Vitamin C daily requirement for humans. Who, how much and how to take vitamin C

Ascorbic acid is very important for the normal functioning of the body. An equally important aspect in this case is the daily dose of this drug.

The human body is a specific device that works due to micro- and macroelements coming from outside. All substances entering the body can have both positive and negative effects. Overdose with those other substances can lead to disastrous consequences.

What is ascorbic acid?

Ascorbic acid, also known as vitamin C, is a complex organic compound, actively involved in the functioning of the human body.

This compound performs a number of functions necessary for the normal functioning of the body.

Is a natural reducer and antioxidant.

This drug also has an antiradical effect, but it is extremely insignificant to prevent the rapid breakdown of cells.

In nature, ascorbic acid is found in many vegetables and fruits.

According to the IUPAC systematic nomenclature, ascorbic acid is also called gamma-lactone 2,3-dehydro-L-gulonic acid.

Reference! The discovery of this substance was associated with the victory over scurvy in 1928. It was then that Albert Szent-Györgyi synthesized this molecule for the first time and came to the conclusion that the lack of vitamin C in the body leads to scurvy.

In the human body ascorbic acid participates in the synthesis of collagen, serotonin from tryptophan, the formation of catecholamines, the synthesis of corticosteroids.

Ascorbic acid is also involved in the conversion of cholesterol to bile acids.

Inhibits the glycosylation of hemoglobin, inhibits the conversion of glucose to sorbitol.

There is data about neuroprotective effect ascorbic acid, in particular, about its positive effect on premature aging, prevention of age-related cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease.

However, avoiding vitamin deficiency appears to have a more beneficial effect than consuming large doses as a supplement to a healthy diet

Daily dose

Like any other drug, ascorbic acid has a daily norm consumption.

If this norm is exceeded, a person develops hypervitaminosis, and if there is a lack of consumption, hypovitaminosis appears.

Consequences from excess or deficiency of the vitamin can be very different.

From simple fatigue to serious illnesses or disturbances in the normal functioning of the body.

For babies

The body of young children, namely infants, is especially susceptible to external attacks. This is partly due to the fact that their immune system has not fully developed.

However, the doses of the devices must also be selected wisely, since at the stage of infancy the body is extremely sensitive.

For children

For children aged 1 to 3 years, it is advisable to give 40 mg/day.

The dose reduction compared to infants is due to the fact that the child’s body and immune system must independently fight external factors.

It is impossible for ascorbic acid to take on the entire role in maintaining the antioxidant barrier.

Schoolchildren

Children aged 4 to 8 years can be given up to 45 mg/day. Increasing the dose is associated with an increase in the activity of the body.

For teenagers

Teenagers aged 9 to 13 years should take 50 mg/day of ascorbic acid every day.

For young boys and girls

For young boys and girls, the dose of vitamin C is slightly different.

This is partly due to the fact that men are more susceptible to the harmful effects of radical particles.

So young guys aged 14 to 18 years should drink up to 75 mg of vitamin C daily. While young girls aged 14 to 18 years old, 65 mg per day will be enough.

Adult men and women

In an older organism, the ability to produce its own ascorbic acid begins to noticeably decrease.

This is partly due to the fact that the phase of intensive development in the body has passed.

This is why older people need more vitamin C consumption.

For men over 18 years of age, it should be taken daily before 90 mg.

For women over 18 years of age, the required daily allowance will be 75 mg.

Pregnant

During pregnancy, women experience serious hormonal changes, which also increases body weight. Pregnant women are recommended to consume up to 100 mg per day.

Nursing

Nursing mothers should consume up to 110-120 mg daily.

Elderly

In the body of older people, independent production of vitamin C practically stops. In accordance with this, they need to consume up to 300-400 mg per day.

Standard for smokers

For people who actively smoke or are regular passive smokers, it is also worth consuming more ascorbic acid.

For adult male smokers, this norm is up to 120 mg per day, and for adult smoking women 105 mg per day.

Reference! The maximum level of consumption of ascorbic acid in the Russian Federation reaches 2000 mg per day.

Calculation of the daily dose in tablets

Calculation of the daily dose of ascorbic acid will depend on many factors. For various weight and age daily requirements will vary significantly.

