Vitamin C – Benefits and Side Effects
February 5, 2009 No Comments
Vitamin C is a water-soluble antioxidant that is essential for at least 300 metabolic functions in the body. There are very few, if any, of the body’s functions that do not require Vitamin C.
Vitamin C plays a vital role in keeping the body’s immune system working efficiently. It also helps build collagen, muscle and skin. As an antioxidant, Vitamin C is one of the boy’s best defenses against the damaging effects of free radicals on our cells.
Except for humans and a small number of other animals, most animals and plants are able to produce their own Vitamin C in their bodies. Since the human body cannot manufacture its own Vitamin C, it must be obtained from other sources, from the diet and from supplements.
There are many forms of Vitamin C supplements. The most popular forms are:
Ascorbic Acid Crystals
Pure ascorbic acid crystals either have a tart or sour taste depending on the person’s palate. Being 100% vitamin C, they are the most concentrated form of Vitamin C. You can get 4 grams of vitamin C for every level teaspoon of the crystals.
Ascorbic acid crystals are used for maintaining the fresh appearance of fruits and meats and in canning and preserving (1 or 2 grams of ascorbic acid crystals per jar). This form of Vitamin C is not for people with sensitive stomachs.
Ascorbic Acid Tablets
Each ascorbic acid tablet typically contains 500 mg of Vitamin C and 50 mg of citrus bioflavonoids. Ascorbic acid tablets need binders to hold the tablet together, and lubricants so the tablets don’t stick in the tablet machine during manufacturing.
Ascorbic acid tablets should not be used for megadoses of vitamin C. When you take in dozens of tablets per day, your body has to handle an excessive amount of the tablet’s binder and lubricant. Never chew ascorbic acid tablets as tooth enamel damage can happen over the years. It’s best to take a tablet with some food and water. An un-chewed tablet may cause some local irritation to a sensitive stomach until the tablet finally breaks up.
Sodium Ascorbate Crystals
People with sensitive stomachs can use sodium ascorbate as Vitamin C supplement. Sodium ascorbate has a slightly salty taste and many use it as a substitute for table salt. However, its sodium content (at 131 mg per gram of Vitamic C) may not go well with people who have hypertension or water retention problems. Sodium ascorbate can be added to food without affecting the taste. You can also use it as a substitute for toothpaste (never chew ascorbic acid as it can damage your teeth). Sodium ascorbate is usually used for megadoses of vitamin C.
Other forms of Vitamin C are calcium ascorbate crystals, chewable Vitamin C, C-salts, potassium ascorbate, magnesium ascorbate, and ascorbyl palmitate.
Vitamins and Their Functions