Vitamin C – Vital For A Healthy Body
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When most people think of vitamin C, they think of fruits such as oranges and lemons. However, there are a variety of foods that contain vitamin C that most people don’t consume nearly enough of. Fortunately, taking a good vitamin supplement can nourish your body in a variety of different ways.
According to Oregon State University, the vitamin plays a vital role in several bodily processes. It’s necessary for the structure of blood vessels, tendons, ligaments and bones, and it is also needed for proper brain function, as it can aid in the synthesis of important neurotransmitters that regulate mood. The vitamin is perhaps most well-known for its role as an antioxidant. As such, it it can protect proteins, fats, carbohydrates and nucleic acids, such as DNA and RNA. It can also prevent damage to these vital components of the body by protecting them from free radicals, according to the university’s website.
Vitamin C can be found in a variety of fruits and vegetables, but according to webmd.com, the average person needs to consume at least 500 milligrams of the vitamin on a daily basis to achieve optimal results. Other studies have shown that the average person requires only 75 to 90 milligrams of the day. Regardless of the amount, it’s not difficult to see that the vast majority of people will not achieve that level of intake, and it’s highly impractical to expect them to do so. Fortunately, supplements have been shown to be a great alternative to boost your intake, in addition to a healthy diet, of course. The MX Vitamin C formula through maxalife.com, and you can purchase a 5-month supply of chewable capsules.
What Are the Benefits of Vitamin C?
Many people believe that vitamin C can cure the common cold. This is a bit of an old wives’ tale, however, studies have shown that it can prevent serious complications stemming from cold, such as pneumonia and lung infections, as well as added protection for the immune system, which can help ward off colds in the beginning. Many people fail to realize that the stress of everyday life can weaken the immune system, and taking the vitamin supplement can offset some of the damage. According to webmd.com, the vitamin has also been shown to help people suffering from cardiovascular and eye disease and assist in prenatal health. Studies often show that it may lower stroke risk, although health experts aren’t sure why.
For those who are interested in cosmetic appearance, some studies even show that it can reduce skin wrinkling! The vitamin can effect skin cells outside the body and less the degree of wrinkling and dry skin among those who take it.
It’s important to note that in order to achieve these benefits, one must take even more of the supplement than the amount required by doctors, so this is where supplements are even more beneficial.
What Happens When You Don’t Get Enough Vitamin C?
This vitamin is more than just a supplement you can take to increase your health benefits-it’s as vital to the proper function of your body as water and food. Vitamin C deficiency is associated with a condition that used to be fairly common, especially among sailors who did not have access to a varied diet. The condition is called scurvy, and although it’s rare in modern times, it carries with it some severe and life-threatening health problems. The aforementioned sailors soon discovered that scurvy had an extremely simple cure-eat lots of oranges. It wasn’t until later that scientists discovered the association between the vitamin in the fruit and the deficiency. Mayoclinic.com states that scurvy symptoms include easy bruising and bleeding, hair loss, tooth loss and pain and swelling the joints. It only takes a small amount of vitamin C consumption to ward off scurvy, according to the site.
Potential Pitfalls of Taking Vitamin C Supplements
According to the National Institute of Health, these supplements are very safe, but you should never exceed 2,000 milligrams a day. Going over 2,000 milligrams per day can result in kidney stones and diarrhea, according to the site. However, few people would want to take such an extreme amount. Some side effects that have been reported include, nausea, vomiting, headache, and heartburn, and the risk of experiencing them increases with higher dosages.
Interaction with other drugs
According to webmd.com, women who are pregnant and breastfeeding may take 120 mg per day, but should stay away from higher doses. People who have recently had a heart procedure should avoid the supplement, and people who suffer from cancer and blood-iron disorders should avoid taking large amounts of this vitamin. If you have a history of kidney stones, you should also avoid large doses because it can increase your chances of a recurrence, and if you have sickle cell disease, you should also avoid taking large amounts of the supplement, according to the site.
There can also be interactions with drugs you are currently taking, according tot he National Institute of Health. The vitamin can increase the effects of estrogen treatments, and could possibly reduce the effectiveness of chemotherapy and HIV/AIDS treatments, as well as some cholesterol-reducing medications, such as “statin” drugs, and blood-thinning medications. You should always consult a doctor before taking the vitamin supplement if you are undergoing these treatments. If you take large amounts of aspirin on a regular basis, it’s important to remember that the vitamin can decrease its breakdown in the body, so its important not combine large amounts of both substances. There are no interactions with foods, so you can eat whatever you want while taking vitamin C supplements, but remember to keep it healthy.