It will be no less important whether there is serious physical or mental stress in a person’s daily life.

In general, for a healthy man, the calculation of the daily requirement will be as follows: for every kilogram of body weight, you need to take 1-1.25 mg each ascorbic acid.

If a man is actively involved in sports, then the dosage can be increased to 1.5-1.75 mg per kilogram.

For people, smokers and for those who are sick, the norm will be 1.25-1.3 mg per day.

Do not forget about age; with age, the consumption rate increases significantly.

The absolutely acceptable intake rate for men is 2.5 mg per day, while conditionally acceptable 7.5 mg per day.

The same principle applies to women as to men. However, the level of consumption should be reduced. Excluding pregnant and lactating women.

In all other cases, the dose of ascorbic acid should be at 25-30% less than for men.

Overdose

An overdose of ascorbic acid is accompanied by a number of functional disorders. In this case, often the first symptoms are external.

Abuse of ascorbic acid it is forbidden. Long-term use of increased doses of the substance leads to a deterioration in the absorption of vitamin B12, also known as cyanocobalamin.

The overall acidity in the digestive tract increases, and the pH of uric acid decreases. With a significant increase in acidity, uric acid, deposition of axalate salts and the formation of kidney stones is possible.

For women Excess ascorbic acid is dangerous by increasing the level of estrogen in the blood, especially for women who take external medications.

Important! In addition, against the background of high doses of vitamin C, enzymes that metabolize it are activated. If this occurs during pregnancy, the newborn may develop rebound scurvy.

Define An overdose of ascorbic acid can be due to the following symptoms:

• constant insomnia, increased irritability and lethargy, a feeling of omnipresent anxiety;
• increased sweating;
• nausea, dizziness, headaches and a feeling of loss of consciousness;
• periodic disorders of the gastrointestinal tract;
• gagging, nausea.

In addition, adults and children may experience allergic reaction to the drug, in the form of acne and other inflammations.

Long-term use higher doses may ultimately lead to:

• disruption of the pancreas;
• acute kidney disease;
• various types of gastritis and gastroduodenitis;
• hypersensitivity to vitamin C, sometimes even to the smallest doses;
• decrease in the number of white blood cells;
• menstrual cycle disorders in women;
• decreased blood clotting.

Important! An overdose of ascorbic acid can only be corrected by a specialized and experienced doctor; you should not self-medicate or use folk remedies.

Lethal dose

A lethal dose of ascorbic acid is considered to be 20-30 g in one go. However, this substance is highly soluble in polar solvents.

That is why in the human body excess acid will be absorbed and excreted from the body without accumulation.

However, taking such a dose of the substance will affect all human organs, even leading to death.

Compatibility with other vitamins

Ascorbic acid is combined with other medications.

However, for a significant effect, take it better separately from other drugs.

Vitamin C goes well with vitamin E and A, B5 and B9.

• The antioxidant effect of ascorbic acid increases with the addition of carotenoids (Vitamin B5);
• Vitamin C restores the activity of vitamin E.
• Vitamin C promotes the preservation and absorption of vitamin B9.

Taking acid together with ethinyl estradiol may lead to an increase in the concentration of the latter.

The level of aluminum in the blood will noticeably increase when taking the vitamin along with antacids.

Use with teteracycline promotes the removal of vitamin C from the body.

Useful video

Video warning about the consequences of an overdose of vitamin C.

Conclusion

Ascorbic acid, an important and irreplaceable component necessary for the human body for normal functioning.

However, thoughtless use of uncontrolled quantities of this drug can lead to serious consequences.

In contact with

In continuation of our conversation about collagen, I hasten to write what the norm of vitamin C is for adults, how much to drink with amino acids, and why high dosages are no longer in fashion!

Why do we call vitamin C our most beneficial friend? Because he will never leave you in trouble!

Vitamin C is involved in collagen synthesis, which is important for beautiful skin and its elasticity. It maintains combat readiness by activating adrenaline if danger suddenly arises. That is, he works as our guard, who will help us escape or fight!))

Other important functions of vitamin C: Detoxifying and antioxidant, it cleanses the body of toxins and neutralizes free radicals. It also helps absorb iron.

