Ascorbic Acid Molecular Structure
Vitamin C or Ascorbic Acid is a white crystalline acidic vitamin that is water soluble in its natural form. Ascorbic Acid is essential for life and performs many vital functions in the body. Surprisingly, the RDA for Vitamin C for adults is only 60mg per day. Real world practice has shown us that our Vitamin C requirements are considerably higher than previously thought. Given its involvement in virtually every system and process in the body, it’s easy to see why maintaining optimal levels of this vitamin is crucial to good health. Vitamin C benefits the production of several Antibodies. IgA, IgG and IgM can be increased up to 400% by consuming 1,000mg of Vitamin C daily.
The Health Benefits of Vitamin C:
AGING PROCESS
• Helps repair damage to mitochondrial DNA retarding the Aging Process.
• Inhibits the Cross-Linking (glycosylation) of the body’s endogenous proteins.
• The shortening of Telomeres may be inhibited by supplementation.
• People who consume more than 300mg of Vitamin C daily have been shown to live longer than those consuming 30mg or less.
CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM
• The Methemoglobinemia form of Anemia may be alleviated by supplementation as Vitamin C helps to convert toxic Methemoglobin back to Hemoglobin.
• Enhances Iron absorption.
• Protects Red Blood Cells from the toxic effects of Free Radicals.
• Excessive Bleeding can result from deficiency as Capillaries become fragile with low levels of this vitamin.
• Inhibits the production of Prostaglandin E2, preventing abnormal Blood Clotting.
• Helps to remove Calcium from atherosclerotic plaques and by inhibiting the deposition of Cholesterol into atherosclerotic plaques and helps prevent Atherosclerosis.
• Improves the structural integrity of Blood Vessels by enhancing the incorporation of Collagen into the vessel walls.
• Excessive Bruising (weak Capillaries) can be caused by deficiency.
• By strengthening blood vessels, can alleviate Hemorrhoids.
• Can reduce the severity of Raynaud’s Disease.
• 4,000mg per day can improve Endothelial function in Congestive Heart Failure patients.
• May improve the condition of Dilated Cardiomyopathy patients.
• May help to prevent Embolism, Angina, Ischemic Heart Disease, Thrombosis, Stroke, Hypertension and Heart Attacks.
• Helps to treat Microangio Permeability (weak Capillaries).
CELLS
• Stimulates Apoptosis (pre-programmed cell death) in some types of Cancer cells.
• Concentrates in the Cytosol of Cells.
• The Ascorbyl Palmitate form of Vitamin C stabilizes Cell Membranes.
• Reduces the ability of Gamma Rays to induce Chromosomal damage.
• Protects the body from the toxic effects of Hydrogen Peroxide.
• Inhibits damage to Glial Cells caused by Alcohol.
• Helps to repair damage to Mitochondria and enhances the production of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP).
• Is involved in the differentiation of Stem Cells.
DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
• Relieves Constipation.
• Clears the Bowel when tolerance levels have been reached.
• Crohn’s Disease patients have been shown to have low levels.
• May help to prevent Dysentery (Amebic).
• 2,000 – 4,000mg every 2 – 3 hours may rapidly resolve Food Poisoning.
• Helps to reduce the incidence of Gallbladder Disease and Gallstones.
• Facilitates the healing of the Gastric Mucosa.
• Inhibits Helicobacter pylori.
• 3,000 – 5,000mg per day may alleviate Halitosis.
• Effective against some types of Intestinal Parasites.
• May help to prevent and treat Pancreatitis due to its Antioxidant properties.
• Accelerates the healing of Gastric Ulcers.
• Useful in the treatment of Ulcerative Colitis.
IMMUNE SYSTEM
• Has been found to be helpful in the treatment of Autoimmune Diseases such as Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), Rheumatic Fever and Sjogren Syndrome.
