The benefits of vitamin C for the body
Ascorbic acid plays an important role in the synthesis of many protein molecules: collagen, corticosteroids, prothrombin. By activating cytochrome P450, it enhances the detoxification function of the liver. Converts cholesterol into bile acids, prevents its deposition in the walls of blood vessels, thereby preventing or slowing down the progression of atherosclerosis.
Together with vitamins A and E, ascorbic acid protects cells from damage by free radicals, providing an antioxidant effect. Activates the regeneration of organs and tissues, accelerating recovery from injuries and fractures.
The important role of vitamin C in maintaining the normal functioning of the immune system is realized through its influence on the development of lymphocytes, the synthesis of antibodies and interferon, and increased activity of macrophages. The normal functioning of humoral and cellular immunity provides an adequate response to contact with viruses and bacteria.
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The stimulating nature of the effect of ascorbic acid on the absorption of iron ensures its sufficient supply to the body and protects against anemia.
Ascorbic acid is involved in the transition of dangerous methemoglobin to hemoglobin, normalizes capillary permeability, has a choleretic effect, and stimulates the production of pancreatic secretions and thyroid hormones.
Interesting facts about vitamin C in the video:
Composition and description
The drug is sold in the form of yellow dragees with a spherical regular shape. The surface shell of the tablet must have a uniform color, be smooth and even.
One dragee contains the following components: active ingredient - 0.05 g of ascorbic acid .
Auxiliary components : yellow dye E104, food flavorings, talc, beeswax, sunflower oil, wheat flour, starch syrup, sugar.
The drug is produced in the following dosage forms:
- solution for intramuscular and intravenous administration (injections in ampoules intended for injection);
- powder for preparing a solution for internal use;
- dragee - 50 mg;
- tablets - 25 and 50 mg, including with glucose.
Pharmacological properties
Ascorbic acid has a pronounced restorative effect. Takes part in redox reactions, restoration and renewal of bone and connective tissue, synthesis of procollagen and collagen.
Vitamin C is necessary for blood clotting , affects steroid hormones and insulin, catecholamine biosynthesis, thyroxine metabolism, and aromatic amino acid metabolism. Normalizes capillary permeability. Takes part in the synthesis of hemoglobin and promotes the absorption of iron in the digestive system.
Vitamin C deficiency in the body contributes to the development of vitamin deficiency and hypovitaminosis , since this element is not able to be synthesized by the human body.
Varieties of tablet forms of release
Tablets are a solid dosage form obtained by compressing powder or granules. Usually contains one or more active ingredients and auxiliary ingredients. Types of tablets with ascorbic acid:
Tablets for oral administration
Used during or after meals, washed down with water.
- Pros: speed and ease of use; lack of contact with tooth enamel.
- Cons: take a long time to dissolve in the stomach, irritating the mucous membrane; the active substance begins to be absorbed later.
Chewable
Intended to be chewed before swallowing and contain flavoring additives.
- Pros: Grinding in the mouth makes it easier to dissolve in the stomach; pleasant taste.
- Cons: acceleration of the process of destruction of tooth enamel.
Effervescent tablets
Uncoated tablets containing carbonates or bicarbonates that have alkaline properties and react quickly in water to release carbon dioxide bubbles; they are designed to dissolve the drug in water immediately before administration.
- Pros: fast absorption, good taste.
- Cons: requires a container and water; negative impact on tooth enamel (can be minimized if you drink the solution through a straw).
Extended-release tablets
The drug dissolves and is absorbed gradually.
- Pros: a slow increase in concentration ensures a more complete entry into the blood and absorption of the vitamin by the body.
- Cons: long-term effect on the gastrointestinal mucosa.
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Pediatric
Children's tablets contain a small dose of ascorbic acid, flavoring agents and glucose.
- Pros: low doses prevent overdose; pleasant taste makes it easy to use in children.
- Cons: high glucose content.
A worthy alternative to tablets can be capsules, which are powder enclosed in an easily soluble gelatin shell. Since the active substance is not pressed, it easily dissolves and mixes with the gastrointestinal contents.
There is also vitamin C in vegetarian tablets and vegetable capsules that do not contain animal products. Cellulose, magnesium stearate, and silicon dioxide are used as auxiliary components.
Reviews about the drug
Ascorbic acid has been used for many years and is familiar to almost everyone. Therefore, you can find a lot of reviews about it - mostly positive, talking about how ascorbic acid is useful.
As a child, I loved to eat a lot of yellow jelly beans and felt great about it. Years later, unfortunately, my good health began to fade and I began taking vitamins with extreme caution. Vitamin C is effective and my family takes it often to strengthen the immune system, but be careful, it increases blood pressure and promotes tachycardia - an increased heart rate.