Vitamin C is especially important for smokers, since it protects the body from oxidative stress and cells from destruction, removes decay products of cigarette smoke.

Important! To reduce wrinkles and improve complexion, vitamin C is more effective when applied to the skin than when taken orally, so it works faster and more effectively.

Vitamin C is also popular to support immunity during flu season and acute respiratory infections, the dosage for this is 250 - 1000 mg/day, but it is best to take it during the entire cold season!

Vitamin C norm for adults

• 90 mg/day for adult men and 75 mg/day for adult women
• an additional 35 mg/day is recommended for smokers
• 85 mg/day for pregnant women and 120 mg/day for nursing women

Now attention! These dosages are based on a healthy diet and more than sufficient for normal collagen synthesis!

Safe amount of vitamin C: 500 mg

The maximum safe dosage (UL) is 2000 mg/day. But, according to recent research, Daily intake of 1000 mg and above has side effects:

• Women have an increased risk of developing cataracts
• in men, the risk of kidney stones increases (calcium oxalate crystals form)
• reduces the effectiveness of statins, antidepressants and anticoagulants
• high dosages of vitamin C affect blood test results (sugar and cholesterol)
• impairs muscle performance during endurance training

Not very pleasant consequences of high dosages of vitamin C, you will agree. Moreover, these effects were not observed at 500 mg/day.

My safe vitamin C intake is 500 mg per day for this spring. And for people who are prone to forming kidney stones, it is recommended to limit vitamin C to 250 mg/day!

Vitamin Ester C for people with high acidity

This time I chose the American Health brand. Citrus bioflavonoids in its complexes increase the absorption of vitamin C.

Form of Esther Si does not irritate the gastric mucosa at high dosages, which is especially important for people who have high acidity and a sensitive stomach. And as usual, I'll give you a list of options which I chose for myself:

Dosage 500 mg

• American Health, Ester-C with Citrus Bioflavonoids, 500 mg, 120 Capsules(for 4 months of admission)
• American Health, Ester-C, Powder with Citrus Bioflavonoid s (powder, convenient)
• American Health, Ester-C with Cranberry & Immune Health Complex(for immunity)
• American Health, Ester-C, with Probiotics, Digestion & Immune Health Complex(with probiotics)

Dosage 250 mg

Almost everyone has heard about the benefits of ascorbic acid, but few people think about an excess of vitamin C. However, this is a very serious issue, since exceeding the dose of this vitamin seriously affects health, and, unfortunately, not for the better.

When is an overdose of vitamin C possible?

Let us remind you that the daily dose of ascorbic acid is as follows:

— for adults(regardless of gender) is 90 mg;

— for the elderly it decreases to 80 mg;

— for children– from 30 mg (up to 3 months) and increases to 90 mg (until adulthood).

But for everyone, the maximum allowable dose of vitamin C is 2000 mg per day! Moreover, when you consume more than 1g of vitamin, problems begin with the absorption of other useful substances, for example, vitamin B12 begins to be less absorbed.

In fact, the likelihood of an excess of vitamin C is only possible in the case of uncontrolled intake of its synthetic version, i.e. regular ascorbic acid (or other complex vitamins). With a normal balanced diet this is very difficult to achieve. the following reasons:

— it is impossible to eat such a quantity of food per day, because... 2 g of vitamin C is either half a kilo of rose hips, or a kilo of sea buckthorn/currants/sweet red pepper, or 1.5 kg of green sweet pepper/dill/parsley/etc.;

- any products of plant origin (namely, from which a person gets ascorbic acid) contain several thousand different nutrients that are balanced with each other;

— when processing food, most of the beneficial substances are lost (cooking, canning, chopping, long-term or improper storage, even simple cutting of vegetables and fruits);

- excessive consumption of a product with a high content of ascorbic acid will most likely cause an allergic reaction, which will not allow you to continue to overeat it (it doesn’t take much imagination to imagine a person after he eats 5 kg of tangerine at a time, for example).

So, let's summarize briefly:

— an excess of ascorbic acid occurs if the daily dose of 2 g is exceeded for a long time and regularly (we are talking about years);

— an overdose of vitamin C can occur as a result of taking its synthetic analogue.