• By itself or in conjunction with other drugs, Vitamin C has been found useful in the prevention and treatment of many types of cancer such as:
▪ Bladder
▪ Breast
▪ Cervical
▪ Colon
▪ Esophageal
▪ Gliomas
▪ Renal (Kidney)
▪ Laryngeal
▪ Liver
▪ Lung
▪ Mesothelioma
▪ Oral
▪ Multiple Myeloma
▪ Neuroblastoma
▪ Ovarian
▪ Pancreatic
▪ Pharyngeal
▪ Prostate
▪ Skin – (Basil Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Melanoma)
▪ Stomach
▪ Uterine
• Enhances the effectiveness of some Chemotherapy Drugs. Check with your Oncologist.
• Because of its Antioxidant properties it inhibits the conversion of Nitrates and Nitrites to highly carcinogenic Nitrosamines by up to 81%.
• Retards the conversion of Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) to carcinogenic substances.
• Vitamin C is useful in preventing and treating various types of Bacterial, Viral and Parasitic diseases such as:
▪ Botulism
▪ Brucellosis
▪ Epstein-Barr
▪ HSV-1
▪ HSV-2
▪ HIV
▪ Legionnaire’s Disease
▪ Leprosy
▪ Scarlet Fever
▪ Viral Encephalitis
▪ Candida albicans
▪ Brucella abortus
▪ Brucella melitensis
▪ Clostridium botulinum/tetani
▪ E. coli
▪ H. pylori
▪ Viral Hepatitis
▪ Hepatitis B & C
▪ Salmonella
▪ Porphyromonas gingivalis
▪ Pseudomonas aeruginosa
▪ Shigella
▪ Streptococcus faecalis
▪ Streptococcus pneumoniae
▪ Entamoeba histolytica
▪ Malaria
▪ Chickenpox (Varicella-Zoster)
▪ Common Cold
▪ Cytomegalovirus
▪ Shingles (Herpes-Zoster)
▪ Measles
▪ Influenza
▪ Rhinovirus
▪ Meningitis
▪ Polio (High dose Ascorbic Acid combined with N-Acetyl-Cysteine)
• Stimulates the production of Lymphocytes.
• Enhances Interferon production.
• Neutrophils may be incapable of functioning as Phagocytes without Vitamin C.
• The activity of Natural Killer Cells (NK Lymphocytes) may be increased up to 10 fold by supplementation.
• Improves the function of the Thymus Gland.
INFLAMMATION
• Helps to relieve Allergies by inhibiting Histamine release from Mast Cells.
• When used as an Eye bath, it reduces Eye Inflammation.
• May reduce Fever by inhibiting the release of Prostaglandin E2.
• 1,000 – 3,000mg per day can alleviate Hay Fever (Antihistamine action).
• Mega doses can successfully treat Osteomyelitis.
METABOLISM
• Due to its powerful Antioxidant properties, it inhibits/counteracts/destroys: Hydroxyl Free Radicals, Peroxyl Free Radicals, Peroxynitrite Free Radicals and Superoxide Free Radicals.
• May improve the body’s utilization of Cholesterol and may lower Total Serum Cholesterol.
• May increase HDL Cholesterol and promote the conversion of LDL Cholesterol to HDL Cholesterol.
• Facilitates the production of Bile Acids.
• 1,000 – 3,000mg per day may lower Serum Triglycerides.
• Protects Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids within the Brain from Free Radical damage.
• Due to its chemical similarity to Glucose, it competes with Glucose and may improve the disposal of excess Glucose in the body resulting in lower Blood Sugar levels.
• May reduce Insulin requirements in Diabetes Mellitus patients.
• Diabetic Nephropathy may be prevented with supplementation.
• Both Diabetes Type 1 and Type 2 patients have been shown to have low levels.
• May prevent Insulin Resistance.
• Facilitates the production of Thyroid Hormone (Thyroxine).
• Intense exercise depletes the body of Vitamin C and supplementation may counteract the increased production of Free Radicals produced by intense exercise.
