Vitamin C — what does it help with and how to deliver it to the body?

Vitamins are bioactive substances essential for regulating various biological functions. Both their deficiency and excess can result in unpleasant consequences for the body. What are the benefits of vitamin C and how can you ensure an adequate intake? Read on!

Which vitamin C is best?

Many vitamin supplements are available commercially. Which is the best vitamin C? It's important to emphasize that the best source is food: fresh fruits and vegetables. The best non-food vitamin C source is the one that allows you to meet your body's needs in the fewest doses possible. Which form of vitamin C is best? Both tablets and drops, as well as powders for dissolving in water, are available. Each contains vitamin C. A good choice for consumers is a vitamin C supplement, which is an extract from a plant rich in this nutrient. This is all thanks to the additional valuable health-promoting compounds it contains.

Vitamin C, what does it help with?

As for the ingredient which is Vitamin C 's properties stem from its versatility. What does vitamin C help with? Primarily, it's an antioxidant that reduces oxidative stress in cells. It seals capillaries, supports collagen production, and increases iron absorption. What are the benefits of vitamin C? Much is said about it in the context of supporting immunity and supporting cancer treatment, but there's no hard evidence that acute doses can cure any illness. Vitamin C for a hangover can help increase glutathione levels and alleviate the effects of "yesterday's syndrome." And does vitamin C affect blood thinning? It can reduce platelet aggregation (clumping) and also strengthen blood vessels, so it may be beneficial for people with varicose veins. Vitamin C for cold It can also significantly alleviate symptoms and shorten the duration of the disease, but its systematic use does not guarantee immunity.

How much vitamin C should you take daily?

Adults have a daily requirement of vitamin C of 1 mg/1 kg of body weight, and children need 2 mg/1 kg of body weight. How much vitamin C should you take daily? It is recommended not to use supplements containing more than 1000 mg of ascorbic acid per day. The daily dose of vitamin C is limited not because of its toxic effects, but because of the futility of high-dose supplementation. It is water-soluble, and excess is almost immediately excreted in the urine. So, if you are taking vitamin C 1000 during an infection, how many times a day should you take it? Once a day is completely sufficient.

Vitamin C Burst Dose – How Much is It and When Can It Be Used?

The maximum daily dose of vitamin C is 1,000 mg. This initial dose of vitamin C can be useful during treatment of inflammation or infection, alleviating symptoms and shortening the duration of the condition. However, such large doses are not necessary daily for preventative purposes in healthy, well-nourished individuals. Large doses of vitamin C are not toxic, but they cannot be stored, so unused ascorbic acid is simply excreted through the kidneys.

Vitamin C – morning or evening?

Will vitamin C be best absorbed and most needed in the morning or evening? Due to its antioxidant properties, it's best to take it in the morning, after a meal. It can improve iron absorption, so it's worth consuming it with foods containing this element, especially spinach or meat.

Vitamin C supplementation

Ascorbic acid supplementation can come in many different forms. Vitamin C infusions have recently become very popular and can be a good option for people who, for various reasons, cannot take ascorbic acid orally. If you want to include preventative vitamin C in your diet, tablets can be a good idea, as long as you remember to take the correct doses. Intravenous vitamin C can be absorbed more quickly and therefore be more effective if you have difficulty absorbing nutrients. Effervescent vitamin C 1000 is a good choice for people who have difficulty swallowing tablets, especially large ones.

Vitamin C deficiency

Vitamin C deficiency can result from an unhealthy diet, lacking raw vegetables and fruits, which are the best sources of vitamin C. Symptoms of vitamin C deficiency include problems with blood vessels, such as easier bruising and bleeding gums, as well as worsening resistance or a slower metabolism. The effects of vitamin C deficiency can be difficult to manage in the future. Prolonged vitamin deficiency can lead to osteoporosis or hyperthyroidism, impaired iron absorption, resulting in anemia, and increased susceptibility to infections due to weakened immunity.

Vitamin C Overdose – Is It Possible?

It's impossible to overdose on vitamin C, as excess is automatically flushed out of the body. However, if large, single doses are taken, symptoms of overdose may occur, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, or general fatigue. Excess vitamin C will be eliminated from the body on its own, but if overdose symptoms occur, it's a good idea to help yourself by drinking more water to help dissolve it.

Contraindications and allergy to vitamin C

Contraindications to vitamin C 1000 include primarily an allergy to ascorbic acid. An allergy to vitamin C may manifest as hives or skin flushing after taking the drug. Large doses are not recommended for individuals with kidney stones or iron metabolism disorders, as well as for those taking anticoagulants, antivirals, or chemotherapy.

What should you not combine vitamin C with?

It's also important to know what not to combine vitamin C with. It's recommended not to use it with products containing ascorbinase – an enzyme that breaks down ascorbic acid, such as green cucumbers. It's also not recommended to take vitamin C supplements with those containing vitamin B12, selenium, and copper, as it may impair their absorption.

Vitamin C for children – at what age and dose should it be given?

Vitamin C for children can be an important nutrient supporting their immunity and development. Vitamin C for infants is also an important supplement, especially during the fall and winter months. A vitamin C dose for an infant or young child should be 25-40 mg per day, without exceeding this amount. Therefore, vitamin C 1000 mg for children is not recommended.

Source of Vitamin C - What has the most vitamin C?

What has the most vitamin C? Eat raw vegetables and fruits – high temperatures, peeling, and even soaking in water deplete ascorbic acid from any food. Which fruit has the most vitamin C? Contrary to popular belief, it's not lemon, but acerola, rosehip, or blackcurrant. Parsley and red bell peppers are also excellent sources of vitamin C, raw, of course. Interestingly, potatoes also contain a significant amount of vitamin C, but they shouldn't be eaten uncooked, which causes them to drop significantly in the ranking of vegetables with the highest vitamin C content. If your diet is a bit too monotonous and it's difficult to obtain an adequate supply of ascorbic acid, it's worth considering supplementation with doses adjusted to your body weight, age, and actual needs.