Larisa Ivanovna
For quite a long time I could not understand why ascorbic acid is in such high demand. One day I got sick and was forced to take antibiotics, after which my vaginal microflora was disrupted and thrush appeared. On the advice of my mother, I purchased a medicine that contains a high concentration of vitamin C. The results were not long in coming. As for colds, a loading dose helps me prevent a cold at the initial stage. I recommend it to everyone, since I take it regularly myself!
Christina
Originally posted 2018-01-09 06:39:28.
Indications for taking vitamin C tablets and capsules
Ascorbic acid is prescribed for the prevention or treatment of hypo- and vitamin deficiency, which can manifest itself as the following symptoms:
- bleeding gums;
- hemorrhagic diathesis (subcutaneous hemorrhages, petechiae);
- slow healing of wounds, fractures;
- frequent long-term viral infections;
- dry skin, brittle hair and nails;
- anemia that is difficult to treat.
Admission is also indicated for conditions associated with an increase in the body's needs for ascorbic acid: during periods of intensive growth in children and adolescents, heavy physical and mental stress, adrenal insufficiency, liver diseases, intoxication, alcoholism, vitamin deficiencies.
Contraindications and precautions
According to the instructions for use, the contraindications are:
- allergic reactions to substances included in the drug;
- thrombophlebitis, thrombosis;
- impaired glucose tolerance, diabetes mellitus;
- peptic ulcer in the acute stage;
- I trimester of pregnancy.
It can be taken with caution (in minimal dosages and only in consultation with a doctor) by people with hemochromatosis, renal failure, thalassemia, malignant neoplasms, polycythemia, increased excretion of oxalates in daily urine, as well as when women are using hormonal oral contraceptives.
In the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, high doses of ascorbic acid should not be used to prevent the fetus from adapting to them.
special instructions
It is necessary to find out all the additional points specified in the instructions:
- with caution to people who have kidney problems .
- If you have urolithiasis, the tablet should be taken in a dosage of no more than one gram per day .
- Patients with high iron levels in the body should use acid in small doses .
- If the tablets are taken together with an alkaline drink, the absorption of vitamin C is reduced. Therefore, it is not recommended to drink them with mineral water .
- According to the instructions for use, the drug is prohibited for people with increased blood clotting .
- Long-term use is a reason for constant monitoring of kidney function, pancreas and blood pressure .
- It is forbidden to drink ascorbic acid for people with inflammation of the vein walls and their blockage .
There are a number of other tips that are not covered in the instructions:
- There are many benefits of ascorbic acid. One of its effects is a diuretic effect. drink more water during its use .
- If a person is being treated with medications prescribed for chemotherapy, ascorbic acid should not be used . If you have a weakened immune system, you should consult your doctor. If it is possible to supplement treatment with acid, it should be done under strict supervision.
- must be taken when using the drug during pregnancy and lactation . If the mother overdoes it, the child at birth will experience a constant deficiency of the vitamin and often get sick.
- If you get too carried away with ascorbic acid in glucose tablets, your sugar level will skyrocket .
Despite the fact that the vitamin is important for both adults and children, it should not be consumed in excess. It doesn't matter that this element has many advantages. Caution should be exercised with any medication. After all, undesirable consequences can appear at any time.
The best option is to enrich your diet with healthy foods that will saturate your body with all the necessary elements. This will strengthen the body’s protective function - it will cope with viral and infectious diseases. Thanks to this, there will be no need to use pharmaceutical medications. Read more about which foods contain vitamin C →
The most effective prevention of any disease is very simple - a healthy lifestyle, proper nutrition and the absence of constant stress.
How to use ascorbic acid
The tablets are taken after meals. It is advisable to take it in the first half of the day, since the vitamin has a tonic effect on the entire body, and is also absorbed and consumed more intensively during active times of the day.
The minimum preventive doses for adults are 50-100 mg/day, therapeutic doses – 500-1000 mg/day, for children – 25-75 mg/day and 100-300 mg/day, respectively.
Use in young children (up to 3 years) is agreed with the pediatrician.
According to the instructions, during pregnancy and lactation it is recommended to drink no more than 100-250 mg per day.
If combination therapy is necessary, the simultaneous use of ascorbic acid with thiamine, cyanocobalamin and copper should be avoided.
Overdose
With long-term use of high doses (more than 1000 mg), increased side effects or development of overdose symptoms may occur, such as:
- nausea, vomiting;
- stool disorder;
- sleep disturbances, overexcitation of the central nervous system;
- feeling of heat, hyperemia of the skin;
- increased blood glucose levels;
- ulcerative-erosive lesions of the gastrointestinal mucosa;
- formation of oxalate stones in the kidneys;
- arterial hypertension;
- microthrombosis.
If you experience the above symptoms, it is recommended to consult a doctor. Excess ascorbic acid is excreted in the urine; only symptomatic treatment may be required.