• Combined with Vitamin E may improve Liver Function in Cirrhosis patients.
• May inhibit the ability of Alcohol to cause Fatty Liver.
MUSCULOSKELETAL
• May accelerate the healing of Fractures.
• Helps to prevent Osteoporosis.
• Tends to concentrate in Cartilage.
• By facilitating the excretion of excess Uric Acid, may alleviate Gout.
• Stimulates the production of Fibroplasia (Connective Tissue produced within the body as a result of healing).
• Helps to preserve the integrity of Intervertebral Disks in the Spinal Column.
• The erosion of Cartilage that occurs from Osteoarthritis may be retarded by supplementation.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis patients often exhibit low levels.
• 1,000mg taken every hour may accelerate the healing of Sprains.
• Possesses anti-inflammatory properties.
• Can alleviate Muscle Cramps and Muscle Pain due to over exertion.
NERVOUS SYSTEM
• Stress increases the body’s requirement.
• Adrenal Insufficiency may be alleviated by supplementation.
• May reduce the symptoms of Altitude Sickness.
• May help to prevent Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).
• 1,000 – 3,000mg daily may help to treat Autism.
• May retard the progression of Dementia.
• Alzheimer’s patients have been shown to have low levels perhaps indicating excessive Free Radical activity.
• 3,000mg daily may improve the symptoms of Depression and Manic Depression.
• May help to rectify underlying biochemical disturbances associated with Down’s Syndrome.
• Helps to decrease the severity of Head Injuries.
• May help to prevent and treat Huntington’s Disease.
• Irritability can occur as a result of deficiency.
• Can alleviate the pain associated with Postherpetic Neuralgia.
• Optic Neuritis can occur as a result of deficiency.
• Combined with Vitamin E can delay the progression of Parkinson’s Disease.
• High dose therapy (10 – 20 grams per day) may alleviate Schizophrenia.
• High dose therapy may be an effective treatment for Spinal Cord Injuries when administered as soon as possible after the injury.
• Helps the body cope with the Stress associated Surgery.
• May improve: Intelligence, Learning Ability, Memory, Mood & Mood Disorders and certain aspects of Mental Retardation.
ORAL HEALTH
• Gingivitis and Bleeding Gums can result from a deficiency.
• 3,000 – 5,000mg of Vitamin C per day may alleviate Halitosis.
• Mouth Ulcers and Periodontal Disease can result from a deficiency.
• Helps to preserve the integrity of Teeth and may prevent Tooth Decay.
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
• May help to prevent/alleviate/treat: Asthma, Bronchitis, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Emphysema.
• Helps to reduce Smoker’s Cough.
• Counteracts the Endotoxin produced by the bacteria that causes Diphtheria.
• May alleviate Pleurisy.
• Pharyngitis can be alleviated by Vitamin C lozenges.
• Helps to prevent Pneumonia and reduce its severity.
• Useful in the treatment of: Respiratory Tract Infections, Rhinitis, Hay Fever, Sinusitis and Allergic Rhinitis.
• Helps to prevent/treat Tonsillitis.
• May help to prevent Whooping Cough.
SEXUAL SYSTEM (Female)
• Deficiency increases the risk for Cervical Dysplasia.
• Improves Antibiotic effectiveness for the treatment of Cervicitis.
• Combined with Vitamin E may alleviate the pain associated with Endometriosis.
• May alleviate Female Infertility.
• Distributed doses may alleviate the hot flashes associated with Menopause.
• Luteal Phase Defect patients may be helped by Vitamin C as it helps to increase Progesterone production and Fertility.
• Concentrates in the Ovaries.
• Combined with Biofavonoids may reduce the symptoms of Menorrhagia.
• May help to prevent Miscarriage.
• Pregnancy increases the body’s requirement.
• May help prevent Preeclampsia. Women with Preeclampsia have been shown to have low levels.