Symptoms of vitamin C overdose

- insomnia, constant awakenings, shallow sleep;

- irritability, excessive excitability, problems with emotional state;

- anxiety without serious reasons;

- headache;

- high blood pressure;

- diarrhea, nausea, vomiting;

- increase in blood sugar;

- various allergic manifestations.

If you have been taking ascorbic acid for a long time and notice the above symptoms, then you should think about stopping taking the drug. In any case, you should consult your doctor.

Consequences of excess ascorbic acid

If you take excessive doses of vitamin C for several years, you may experience the following health problems:

1. Formation of kidney stones(when an excessive amount of vitamin breaks down, oxalic acid is formed, and this process provokes the development of kidney stones).

2. Development of scurvy. Yes, yes, it’s scurvy, which occurs with a lack of vitamin C. This is due to the fact that with large doses of this vitamin, the enzyme system starts working in the body, which destroys it. A chain arises: an excess of vitamin C - the vitamin is destroyed - its deficiency appears (i.e. scurvy).

3. Thickening of the walls of the cerebral artery, growth of deposits on the walls of blood vessels, which increases the likelihood of cardiovascular diseases and cancer. This statement is based on the results of recent research in different countries (three years of experience by Andrew Levy from Israel, experiments by American scientists from Southern California, a joint Serbian-Danish-American study).

4.Pathologies of the reproductive system(spontaneous termination of pregnancy in the early stages, inability to become pregnant due to disruption of the ovulation process).

How to avoid excess vitamin C

1. Take synthetic vitamin C for medicinal purposes only if there are serious indications for it. And the only proven therapeutic effect is the elimination of the corresponding vitamin deficiency (i.e. scurvy). Please note that such a diagnosis can only be made by a doctor based on special studies (examination, blood test, x-ray). So self-medication in this case is excluded.

2. Remember that ascorbic acid does NOT treat colds, cataracts, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, vaginitis, pneumonia. And there is scientific evidence for this. Therefore, do not rely on ascorbic acid for these diseases; it is better to get examined and begin adequate treatment.

3. If you can’t do without your favorite ascorbic acid, then carefully look at the dosage and take it in the following cases:

- a very poor diet (there are no fruits, vegetables, or berries on the table at all);

- you have been in extreme climatic conditions for a long time (for example, you decided to take a long trip to the sea, and you will be fed very poorly; you work as a polar explorer or serve in a subarctic area);

- when the need for vitamin C increases (infectious diseases, deficiency of iron or protein in the body, cold season).

4. Nourish your body with vitamin C from natural sources: tea with lemon, fruits, vegetables, rosehip infusions, compotes from sea buckthorn, currants, etc.

Vitamin C that is good for you!

Contents:

Daily dosage of the vitamin for children, women and men. When should you take it? Possible contraindications.

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid, “ascorbic acid”) is the main element of the diet, without which normal human development and growth is impossible. This substance is classified as water-soluble, and its excess is excreted in the urine. But not everyone knows that the body needs a regular supply of it, and a decrease in the daily norm often leads to serious consequences.

What is the norm of vitamin C per day? What are the risks of ascorbic acid deficiency? Is its excess dangerous for health? These issues require detailed consideration.

Beneficial features

The benefits of ascorbic acid have been confirmed by dozens of different studies. At the same time, scientists were able to prove the following effect on the body:

• Restoration of epidermal cells, ligaments, tendons and vessels of the circulatory system. All this rejuvenates the body, making it resistant to modern challenges - negative ecology, hard work, unfavorable climate, and so on.
• Accelerates the healing of wounds and scars. For this reason, ascorbic acid is often prescribed in the postoperative period or after injury.
• Strengthening and restoration of bones, teeth and cartilage tissue.
• Supply of the required amount of antioxidants that block processes associated with the negative effects of radicals hazardous to health. A sufficient supply of vitamin guarantees slowing down the aging process, reducing the risk of developing malignant tumors and diseases of the cardiovascular system.
• Strengthening the immune system and protecting against the negative effects of viral diseases.

It's worth remembering that The human body is not able to synthesize ascorbic acid. For this reason, the need for it must be covered from food. In addition, the following points should be taken into account:

• If the daily dose of the element is regularly supplied to the body, this contributes to rapid recovery and the absence of complications.
• Ascorbic acid should be taken only as an addition to the main diet. It will be effective only in combination with other vitamins and minerals.

