurred in the study population.
The researchers found those individuals with the highest levels of this vitamin at the start of the study were 42 percent less likely to have a stroke than those with the lowest levels.
Connection to Gum Disease
A study published in the Journal of Periodontology found those individuals consuming less than the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of this vitamin were more likely to develop gum disease.
Researchers analyzed data from over 12,000 individuals. They found those individuals who consumed less than the recommended 60 milligrams per day of this vitamin were 1.5 times more likely to develop severe Gingivitis than those consuming 180 milligrams of it.
Google News reports that those individuals with gum disease were at higher risk for developing Cancer. In a study of more than 48,000 men they found those with gum disease were at a 21% greater risk of developing Cancer than those with gum disease who had never smoked.
That same group was at a 35% greater risk of developing Blood Cancer. Scientists stated the reason for the link is unclear.
The researchers also found smokers had higher rates of gum disease if they consumed lower amounts of this important vitamin.
The relationship between Vitamin C and healthy gums has long been known. During the eighteenth century, while at sea, sailors would eat limes to prevent their gums from bleeding.
Healthy Skin
It may also protect the skin from the effects of aging.
Researchers asked 4000 women ages 40 to 70 to recall what they had eaten over the last 24 hours. This was followed by an examination by a dermatologist.
The women whose diets included high amounts of this vitamin were 11 percent less likely to exhibit wrinkled skin and 7 percent less likely to have dry skin associated with aging.
Those women whose diets included high amounts of fats and carbohydrates were more likely to have skin wrinkles and atrophy.
Good food sources of this vitamin are: broccoli, strawberries, citrus fruit, cabbage, red peppers, cauliflower, kiwi fruit, Brussels sprouts, and guavas.
Dosage
Infants 0-6 months 40 mg. 7-12 months 50 mg.
Children 1-3 years 15 mg. 4-8 years 25
Males mg. 9-13 years 45 mg. 14-18 years 75 mg. 19-30 years 90 mg. 31-50 years 90 mg. 51-70 years 90 mg. >70 years 90 mg.
Females 9-13 years 45 mg. 14-18 years 65 mg. 19-30 years 75 mg. 31-50 years 75 mg. 51-70 years 75 mg. > 70 75 mg.
Pregnancy < 18 years 80 mg. 19-30 years 85 mg. 31-50 years 85 mg.
Lactation 19-30 years 120 mg. 31-50 years 120 mg.
You may need to take dosages much greater than those mentioned above to achieve a desired therapeutic effect. Discuss with your physician what is best for you and your particular circumstances.
Google News reports there is no evidence providing proof that Timed-Released vitamins are more healthy than regular vitamins. As they are more expensive, do yourself a favor and buy the non-Timed-Release type.
Side Effects and Contraindications
Vitamin C consumption is generally considered safe, even when taken at very high doses. Some side effects you may experience include:
Nausea
Heartburn
Diarrhea
High levels of this vitamin can interfere with copper absorption.
Those individuals with Kidney Stones should avoid taking it as it can convert to oxalate, a major component of Kidney Stones.
It is contraindicated in those individuals suffering from Iron Overload disease.
Ascorbic acid increases levels of estrogen, and should be avoided by those women taking oral contraceptives or are on estrogen replacement therapy.
It may reduce the effect of blood thinning medications such as Coumadin.
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Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid) is a potent, water-soluble vitamin that performs numerous metabolic functions in the human body.
In a study done in 2007, researchers examined clinical data from the last 60 years investigating Vitamin C's effect on colds. The researchers found if taken after the beginning of a cold, it had no effect on its duration or severity.
Researchers analyzed data from over 12,000 individuals. They found those individuals who consumed less than the recommended 60 milligrams per day of this vitamin were 1.5 times more likely to develop severe Gingivitis than those consuming 180 milligrams of it.
Good food sources of this vitamin are: broccoli, strawberries, citrus fruit, cabbage, red peppers, cauliflower, kiwi fruit, Brussels sprouts, and guavas.