SEXUAL SYSTEM (Male)
• Helps to prevent/treat enlarged Prostate.
• May alleviate Male Infertility by increasing Sperm motility and quality.
• Protects Sperm from genetic damage that can cause hereditary diseases in offspring.
• Concentrates in the Testes.
• May help to increase Sexual Desire by facilitating the production of Steroid Hormones.
• May improve Sexual Performance.
SKIN
• May facilitate Hair Growth and retard Hair Loss.
• When applied topically may prevent/treat/alleviate:
▪ Acne
▪ Chloasma
▪ Dry Skin
▪ Infraorbital Dark Circles
▪ Liver Spots
▪ Rosacea
▪ Aging Skin
▪ Photoaging of the Skin
▪ Inflammation of the Skin
▪ Stretch Marks
▪ Sunburn
▪ Thin Skin
▪ Tinea
▪ Wrinkles
• May prevent/treat Boils.
• Increased susceptibility to Bruising results from deficiency.
• High dose therapy accelerates the healing of Burns and when applied topically reduces Infection risk and Pain.
• Dandruff can occur as a result of deficiency.
• May alleviate Decubitus (Bed Sores).
• Useful in the treatment of Eczema and Psoriasis.
• May improve Sunlight Tolerance in Erythropoietic Protoporphyria patients.
• May alleviate Hives.
• High dose therapy may counteract the toxic effects of Venom from insect bites/stings.
• Protects Keratinocytes from Ultraviolet Radiation.
• Reduces scarring.
• Improves skin health due to its role in Collagen production.
• The Epidermis contains approximately five times the Vitamin C as the Dermis.
• 2,000mg daily in conjunction with Vitamin E may increase one’s threshold for Sunburn.
• Vitiligo patients have been found to have low levels.
• Accelerates the healing of wounds.
TOXINS
• Enhances the detoxification of Methanol by accelerating its conversion to Formaldehyde.
• Counteracts the toxic effects of Acetaldehyde and Formaldehyde.
• May inhibit the ability of Acrolein to damage the body’s cells.
• High dose therapy may help to prevent death from Strychnine poisoning.
• Helps protect the body against the neurotoxic effects of excess Glutamic Acid.
• May inhibit the ability of Homocysteine to cause Memory impairment and Cardiovascular damage.
• Reduces the toxic effects of excess L-Dopa.
• May mitigate the neurotoxic effects of N-Methyl-D-Aspartate (NMDA).
• High dose intravenous administration may help to counteract the Venom from Snake Bite.
• Helps to lower elevated Sorbitol levels in Diabetes Mellitus patients.
• Improves the body’s ability to resist the toxic effects of exposure to Radioactivity.
• May inhibit the ability of Gamma-Rays to damage Chromosomes.
• Through its Antioxidant effects, it may counteract the toxicity of Microwaves by the suppression of Free Radicals.
• Applied topically, reduces damage to the skin from UV-A & UV-B Ultraviolet Radiation.
• May protect the liver from the toxic effects of Carbon Tetrachloride.
• Helps to detoxify Cyanide.
• May help the body to detoxify from Pesticides.
• Inhibits the conversion of Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) to carcinogens.
• Inhibits these potentially toxic endogenous enzymes: Acetylcholinesterase, Aldose Reductase, HMG-CoA Reductase and Ornithine Decarboxylase.
• May mitigate the neurotoxicity of Monosodium Glutamate.
• Inhibits the conversion of Nitrates and Nitrites to carcinogenic Nitrosamines.
• May lower the production of Cortisol during periods of stress and counteract the detrimental effects of Cortisol on the Immune System.
• May inhibit the secretion of Leptin.
• Elevated Prolactin may be lowered by supplementation.
• May lower the levels of: Lipoprotein (a), Apoprotein (a), C-Reactive Protein, Fibrinogen, Methemoglobin, Nuclear Factor-Kappa B, Prostaglandin E2 and Prostaglandin F2 alpha.
