Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Any studies on taking tons of vitamin C? How much of it can the body use and what happens to the rest?

Q. Have there been any well documented studies with the use of Vitamin C within the human body?
is there a limit to how much is useful to take, and what does the body do with the rest? Details please , can anyone explain, thanks

A. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a non-fat soluble vitamin. It is therefore, non-toxic. In other words, excess amounts simply get flushed out of your body. The correct dosage, per day, depends on age and weight factors, and also whether you smoke or not. Refer to this chart:

http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/vitamins/vitaminC/

It is best not to overdo Vitamin C, as a continuous use of large doses can result in a condition known as "rebound scurvy" once Vitamin C is stopped. Loose teeth, bleeding gums, and other symptoms of regular scurvy caused by Vitamin C deficiency are the results of excessive dosage for long periods. Diarrhea, heartburn and other GI maladies are common with large doses of C.


what do i say if i have to talk to a group about vitamin c deficiency diseases?
Q. i have to talk about 'scurvy' 'rickets' and something like 'berry berry' to a large group at a pirate themed camp for kids aged nine to twelve. i also have to make smoothies with lots of vitamins, but i really need something to say to the group about lack of vitamin c and the diseases that apply to it.

A. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is essential for the formation of bone and connective tissue (which binds other tissues and organs together). Vitamin C helps the body absorb iron, and it helps burns and wounds heal. Like vitamin E, vitamin C is an antioxidant: It protects cells against damage by free radicals, which are reactive by-products of normal cell activity. Vitamin C deficiency causes scurvy. In adults, the deficiency usually results from a diet low in vitamin C. For example, vitamin C deficiency may develop in people who eat only such foods as dried meat, tea, toast, and canned vegetables. Smoking increases the vitamin C requirement by 30 to 50%. Surgery, and burns can significantly increase the body's requirements for vitamin C and the risk of vitamin C deficiency. The diagnosis of scurvy is based on symptoms. Blood tests detect a very low level of vitamin C. Scurvy is treated with daily vitamin C supplements. Such treatment plus iron supplements can cure the anemia.


The symptoms of vitamin C deficiency include gums that swell and bleed. Why does this occur?
Q. The symptoms of vitamin C deficiency include gums that swell and bleed. Why does this occur?



a. Lack of vitamin C allows bacteria in the mouth to irritate the gums

b. Lack of vitamin C decreases the pH of the mouth

c. There is reduced collagen synthesis

d. There is increased plaque formation around the gums

A. reduced collagen synthesis


Is there a limit at how much Vitamin C is actually useful?
Q. Im asking because I am sick so my friend gave me Emergen-C that has about 1,600% of your daily vitamin C.
I don't believe you can overdose on Vitamin C, but does your body keep absorbing Vitamin C? Or after like say a few hundred percent does your body just ignore the rest?

A. Although it is rare, vitamin C overdose is possible. Some symptoms include upset stomach & nausea. It can also sometimes cause kidney stones & copper deficiencies





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