Thanks to our frequent consumption of vitamin C from fruits, vegetables and fortified cereals, neither seafarers nor earthlings are susceptible to scurvy these days. However, this does not mean that everyone in the modern world is getting enough vitamin C. According to the CDC, vitamin C deficiency is the sixth most common nutritional deficit in the United States, affecting about 6% of the population. .
Although humans cannot synthesize vitamin C on their own, most of us can get enough of it through our diet. The RDA for vitamin C is 90 milligrams for adult men and 75 milligrams for adult women. Smokers, the elderly, nursing mothers, people who eat a restricted variety of foods, and people with chronic illnesses or absorption problems are all at risk of not getting enough vitamin C. nourirmax vitamin C supplementation may be needed. For example, smokers should consume an additional 35 mg of vitamin C each day.
Despite the fact that most Americans get enough vitamin C from their diet, millions of people still take a multivitamin or vitamin C supplement. Is it important to take extra vitamin C? Is there a benefit to taking more vitamin C? Is it even functional?
This is indeed the case. Taking too much vitamin C can have both positive and negative consequences. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of vitamin C.
Benefits of consuming vitamin C
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Helps in the treatment of colds
Vitamin C does not cure a common cold, but it can help shorten its duration and reduce the intensity of symptoms if taken ahead of time. (Vitamin C’s antihistamine action has been suggested by researchers as one possible explanation for these benefits.)
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Antioxidant activity
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that directly eliminates free radicals. It also helps in the regeneration of other antioxidants such as vitamin E and tetrahydrobiopterin in the body. The antioxidant effects of flavonoids and other polyphenols are enhanced by vitamin C. It protects the lungs and host cells from oxidative stress induced by infections and inflammation, while preventing the reproduction of viruses.
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Increases the efficiency of the immune system
Vitamin C has been shown to improve cellular function of innate and adaptive immune systems, especially in people deficient in vitamin C.
Vitamin C increases phagocytosis, oxidant production and microbial death by stimulating the recruitment of neutrophils to the site of infection.
At the same time, it protects host tissues from serious injury by increasing neutrophil apoptosis and macrophage clearance… As a result, it is clear that vitamin C is necessary for the immune system to develop and maintain an effective response. against infections while minimizing damage to the host.
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Cancer prevention potential
Vitamin C deficiency is common in cancer patients due to disease processes, reduced oral intake, infection, inflammation, and treatment (radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgery). As a result, scientists investigated whether eliminating vitamin C deficiency could improve cancer outcomes. Vitamin C supplementation has been linked to a lower risk of malignant tumors such as pancreatic cancer, esophageal cancer, and prostate cancer.
Cons of consuming vitamin C
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Accelerate the formation of kidney stones
Researchers have shown that a high intake of vitamin C is linked to an increased risk of kidney stones, at least in men. Men who drank up to 250 mg of vitamin C per day had a 22% higher risk of kidney stones than men who consumed less than the recommended daily allowance of 90 mg.
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Not effective in treating heart disease
Vitamin C, with its high antioxidant action, has been studied to see if it might help delay or prevent the onset of diseases associated with oxidative stress, such as cardiovascular disease. Consumption of vitamin C has been associated with a lower risk of heart disease in several studies.
However, several experimental studies have failed to establish that administration of vitamin C protects against cardiovascular disease or reduces morbidity or mortality.
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Possible side effects and drug interactions
Vitamin C is a water soluble vitamin that is generally considered safe since any unmetabolized part is excreted in the urine. On the other hand, high and continuous doses can cause nausea, heartburn, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach cramps.
Due to its antioxidant action, large doses of vitamin C can interact with other drugs. Here are some of them:
Statins: Vitamin C, especially when used with niacin or other antioxidants, may decrease the effectiveness of these lipid-lowering drugs.
Warfarin: High doses of vitamin C supplements have been shown in several case studies to decrease the action of the anticoagulant.
Hormone replacement therapy: In postmenopausal women on hormone replacement therapy, a high dose vitamin C supplement has been shown to increase estrogen levels.
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