Vitamin+C+(Ascorbic+Acid)

Also called: calcium ascorbate and dehydroascorbate metabolites (Ester-C), sodium ascorbate, ascorbic palmative (Vitamin C ester)

Cannot be produced in the body, hence the importance of dietary intake

An antioxidant vitamin, it helps combat harmful changes caused by excess free radicals in the cells.

Calcium, which is a mineral carbonate, gives it its alkaline property.

Functions
-Growth -Collagen Synthesis -Thyroxine synthesis -Tissue resistance (blood vessels, bones, ligaments, cartilage, gums, and teeth) -Amino Acid Metabolism -Promotes absorption of iron and calcium -Conversion of cholesterol into biliary acid -Antioxidant: Protects other vitamins and fatty acids

Daily Needs
Varies from 400mg/day to 1000mg 3 times a day to bowel capacity 3 times a day

Pro-Compounds
-All vitamins and minerals -Bioflavonoids -Calcium -Magnesium

Anti-Compounds
-Antibiotics -Aspirin -Cortisone -High Fever -Tobacco

Deficiency
-Scurvy (manifests through bleeding gums and wounds that will not heal)

Excess
2000mg+/day can cause soft stool, diarrhea and gastro-intestinal problems. Temporarily stopping or lower dosage will usually relieve this. Breaking up the doses throughout the day also helps w/ this.

Tolerable maximum intake:
 * 1-3 years || 400mg. ||
 * 4-8 years || 650mg. ||
 * 9-13 years || 1200mg. ||
 * 14-18 years || 1800mg. ||
 * 18+ years || 2000mg. ||

Food Sources

 * FOOD || SERVINGS || VITAMIN C ||
 * Guava || 125ml. (1/2 cup) || 188mg. ||
 * Red Pepper, aw or cooked || 125ml. (1/2 cup) || 117-142mg. ||
 * Papaya || 153ml. (1/2 papaya) || 94mg. ||
 * Kiwi || 1 medium fruit || 71mg. ||
 * Orange || 1 medium fruit || 70mg. ||
 * Orange Juice || 125ml. (1/2 cup) || 48-62mg. ||
 * Green Pepper, raw or cooked || 125ml. (1/2 cup) || 51-60mg. ||
 * Pineapple and Grapefruit || 125ml. (1/2 cup) || 41-58mg. ||
 * Mango || 1 medium fruit || 57mg. ||
 * Broccoli, raw and cooked || 125ml. (1/2 cup) || 42-54mg. ||
 * Brussels Sprouts, cooked || 4 sprouts (80g.) || 52mg. ||
 * Strawberries || 125ml. (1/2 cup) || 49mg. ||
 * Beets, cooked || 125ml. (1/2 cup) || 45mg. ||
 * Kohlrabi, cooked || 125ml. (1/2 cup) || 45mg. ||
 * Pink or White Grapefruit || 1/2 fruit || 39mg. ||
 * Green Peas, cooked || 125ml. (1/2 cup) || 38mg. ||
 * Vegetable Juice || 125ml. (1/2 cup) || 34mg. ||
 * Carambola || 1 medium fruit || 31mg. ||
 * Cantaloupe || 125ml. (1/2 cup) || 29mg. ||
 * Pineapple || 125ml. (1/2 cup) || 28mg. ||

Prevention:
-Cardiovascular dis-eases: coronary dis-eases and infarct: At least 100mg./day for non-smokers reduces risk from 25%-42%

-Cancer At least 80-110mg/day

-Cataracts 350mg/day. After 2 months vision can improve 60%. Currently Under research.

Treatment:
-Vasodilation 500mg./day

-Colds: 1-4g/day

-Cancer: 10g/day INTRAVENOUSLY. Given orally it has not shown significant results.

-Diabetes: 400mg, in conjuction w/ 400IU of Vitamin E and a diet low in high-glycemic index carbohydrates and rich in omega-3 (at least 2g./day)

-Hypertension: 1000mg./day for 3 months can significantly reduce blood pressure

-Blood Lead Concentration: 1000mg./day significantly lowers lead levels

-Allergies: Vitamin C is a natural antihistaminic: at high doses it neutralizes the effects of inflammatory substances due to allergenic responses.

-Asthma: In supplements it can be an efficient adjuvant in asthma caused by physical effort.