• Helps to prevent the accumulation of Lipofuscin and Amyloid-Beta Protein in the Brain.
• Minimizes the toxic effects and helps the body eliminate toxic minerals such as: Aluminum, Arsenic, Cadmium, excess Copper, Sodium Fluoride, excess Iron, Lead and Vanadium.
• Reduces the toxicity of Aflatoxin and Ochratoxin.
• Lowers elevated Histamine levels.
• Enhances the removal of Uric Acid from the body.
• Helps to protect the body from the toxic effects of many prescription drugs shielding it from the damage they cause. Some of the more notable drugs Vitamin C can protect you from are: Aspirin, Barbiturates, Cortisone, Cyclophosphamide, Doxorubicin, Gentamicin, Haloperidol, Indomethacin, Paracetamol and Zidovudine (AZT).
• Helps to protect the Lungs from Air Pollution and detoxifies the body of many constituents of Air Pollution such as: Nitrogen Oxide, Nitrogen Dioxide and Carbon Monoxide.
• Vitamin C , especially when combined with Cysteine and Vitamin B1, may reduce the toxicity of Alcohol and hasten its clearance from Blood Plasma.
• Helps to inhibit the ability of Alcohol to cause Fatty Liver.
• Due to its Antioxidant properties, it may help to counteract the Brain damage caused by Ecstasy.
• May minimize the neurotoxic effects Methamphetamine by inhibiting the conversion of Dopamine to 6-Hydroxydopamine.
• Reduces the toxic effects of Nicotine.
• May reduce withdrawal symptoms associated with the discontinuation of Opiates.
VISION
• Age-Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD) may be prevented by consuming at least 1,000mg per day.
• Bloodshot Eyes can be a result of deficiency.
• Supplementation can reduce the incidence of Cataracts by up to 70%.
• The Sodium Ascorbate form of Vitamin C prepared in a 3% solution applied topically directly to the Eyes can accelerate the healing of Conjunctivitis.
• Dry Eyes can result from deficiency.
• Mega doses may help to control Glaucoma.
• Concentrates in the lens of the Eye and helps to protect it from Oxidative Damage.
• Optic Neuritis can result from deficiency.
• May prevent Diabetic Retinopathy.
USAGE
There are many factors that affect one’s optimal daily dose of Vitamin C. Alcohol consumption, smoking, prescription drugs and environmental factors all increase one’s Vitamin C requirements. For optimal well-being and immune enhancement in a generally healthy person, 1,000mg three times per day with meals is usually sufficient. If you have a chronic health issue, a total daily dose around 6,000mg per day would be more appropriate. For serious illnesses such as cancer, dosages in excess of 10,000mg per day are not uncommon. When using large dosages of Ascorbic Acid, I suggest mixing various forms of Vitamin C for a synergistic effect. Other forms of Vitamin C are listed in the Vitamins Index along with their proper usage instructions.
Topical Ascorbic Acid benefits a variety of skin conditions and is extremely safe. Apply fairly liberally two or more times per day.
Keep in mind that Vitamin C deficiency is relative. The USRDA for Vitamin C is only 60mg. Consuming the minimum of 60mg per day may not protect you from deficiency given all the factors and substances that use up or destroy Vitamin C. Plain Ascorbic Acid works just fine for most people unless gastrointestinal issues prevent you from using it. In this case, investigating other forms of Vitamin C would be beneficial. The main limiting factor with Ascorbic Acid supplementation is bowel tolerance. To find your level of tolerance increase your daily dose of Ascorbic Acid until your stool becomes slightly loose then back the dose down by 500 – 1,000mg.
Vitamin C is Essential for Health
My Personal Recommendations:
Consider adding a quality Multivitamin to your Vitamin C to enhance its effects.
For additional immunity, consider adding Zinc.
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