Ascorbic acid can be found in a wide range of forms, tablets, capsules, powders, chewable tablets, and effervescent forms being among them. The method in which an individual takes ascorbic acid will depend on the above-mentioned forms:
- Powdered Ascorbic Acid: This particular type is fast dissolving in water. Just take a glass of water, add the prescribed quantity of the powder, mix it, and consume it promptly. It is usually used when there is an urgent need for vitamin c supplementation.
- Effervescent Tablets: They are the tablets that are taken by dissolving in water and that liberate gases causing bubbly effect which makes them dissolve in the water quickly forming the solution. They are also most often used in relation to Vitamin C if it is desired to be more appetizing and to act faster.
- Chewable Tablets: These are the kinds of tablets that melt in the mouth without the need of swallowing and they are convenient for people who have problems with swallowing because of their small size.
• Capsules: In case you ingest Vitamin C in the form of a capsule, the content inside the capsule is going to be freed in the stomach although it will take more time for the content to be absorbed in the body as compared to powdered or effervescent types.
Once in solution, ascorbic acid is taken up into the bloodstream from the stomach or intestinal cavities and delivered to different parts of the body where it performs its significant roles:
- Antioxidant Protection: Ascorbic acid is a powerful antioxidant, which means it protects cells from oxidative effects of free radicals that may cause damage. This is key in fighting against early aging as well as suppressing occurrence of life threatening conditions such as congestive illnesses and cancer.
- Collagen Synthesis: Vitamin C is a requirement for the synthesis of collagen. Collagen is a connective tissue protein that is important for structural and functional constituents of various parts of the body such as skin, connective tissues, and also blood vessels.
- Enhance Immune System: Ascorbic acid improves the immune system by working on Makrophages and WBC and strengthening the defense of the skin from pathogenic penetration
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• Iron Absorption: Ascorbic acid increases the bioavailability of iron from non-heme sources by converting the mineral into more absorbable forms in the gastrointestinal tract.
Though ascorbic acid is widely accepted as safe, its excessive consumption may also trigger some adverse health effects:
- Gastrointestinal Problems: High doses of Vitamin C (more than 2,000mg per day) are likely to cause some gastrointestinal effects such as nausea, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, especially cramping, or general bloating properties.
- Kidney Stones: Excessive use of Vitamin C supplements has some associations with kidney stone occurrences, in susceptible individuals mainly due to high levels of oxalate in urine.
- Iron Overload: In predisposed individuals with disorders such as hemochromatosis characterized by abnormal iron loading, Vitamin C in high amounts is likely to facilitate iron absorption leading to further supply exacerbating the problem.
- Pregnancy and Lactation: The daily recommended allowance (RDA) of Vitamin C is nearly the same for pregnant and lactating women but they should not take too many (greater than 2,000 mg a day) unless directed by a medical professional.
• Kidney Disease: Those who have kidney disease should be careful with high doses of vitamin C as it may lead to further deterioration of the kidneys or leads to the development of the kidney stones.
Reduced Efficacy of Antacids: Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) is known to cause an increase in stomach acidity with high dosages, reducing the efficacy of antacids and medications neutralizing stomach acids.
Increased Absorption of Iron: Ascorbic Acid boosts absorption of non-heme iron present in food derived from plant or supplements and therefore increases the potential for overload by iron, as in people affected by conditions like hemochromatosis.
Effects on Blood Thinners: Vitamin C can interact with blood-thinning drugs such as warfarin, and may alter the blood’s ability to clot. High doses of vitamin C can either enhance or diminish the effects of these drugs.
Interference with Some Lab Tests: High doses of Ascorbic Acid may interfere with laboratory tests, including glucose and urine tests, which can lead to inaccurate results. The patient should notify healthcare providers before any lab work is done.
The level of intake of Ascorbic acid varies with age sex and health status
Male 90 mg per day
Female 75 mg a day
Smokers: 35 mg added daily because of excess oxidative stress
Women aged 18 years and older who are pregnant: 85 mg a day.
Pregnant adolescent girls (14 – 18 years) pregnant girls: 80 mg daily.
Ascorbic acid can be found bilaterally without a prescription in normal practice. Several dosage forms such as tablets, powders, and injectable forms are available in varying concentrations.
However, such doses, especially In high-dose vitamin C therapy (for example, in specific conditions or in cases of very severe deficiency), These doses may include oral or even IV vitamin C.
There is a warning that medical advice should be taken prior to commencing this form of supplementation particularly high-dose vitamin C if you are ill, pregnant, breastfeeding or are on medications.