Vitamin C Deficiency, Overdose of Vitamin C

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a weak acid that aids in various metabolic process and helps prevent disease. It is also an antioxidant, eliminating free radicals which cause cell damage and impair the immune system. Vitamin C deficiency makes a person prone to diseases like common colds, gum problems, heart problems, polio, and scurvy.

Vitamin C is instrumental in the formation of a protein which gives structure to bones, cartilage muscle and blood vessels. It also aids in the absorption if iron. Scientific researches have shown that there are no known advantages in consuming excessive amounts of Vitamin C.

Basically, the C Vitamin is used by the body in the electron transport chain, and specifically the one that produces ATP. As regards wound healing, the C Vitamin is involved in connective tissue, and its connective tissue that is called to action in any wound (tissue and remodeling). Also, as collagen is present in the organic matrix of bone tissue, the C Vitamin is essential there too.

People don't usually have a toxic effect from vitamin C; it is a water-soluble vitamin and is washed away by water. The human body doesn't store it. But taking more than 200 milligrams a day can make some people's stomach sick and it may cause diarrhea in others. Vitamin C consumed in large amounts is thought to be bad for people with family members that have had kidney or gallbladder stones.

Vitamin C is required for the synthesis of collagen, an important structural component of blood vessels, tendons, ligaments, and bone. Vitamin C also plays an important role in the synthesis of the neurotransmitter, norepinephrine. Neurotransmitters are critical to brain function and are known to affect mood. In addition, vitamin C is required for the synthesis of carnitine, a small molecule that is essential for the transport of fat to cellular organelles called mitochondria, for conversion to energy.

The best way to get vitamin C is to eat a balanced diet. Balanced diet is a diet which includes foods like mustard greens, cauliflower, green peppers, strawberries, green vegetables, fish, potatoes, broccoli, milk, citrus fruits, and tomatoes. Vitamin C is sometimes also known as ascorbic acid. Therefore look at the labels on your foods.

A shortage of vitamin C may result in hemorrhages under the skin and a tendency to bruise easily, poor wound healing, weakness, poor digestion, bleeding gums and loose teeth. Low levels of vitamin C have been associated with a variety of conditions including hypertension, gallbladder disease, stroke, some cancers.

The most well-known result of a vitamin C deficiency is scurvy, a condition characterized by weakness, anemia, gum disease, and skin lesions. Fortunately, scurvy is very rare in our modern society although still found to a greater degree in areas of poor nutrition.

Higher levels of Vitamin C are needed when under environmental stress such as trauma, fever or infection. Full saturation is reached with daily intakes of 200-500 mg per day (in 2-3 divided doses). This is a water-soluble protein, and anything in excess is excreted by the body. Vitamin C Overdose can cause diarrhea, gas, or stomach upset

Read about Herbal Remedies. Also read about Amla and Vitamin C Supplement