Vitamin C

What is Vitamin C?

Vitamin C is probably best known for its role in preventing scurvy, the severe deficiency disease common on long distance sea voyages and among soldiers on war rations right through to the early 20th century. 

Vitamin C is an essential nutrient for maintaining healthy body function.  Our bodies need a regular renewable source of vitamin C because, unlike most animals, we humans can’t make it ourselves.  It is a water soluble nutrient so not able to be absorbed into our fatty tissues.  Therefore on a daily basis we need to obtain adequate amounts through our food intake, and when necessary from dietary supplements.

Vitamin C Benefits

Vitamin C has many important functions in key areas of the body. It is an antioxidant, controlling free radical damage to cells.  It supports the immune system and maintains integrity of blood vessels and connective tissue.  It is an essential nutrient for healthy adrenal gland function.  It has anti-histamine and anti-inflammatory actions.  Vitamin C performs so many direct and indirect actions in humans that a deficiency has extremely wide ranging implications.

Vitamin C Side Effects and Contraindications

• Vitamin C is extremely safe.  Your body adjusts its vitamin C absorption according to need. Any dietary excess is excreted via the kidneys and in large supplementary doses the unabsorbed excess is flushed out via the lower bowel in a moderate form of diarrhoea – a short term balancing mechanism.  

• The ascorbic acid form of vitamin C may cause gastrointestinal discomfort, whereas an ascorbate form is generally well tolerated.

• In cases of pre-existing kidney disease or renal failure vitamin C intake needs to be managed carefully.

• Caution is advised in cases of hemochromatosis because vitamin C enhances iron absorption. 

Vitamin C Reviews

"An excellent product that my wife & I have been taking continuously for the past two years. We began taking it as part of our new healthcare routine after my wife suffered repeated bouts of winter illness over the winter of 2008, and since taking it we've found that even when others around us are getting sick repeatedly, we escape most of the bugs! Great product, highly recommend."

– Tim about Nutra-Life Ester-C 550mg + Bioflavanoids

"I have found Hi-Dose Vit C to be fantastic, I take this daily over the winter months, and have kept colds and Flu away for 2 years."

– Alison about Clinicians Hi-Dose Vit C Powder

"Love the fact that there is nothing artificial in this Vit. C. It is great to take. Even though I have had an extremely challenging time the past few months, people have commented that my skin looks great. I have been taking the Vit. C regularly."

– Rosie about Lifestream Natural Vitamin C

"This form of vit C has been a life saver for me, because of its effect on reducing major chemical sensitivities. Lypo C definitely has a very different effect than other oral forms. In my experience it goes to the tissues most in need of it. An added benefit is the reduction of fibro pain (and none after dental surgery)but this is with higher doses. Well worth researching fully - H Post Library, LivOn Labs and Dr Levy's websites and the Vitamin C Foundation website."

– Sheilah about LivOn Laboratories Lypo-Spheric Vitamin C

"This is such good value & theraputic filling the capsules, we take turns. :-)"

– Faye about BioBalance Ascorbic Acid Powder

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