Daily dosage

When planning your diet, you should take into account vitamin intake standards to avoid overdose or deficiency. In the case of ascorbic acid, dosage requirements depend on the person’s age, health status and a number of other factors (more on this below). Here it is worth highlighting the following patterns:

1. Children. It is worth noting that the norm of ascorbic acid in children is lower than in adults. In this case, the need for the element appears immediately after birth:
   • up to six months of age – 30 mg;
   • from six months to a year – 35 mg;
   • from one to three years – 40 mg;
   • from four to ten years – 45 mg.
2. Daily norm for men and teenagers higher than in children. This vitamin can strengthen the immune system and improve the functioning of many “male” systems. To cover the need for an element, males must take:
   • at the age of 11-14 years – 50 mg;
   • from 15 years onwards – 60 mg.
3. Norm for women. As for the fair sex, their need for ascorbic acid is similar:
   • at the age of 11-14 years – 50 mg;
   • from 15 years onwards – 60 mg.

   But in some cases women need more consumption:

   • during pregnancy – 70 mg;
   • while feeding the baby – 95 mg.

It is recommended to divide the daily vitamin intake into 2-3 parts. This is due to the fact that the human body immediately uses up the incoming element, and dosed intake is a chance to maintain a high level of the substance throughout the day.


It is worth noting that the need for ascorbic acid changes under the influence of the following factors:

• age;
• gender;
• difficulty of work;
• presence of diseases;
• bad habits;
• environmental features and so on.

So, the daily rate increases in the following cases:

• Residents of the Far North should increase the dosage by 40-50%.
• An old body absorbs ascorbic acid worse. For this reason, from 45-50 years old, it is allowed to increase the dosage by 20-30%.
• Smoking, fever, stress, illness, toxic exposure are additional factors that increase the need for such an important element.

How to recognize a deficiency?

When planning your diet, it is worth knowing the daily requirement of vitamin C and the first signs of its deficiency. Then it will be possible to promptly identify the lack of ascorbic acid and avoid unpleasant consequences for the body. This problem is really relevant. Recent studies conducted by scientists from the CIS countries have only confirmed fears - 60-70 percent of children do not receive enough of the element in question. In this case, the deficiency manifests itself in winter and spring, when the diet is especially depleted (from the standpoint of the presence of vitamin C in the composition).

A lack of ascorbic acid negatively affects the body's ability to resist infections. According to statistics, the incidence of acute respiratory viral infections is increasing precisely because of the reduced intake of vitamin C. This is easy to explain. The action of the element is aimed at destroying pathogenic bacteria, and its deficiency leads to a decrease in the effectiveness of fighting infection.

To recognize a deficiency, you should focus on the following manifestations:

• bleeding gums;
• the appearance of depression;
• excessive irritability;
• joint pain;
• deterioration of the skin condition;
• hair loss;
• bruises under the eyes;
• general painful condition;
• lethargy and apathy.

Indications for use and overdose

Ascorbic acid is an important element of the diet. At the same time, the required vitamin intake per day must be maintained throughout the year. Separately, it is worth highlighting situations when appointment is mandatory:

• liver diseases;
• overdose of anticoagulants;
• overwork;
• growth period;
• pregnancy and lactation;
• infectious diseases;
• hemorrhagic diathesis;
• vitamin deficiency (winter-spring period);
• for bone fractures and so on.

But when planning your diet or taking additional medications, you should not forget about the risk of an overdose of ascorbic acid. This problem often manifests itself as follows:

• diarrhea;
• stomach irritation (when taken simultaneously with aspirin in a large dosage);
• manifestation of hemolysis;
• deterioration in the absorption of vitamin B12;
• damage to tooth enamel;
• worsening problems with diabetes;
• the emergence of addiction (especially dangerous during pregnancy).

For normal functioning of the body, a person needs vitamins, minerals and other useful components. Vitamins A, B, C, D affect all human systems and organs. Their deficiency causes the development of diseases, as well as an excess. Each vitamin has its own daily requirement. The source of vitamins can be drugs that are sold in pharmacies, but it is still better to get them from nature, that is, from food.

