Your Body and Vitamin C
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Ascorbic acid – better known as Vitamin C – is widely used by the general public for the promotion of good overall health, and is available in a variety of forms, including tablets and capsules. While adequate amounts can be derived from a well-balanced diet, food supplements are also available for those who are deficient.
Since Vitamin C is required to keep the body healthy, doses of it in the form of a food supplement are sometimes prescribed by physicians in order to treat or prevent such illnesses as muscle weakness, fatigue, slowness in healing and scurvy. Those who suffer from conditions such as chronic infection, hyperthyroidism, alcoholism, certain intestinal diseases and AIDS may be required to take higher doses in order to meet their daily requirement.
In order to avoid the need for Vitamin C in the form of a food supplement, you should take care to ensure that your daily diet includes foods that are naturally rich in this vitamin, such as green vegetables, tomatoes and citrus products, such as fruits and juices. If a food supplement is, in fact, needed, be sure to take prescribed doses, and do not double the dose if one is missed. Pregnant women should be careful not to take a dosage that’s too high, or the effects could be harmful to the unborn child.
Unusually large doses of the substance have not been known to be dangerous but may cause adverse side effects, and are often utilized by those who are attempting to ward off colds, flus and other disorders – including cancer – but may cause kidney stones in those who have a history of kidney related illnesses. Consult with your physician before taking this food supplement, if your health profile includes issues with the kidneys.
Since Vitamin C is required for the body to effectively use collagen, to maintain good health in the areas of cell walls and small blood vessels, and for the metabolism that relates to various substances in the body, it’s critical that your body receives the daily recommended dosage. If that can’t be accomplished through a well-balanced diet, or if you have a history of absorption problems, then food supplements can be purchased in a variety of forms – even in certain beverages. It should be noted that smokers generally require an increased dose of Vitamin C in their daily diet.
Daily Recommended Doses
The daily recommended dosage will vary, depending upon the person’s age and gender. By following the guidelines listed below, you should be able to maintain a healthy amount of Vitamin C in your body and
Birth to 1 Year: 40 to 50mg
Age 1 to 8: 15 to 25mg
Age 9 to 18 (boys): 45 to 75mg
Age 9 to 18 (girls): 45 to 65mg
Adult Men: 90mg
Adult Women: 75mg
No side effects are known to occur with prolonged use, and those who are over the age of 60 suffer no ill effects. While Vitamin C – either through diet or a food supplement – does not interact adversely with alcohol, a deficiency can be caused by alcoholism. There are also no adverse reactions from drug interaction with recommended doses, and no ill effects to children have been reported.