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Vitamin C
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a water-soluble vitamin essential for immune function, collagen synthesis, and antioxidant protection. It is widely recognized for its role in preventing scurvy and supporting overall health. This article synthesizes information from authoritative sources, including the British National Formulary (BNF), Lippincott Textbook of Pharmacology, Lange Basic & Clinical Pharmacology, Mayo Clinic, and Harvard Medical School, to provide a detailed overview of vitamin C.
- Immune Support:
- Reduces severity and duration of colds (Mayo Clinic).
- Skin Health:
- Promotes collagen production, reducing wrinkles and improving skin elasticity (Harvard Medical School).
- Wound Healing:
- Accelerates tissue repair and regeneration (BNF).
- Antioxidant Protection:
- Reduces oxidative damage linked to chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer (Lange).
- Iron Absorption:
- Prevents iron-deficiency anemia by enhancing non-heme iron absorption (Lippincott).
- Fruits:
- Citrus fruits (oranges, lemons), strawberries, kiwi, guava.
- Vegetables:
- Bell peppers, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, spinach.
- Fortified Foods:
- Cereals, juices, and dairy alternatives.
Deficiency can lead to scurvy, characterized by:
- Fatigue and weakness.
- Gum disease and tooth loss.
- Joint and muscle pain.
- Poor wound healing and bruising.
- Anemia and depression (Mayo Clinic).
Risk Factors:
Poor diet, smoking, alcoholism, malabsorption disorders, and chronic illnesses
- Normal: 0.6–2.0 mg/dL (Mayo Clinic).
- Deficiency: <0.2 mg/dL.
- Oral Tablets/Capsules:
- 250 mg, 500 mg, 1000 mg.
- Effervescent Tablets:
- Dissolve in water for easy consumption.
- Chewable Tablets:
- Popular for children.
- Injections:
- Used for severe deficiency or malabsorption.
- Deficiency Treatment:
- Prevents and treats scurvy (BNF).
- Immune Support:
- Reduces cold severity and duration (Harvard Medical School).
- Wound Healing:
- Enhances tissue repair in post-surgical or trauma patients (Lange).
- Antioxidant Therapy:
- Reduces oxidative stress in chronic diseases (Lippincott).
- Iron Deficiency Anemia:
- Improves iron absorption when taken with iron supplements (Mayo Clinic).
Daily Requirements (RDA):
- Adults: 75–90 mg/day (women), 90 mg/day (men).
- Smokers: Additional 35 mg/day.
- Pregnancy/Lactation: 85–120 mg/day.
Deficiency Treatment:
- Adults: 250–500 mg twice daily for 2–4 weeks (BNF).
Administration Tips:
- Take with meals to enhance absorption.
- Avoid excessive doses (>2,000 mg/day) to prevent side effects.
Vitamin C is generally safe but may cause:
- Mild: Diarrhea, nausea, abdominal cramps.
- Severe (High Doses): Kidney stones, iron overload (Lippincott).
- Kidney Disease: Avoid high doses due to oxalate stone risk.
- Iron Overload Disorders: Monitor iron levels (e.g., hemochromatosis).
- Pregnancy: Safe in recommended doses (BNF Category: A).
- Chemotherapy Drugs:
- May reduce efficacy of certain agents (e.g., bortezomib).
- Antacids (Aluminum-containing):
- Increases aluminum absorption, risking toxicity.
- Statins:
- High doses may reduce statin efficacy (Lange).
- Aspirin:
- Increases vitamin C excretion, requiring higher intake (Mayo Clinic).
- Ascorbic Acid: Most common form.
- Sodium Ascorbate: Buffered form for sensitive stomachs.
Calcium Ascorbate: Combines calcium with vitamin C.
