Vitamin C – ascorbic acid – what you should know
The term ascorbic acid is derived from the “antiscorbutic effect” of Vitamin C and the infamous “scurvy” disease, which had long been a principal illness among sailors.
Recommended daily doses:
- Children: 40-70 mg of Vitamin C/ascorbic acid
- Adults: mg of Vitamin C/ascorbic acid
Effects on the human body:
- Antioxidant and “radical catcher”
- Boosts the immune system
- Improves the detoxification function of the liver
- Promotes formation of catecholamine (stress hormone)
- Prevents formation of nitrosamines
- Supports the function of the connective tissue
Vitamin C deficiency symptoms occur in the following diseases:
- psychiatric disorders such as depression, hysteria
- muscle and limb pains
- tooth loss
- cardiac disorders
- inflammatory swelling and bleeding
- bone formation disorders
- increased risk of cancer
- oedema and shortness of breath
An increased amount of Vitamin C is required in the case of:
- pregnancy
- stress
- tumour diseases
- cancer
- infections
- smokers
Foods rich in Vitamin C:
- Fruit
- Vegetables
Therapy using Vitamin C:
Vitamin C is administered to strengthen the immune system of cancer patients, for supplements in the case of deficiency symptoms, and to strengthen the body’s defence.
Overdosing from ingested food is virtually impossible.