Appropriate Uses of VITAMIN C

Question: Write an article on the appropriate uses of VITAMIN C and how it could be used for general health conditions? Answer: Vitamin C or the ascorbic acid is an organic compound with antioxidant properties. It is a naturally occurring material. Vitamin C is water soluble and considered as the most important element for cell growth and development. As vitamin C is water soluble, the extra amount of vitamin excretes through urine, therefore vitamin C should be supplemented continuously through dietary supplements (Wardle Sarris, 2010). Vitamin C is required for cellular growth and it repairs damaged tissues inside the human system. Vitamin C helps to structure proteins that form blood vessels, ligaments, tendons and skin. Vitamin C reforms and maintains teeth, bones and cartilages. So, it can be said that vitamin C plays a significant role in collagen formation, iron absorption, antioxidant function and infection fighting. Other functions may include production of important elements inside the human system, for example: neurotransmitters that are considered as endogenous chemicals and transmit signals thro ugh synapse from one nerve cell to another. Vitamin C is considered as antioxidant that block damages brought about by free radicals. Free radicals are dangerous for the human system and may contribute to conditions like arthritis, cancer, heart disease. Free radicals are generally produced when the system digests food or when individuals are exposed to radiation or tobacco. These free radicals are responsible for aging process. Human system is incapable to produce vitamin C by itself and does not even store it. Hence, it should be supplemented daily with diet. Foods which are enriched with vitamin C might develop the defense mechanism of the human system (Hechtman, 2011). Guava, gooseberry, watermelon, cantaloupe, orange, grapefruit, kiwi fruit, papaya, mango, pineapple, raspberries, strawberries contain high amount of vitamin C. Some vitamin C enriched vegetable sources are cauliflower, tomatoes, cabbage, spinach, leafy green vegetables, winter squash, peppers, sprouts, broccoli, and sweet potatoes and many more (Braun Cohen, 2010). Severe vitamin C deficiency can cause scurvy. Indications of scurvy may include continuous bleeding, anemia, gum bleeding, poor immunity, reduced power of wound healing, splitting and dry hair, gingivitis, nosebleeds, slowed metabolism, scaly skin, faded tooth enamel, muscle and joint pain and easy bruising (Better Health Channel, 2015). Almost 90% of vitamin C comes from vegetables and fruits in human diet. Cooking reduces vitamin C content by almost 30-40%. The daily consumption of vitamin C through diet depends upon the sex and age. The RDA or Recommended Dietary Allowance has set certain amounts for infants, children, adolescents and adults. For infants of 0-6months should intake 40mgs/day and 7-12months should intake 50mgs/day (Nlm.nih.gov, 2015). Children from 1-3years of age should consume 15mgs/day, 4-8years should include 25mgs/day, 9-13years should include 45mgs/day. Girls of 14-18years of age should intake 65mgs/day, pregnant females should intake 80mgs/day, breastfeeding mothers should intake 115mgs/day and boys of 14-18years of age should intake 75mgs/day (Nlm.nih.gov, 2015). Active and passive smokers should increase their vitamin C consumption extra 35mgs/day. Inadequate diet leads to vitamin C deficiency. The requirement for nutritional vitamin C is augmented by inflammatory disorders, such as: diarrheal disorders, febrile illnesses, hyperthyroidism, smoking, heat or cold stress, iron deficiency, burns, protein deficiency and surgery. Due to the deficient condition of vitamin C, construction of intercellular adhesive substances in bones, dentin and connective tissues become defective. This can result in damaged capillary formations along with hemorrhages, bone defects and deformations in associated structures. The formation of bone tissues becomes weakened among the children, which causes lesion formations in bones and poor growth of bones. Fibrous tissues get enlarged that forms between co stochondral junctions, epiphysis and the diaphysis (Foolen, van Donkelaar, Huiskes Ito, 2008). Tightly calcified cartilage fragments are integrated within the fibrous tissue. Subperiosteal hemorrhages can take place within children and adults because of small fractures. Diagnoses of scurvy include medical history, physical examination, dietary habit, blood test to analyze iron and vitamin C levels and joint x-rays of ribs, knee and wrist. On the other hand excessive consumption of vitamin C can cause severe side effects. More than 2000mgs/day is not suggested as intake of vitamin C in such a huge amount can affect human body and can cause nausea, diarrhea and stomach upset. Excessive amount of vitamin C can also decrease the effect of some drugs, for example: blood thinning medicines. Overdose of vitamin C can also contribute to the condition of kidney stone formation. Therefore, proper and regular administration of vitamin C is very much important to maintain a healthy system. References Better Health Channel,. (2015).Scurvy - Better Health Channel. Retrieved 4 March 2015, from https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Scurvy Braun, L., Cohen, M. (2010).Herbs and Natural Supplements Inkling. London: Elsevier Health Sciences APAC. Foolen, J., van Donkelaar, C., Huiskes, R., Ito, K. (2008). Fibrous tissues remodel to attain a preferred mechanical state.Matrix Biology,27, 27. doi:10.1016/j.matbio.2008.09.290 Hechtman, L. (2011).Clinical naturopathic medicine. Sydney, Australia: Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier Australia. Nlm.nih.gov,. (2015).Vitamin C: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. Retrieved 4 March 2015, from https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002404.htm Wardle, J., Sarris, J. (2010).Clinical naturopathy. Chatswood, N.S.W.: Elsevier Australia.