Vitamin C

One of the most necessary and important vitamins for human health is also known as ascorbic acid, “ascorbic acid”. A drug with the same name can be found in any pharmacy, but you can also replenish its reserves with fruits, vegetables and other foods.

Vitamin C is an organic substance and an important component of a healthy human diet. It has the ability to influence almost all vital functions of the body. During the first two months of life, the human body synthesizes vitamin C on its own. Ascorbic acid strengthens the immune system, fights viruses and bacteria, helps prevent various kinds of diseases, prolongs the youth of the body, and this is not the whole list of its effects.

Effect of vitamin C on the body

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) has a wide spectrum of effects on the body. It improves immunity, takes part in the formation of antibodies and in normalizing the metabolism of fats, proteins, carbohydrates, and increasing the supply of glycogen in the liver. Ascorbic acid increases blood flow and heart rate, lowers blood pressure, and dilates capillaries and arterioles.

Vitamin C is involved in a large number of biological processes. Thus, it affects the synthesis of collagen, a protein that forms connective tissue that cements the intercellular space. The main functions of collagen include protecting blood vessels, organs, muscles, joints, bones, forming skin, bones, ligaments, teeth. It acts as a protective barrier against infections, diseases, and promotes the healing of bruises, fractures, and wounds.

Vitamin C is very important for the immune system, as it supports the functioning of white blood cells and the production of antibodies. It also promotes the formation of interferon (a substance with anticancer and antiviral effects). Vitamin C, due to its antioxidant properties, protects against the negative effects of oxidizing agents, helps prevent the symptoms of aging, heart disease and cancer. In addition, ascorbic acid has a positive effect on the functioning of the cardiovascular, nervous, endocrine and other systems.

Vitamin C and hair

The lack of ascorbic acid in the body affects not only the condition, but also the appearance of a person. Vitamin C has been found to be very beneficial for hair. Since it is responsible for blood circulation in the scalp, it ensures proper nutrition to the hair follicles. Vitamin C is recommended for those who suffer from dandruff, split ends, dry hair, thinness and brittleness.

If you find a problem with your hair, do not rush to immediately run to the pharmacy or cosmetic store for a super mask or balm, but include in your daily diet more fresh vegetables, citrus fruits, berries, which contain a sufficient amount of vitamin C. They will bring much more benefits to the body and for hair than chemical products.

Vitamin C for children

The taste of sweet “ascorbic acid” has been familiar to us since childhood. After all, it is children who need vitamins the most. Their body is forming, growing, developing, so you need to provide your child with everything necessary for him to grow up healthy. Proper nutrition in childhood is the key to a healthy body in the future. Every parent should ensure that their child gives preference to vegetables and fruits over chips, crackers and buns.

One of the most important components of a child's diet should be vitamin C. It helps to increase the body's protective functions and improves immunity, which is so necessary for children. A lack of this vitamin in the body can lead to bleeding gums, general weakness of the body and poor wound healing.

Daily value of vitamin C

The daily requirement of the human body for vitamin C is not the same for everyone and depends on several factors: the presence of bad habits, breastfeeding or pregnancy, work performed, gender, age. Experts provide average figures for the average healthy person: 500-1500 mg per day is the therapeutic norm and 60-100 mg daily is the physiological need of the body.

The need for vitamin C is increased by toxic effects, fever, stress, illness, hot climate. The daily need of vitamin C is increased by contraceptives. The norm depends on age - the older the person, the higher it is. For example, the requirement for an infant is 30 mg, and for an elderly person - 60 mg. The daily intake increases during pregnancy (70 mg) and lactation (95 mg).

Signs of vitamin C deficiency in the body

Statistics show that it is children of preschool and school age who suffer from a lack of vitamins, which are necessary for their normal growth and development. A lack of vitamin C was found in 90% of children (the study was conducted). In the bodies of those children who were in the hospital, a deficiency of ascorbic acid was found in 60-70%.

