Just like an ever active member of a family, vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a multi-purpose vitamin required by almost all the body functions and every healing process, round the clock. In spite of its important role in multiple diseases, vitamin C is not as commonly prescribed by physicians as it should be. 

   In this article you will find answers to commonly asked questions, like: What is the role of vitamin C in human body? What are the food sources of vitamin C? What is the daily requirement of vitamin C in children and in adults? What are the deficiency symptoms of vitamin C?


ROLE OF VITAMIN C IN THE BODY

• A Natural Sense of Well-being: We all are familiar with the feeling of freshness and vigor that we experience when we consume glucose with vitamin C or lemonade. This is a natural feeling of well-being and not the kind caused by taking steroids. Don't forget to take a mega dose of vitamin C before your next sports event!

• Hinder Aging and Degeneration Caused by Free Radicals: In an atmosphere full of UV rays, electromagnetic radiation, Wi-Fi and mobile towers, pollution, dietary additives and chemicals, stress etc. we are constantly exposed to destructive oxidizing particles called free radicals which cause cellular damage. This results in the development of chronic diseases like diabetes, blood pressure, cancer, PCOD, arthritis, atherosclerosis right from a young age and an increased incidence of Alzheimer's, prostatic and uterine diseases, Parkinsonism, osteoporosis, glaucoma etc. after the 50s. Vitamin C is one of the most powerful antioxidants which prevents such degenerative processes.

• Immunity Enhancer: Studies have demonstrated that one gram of vitamin C daily with 30 mg of zinc gives a tremendous boost to the natural immunity by stimulating the activity of all types of white blood cells (NK cells, macrophages, neutrophils) and increasing antibody production by lymphocytes several times the normal. You will be surprised to know that vitamin C can be a substitute for antibiotics if started early at the onset of cold (both allergic and infectious) by reducing the duration and severity of the disease and reducing complications like pneumonia. Remember the role of honey and lemon in the great 1918 influenza pandemic? Vitamin C also enhances the quality of life considerably in HIV patients.

• Wound Healing: A protein called collagen is required for normal wound healing. Patients who are deficient in vitamin C and/or amino acids show delayed wound healing due to the delayed formation of collagen. Vitamin C is commonly prescribed in patients recovering from trauma, surgeries, peptic ulcers, bed sores etc.

• Prevention of Myocardial Infarction and Stroke: Ignore minor degenerations like atherosclerosis and be prepared for complications like MI and stroke. It is a great misfortune of today's generation who overlook the importance of a potent scavenger nutrient like vitamin C which is available abundantly everywhere at a low cost.

• As a Cosmetic: Vitamin C is a great beautifying agent! Apart from producing healthy elastin under the skin and removing wrinkles, vitamin C guards the skin by protecting against UV-induced cell damage and imparting a healthy glow to the skin by stimulating micro-circulation thereby preserving the natural tone and texture of the skin.

• Fighting Cancer: We saw the role of vitamin C in preventing cancer. In patients suffering from cancer, vitamin C, when given intravenously, reduces the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation, and prolongs the remission periods. Vitamin C does not cure cancer.

• Prevention and Cure of Anemia by Increasing Iron Absorption: Anemia is corrected quickly if iron supplements are given along with vitamin C because vitamin C is required for the absorption of iron from the stomach. 




WHO IS AT THE RISK OF DEVELOPING VITAMIN C DEFICIENCY?

• People who do not eat raw food like fruits and green vegetables

• People who eat processed food, packed food, canned food, regularly

• Chronic smokers and alcoholics

• People who are undergoing chemotherapy and radiation

• People suffering from chronic inflammatory conditions of the gastrointestinal tract, thereby causing malabsorption of vitamins




DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS OF VITAMIN C

   Tissues and the blood vessels of a person with normal vitamin C levels are elastic while those of a deficient vitamin C levels are fragile. Deficiency symptoms, called Scurvy, start developing when the vitamin stores are depleted for more than 3 months in the body. They are:

• Frequent bruising and subcutaneous reddish- purple marks of the hemorrhages
• Frequent bleeding from the gums which are loose and spongy

• Frequent nosebleeds in area which is rich in capillaries

• Frequent swelling and bleeding in the joints for the same reasons described above

• Repeated allergies and infections like common cold and influenza (not to exclude Swine Flu) are due to the weakening of the immune system

• Fatigue, muscular weakness and lack of enthusiasm: These are the anemic symptoms developing secondary to vitamin C deficiency

• Dry, lusterless skin and rough, splitting hair

DAILY REQUIREMENTS:

In health: ~60 mg per day, less in children, more during pregnancy and                  lactation
In a diseased state: ~1000 M per day
In cancer and chemotherapy: ~ 200 gm two times a week i. v.


                    Top Ten Sources of Vitamin C

Best Sources of Vitamin C in Food


Read more about: Vitamin A, Vitamin B12, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E


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