Vitamin C deficiency increases in the winter-spring period, which entails a decrease in immunity and an increased possibility of developing gastrointestinal or respiratory diseases. Deficiency can be exogenous or endogenous. In the first case, there is little vitamin in food, in the second, the vitamin is poorly absorbed. Long-term vitamin deficiency can lead to the development of hypovitaminosis. Vitamin C deficiency in the body can manifest itself as the following symptoms: depression, joint pain, irritability, dry skin, hair loss, lethargy, tooth loss and bleeding gums, poor wound healing.

For the normal functioning of the body, a person needs to eat properly, balanced. A person’s daily diet should include vitamin C. What foods contain it and how much should you eat to replenish the norm? Firstly, plant-based foods contain significant amounts of vitamin C. These are berries (strawberries, sea buckthorn, rowan, rose hips), fruits (citrus fruits, persimmons, peaches, apples, apricots), vegetables (Brussels sprouts, bell peppers, broccoli, jacket potatoes). Animal products contain vitamin C in small quantities. These are mainly the kidneys, adrenal glands, and liver of animals.

There are a number of herbs that contain vitamin C in sufficient doses. Foods should be eaten every day and preferably in unprocessed form. After all, biochemical processing, storage and heat treatment contribute to the destruction of a large part of the vitamin. Every person who cares about their health needs to know what benefits vitamin C brings, what foods contain it and how to prevent its deficiency.

Ascorbic acid. A drug

Vitamin C is found in many medications. These are tablets "Vitamin C", "Citravit", "Tselascon", "Vitamin C" in ampoules. One of the most common is “Ascorbic acid” in tablets. In addition to being healthy, it is also very tasty, so children happily take the pills. The drug promotes the formation of intracellular collagen, strengthening the structure of the walls of capillaries, bones and teeth. The drug "Ascorbic acid" is vitamin C itself. Products cannot always fully provide the body with it.

The product takes part in the processes of cellular respiration, iron metabolism, protein and lipid synthesis, carbohydrate metabolism, tyrosine metabolism, and redox reactions. The use of "Ascorbic acid" reduces the body's need for pantothenic vitamins A, E, B. The content of vitamin C in the preparation is close to 100%.

Indications

People who suffer from a lack of vitamin C in the body for a long time may be prescribed certain medications. As a rule, tablets are available containing 250 mg of ascorbic acid or 1000 mg (indicated only for the treatment of hypovitaminosis).

Tablets 250 mg are indicated for increased mental and physical stress, during pregnancy (especially multiple pregnancies, against the background of drug or nicotine addiction), after illness, to strengthen the immune system, and for colds. A large number of people take vitamin C to prevent or treat vitamin deficiency or hypovitaminosis.

Side effects

Vitamin C is necessary for the normal functioning of the body, but some patients may experience side effects when taking it, which is due to the individual characteristics of the body, combined use with other medications, and the presence of certain diseases.

Vitamin C, reviews of which are mostly positive, can cause negative reactions if abused. Long-term use of the drug in large doses can cause insomnia, increased excitability of the central nervous system, and headache. The digestive system may respond with vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, ulceration of the gastrointestinal mucosa, hyperacid gastritis, and irritation of the gastrointestinal mucosa.

The patient may develop glycosuria, hyperglycemia, moderate pollakiuria, nephrolithiasis, decreased capillary permeability, skin hyperemia, skin rash, leukocytosis, thrombocytosis, impaired copper and zinc metabolism.

Overdose

The human body can suffer not only from vitamin C deficiency, but also from its excess. This condition is usually called hypervitaminosis; it occurs when the patient has a great desire to improve his health through excessive consumption of this vitamin. There are often situations when a person, unaware of the danger, combines products containing a sufficient amount of the vitamin with the drug “Ascorbic acid”.

The maximum daily intake should not exceed 90 mg for an adult. In order to circumvent the consequences, you need to become familiar with the symptoms of hypervitaminosis. The first thing that occurs is constant dizziness and nausea, vomiting, and cramps in the abdominal area. Then problems with the heart, kidneys, and gall bladder may gradually appear. Consuming large amounts of vitamin C is accompanied by heartburn, indigestion, fatigue, and allergic reactions.

Everything is good in moderation. Vitamin C, the price of which starts from 100 rubles, is beneficial for the body only if taken correctly. Before starting treatment, it is recommended to visit the clinic; the doctor will prescribe the correct drug and dosage for each specific case.