Vitamin C, also called ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin that is necessary for normal growth and development. It helps to maintain healthy collagen in the skin, repair damaged tissue, promote healthy teeth and bones, and boost the immune system. Vitamin C is also one of the commonly used dietary supplements for immune stimulation, for wound healing, as an antioxidant, and for cancer prevention.
Water-soluble vitamins, including vitamin C, dissolve in water. Leftover amounts of the vitamin leave the body through the urine. That means you need a continuous supply of such vitamins in your diet. Some animals can make their own vitamin C, but people must get this vitamin from food and other sources. Good sources of vitamin C are fresh fruits and vegetables, especially citrus fruits. Vitamin C can also be made in a laboratory.
Too little vitamin C can lead to signs and symptoms of deficiency, including anemia, bleeding gums, decreased ability to fight infection, decreased wound-healing rate, dry and splitting hair, easy bruising, gingivitis (inflammation of the gums), nosebleeds, possible weight gain because of slowed metabolism, rough, dry, scaly skin, swollen and painful joints, and weakened tooth enamel. A severe form of vitamin C deficiency is known as scurvy, which mainly affects older, malnourished adults.
Vitamin C functions as an anti-inflammatory, and helps the body fight inflammatory diseases, including arthritis, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue. A multitude of other conditions may be improved by vitamin C, including angina, bronchitis, bruises, canker sores, constipation, diabetes, eyestrain, gingivitis, glaucoma, infertility, joint pain, rashes, rosacea, shingles, sore throat, sprains, sunburn, and yeast infections, urinary tract infections, and scurvy (a disease caused by vitamin C deficiency). Because vitamin C helps the body absorb iron, it is also useful in treating iron deficiency and anemia.
However, vitamin C may yield its greatest benefits in fighting cancer, heart disease, and in boosting the immune system. Supplemental doses of vitamin C have been found to reduce the risk of certain cancers (including esophageal, pancreatic, and cervical cancer), provide protection against heart disease (studies have shown that vitamin C supplementation can not only lower systolic blood pressure, but also drive up good HDL cholesterol while lowering bad LDL cholesterol), and boost the immune system. Supplemental doses of vitamin C can increase the body's production of lymphocyes and glutathione.
Vitamin C is one of the more powerful and well-known antioxidants. Just as exposing a cut apple to air causes it to quickly turn brown, cells of the body can also suffer damage when exposed to oxygen, a process known as oxidation. Oxidation causes aging of the skin as well as all other organs and tissues of the body. Vitamin C, as a free-radical fighter, helps ward off wrinkles and many illnesses linked to oxidation, including cataracts, arthritis, heart disease, and cancer.
How powerful is Vitamin C? Listen to what the experts have said about this remarkable nutrient. Dr. James Enstrom of UCLA has been quoted as saying that "A thirty-five-year-old man who eats Vitamin C-rich foods and takes Vitamin C supplements will slash his chances of heart disease death by two thirds and live 6.3 years longer". And according to the late Dr. Linus Pauling--a two-time Nobel Laureate and perhaps history's strongest advocate for the benefits of Vitamin C--supplemental doses of Vitamin C could add as much as twelve to eighteen years to our lives. He also held the belief that ascorbic acid held the cure to the common cold.
Are such claims unfounded? Well, as of yet, there is no proof that vitamin C can cure the common cold, though, as an immune system strengthener, ascorbic acid can certainly help alleviate the symptoms of a cold. However, when it comes to longevity, life extension, antiaging, what have you, evidence has been produced to validate the claim that Vitamin C can improve life expectancy. One analysis of the dietary consumption of eleven thousand individuals found that getting 300 milligrams daily of Vitamin C could add as much as six years to the life of a man and as much as two years to the life of a woman.
Some people use vitamin C for depression, thinking problems, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, physical and mental stress, fatigue, and attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Other uses include increasing the absorption of iron from foods and correcting a protein imbalance in certain newborns (tyrosinemia).
There is some thought that vitamin C might help the heart and blood vessels. It is used for hardening of the arteries, preventing clots in veins and arteries, heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
Vitamin C is also used for glaucoma, preventing cataracts, preventing gallbladder disease, dental cavities (caries), constipation, Lyme disease, boosting the immune system, heat stroke, hay fever, asthma, bronchitis, cystic fibrosis, infertility, diabetes, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), autism, collagen disorders, arthritis and bursitis, back pain and disc swelling, cancer, and osteoporosis.
Additional uses include improving physical endurance and slowing aging, as well as counteracting the side effects of cortisone and related drugs, and aiding drug withdrawal in addiction.
Sometimes, people put vitamin C on their skin to protect it against the sun, pollutants, and other environmental hazards. Vitamin C is also applied to the skin to help with damage from radiation therapy.
According to recent research, vitamin C may offer health benefits in these areas:
Stress -- A recent meta-analysis showed vitamin C was beneficial to individuals whose immune system was weakened due to stress -- a condition which is very common in our society. Because vitamin C is one of the nutrients sensitive to stress, and the first nutrient to be depleted in alcoholics, smokers, and obese individuals, it makes it an ideal marker for overall health.
Colds -- When it comes to the common cold, vitamin C may not be a cure. But some studies show that it may help prevent more serious complications. There is good evidence taking vitamin C for colds and flu can reduce the risk of developing further complications, such as pneumonia and lung infections.
Stroke -- Although research has been conflicting, one study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that those with the highest concentrations of vitamin C in their blood were associated with 42% lower stroke risk than those with the lowest concentrations. The reasons for this are not completely clear. But what is clear is that people who eat plenty of fruits and vegetables have higher blood levels of vitamin C. People who consume more fruit and vegetables will not only have higher blood levels of vitamin C, but higher intake of other nutrients potentially beneficial to health, such as fiber and other vitamins and minerals, studies suggests.
Skin Aging -- Vitamin C affects cells on the inside and outside of the body. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition examined links between nutrient intakes and skin aging in 4,025 women aged 40-74. It found that higher vitamin C intakes were associated with a lower likelihood of a wrinkled appearance, dryness of the skin, and a better skin-aging appearance.
Heart Disease -- Results of scientific studies on whether vitamin C is helpful for preventing heart attack or stroke are mixed. Vitamin C doesn't lower cholesterol levels or reduce the overall risk of heart attack, but evidence suggests that it may help protect arteries against damage.
Some studies -- though not all -- suggest that vitamin C, acting as an antioxidant, can slow down the progression of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). It helps prevent damage to LDL ("bad") cholesterol, which then builds up as plaque in the arteries and can cause heart attack or stroke. Other studies suggest that vitamin C may help keep arteries flexible.
In addition, people who have low levels of vitamin C may be more likely to have a heart attack, stroke, or peripheral artery disease, all potential results of having atherosclerosis. Peripheral artery disease is the term used to describe atherosclerosis of the blood vessels to the legs. This can lead to pain when walking, known as intermittent claudication. But there is no evidence that taking vitamin C supplements will help.
The best thing to do is get enough vitamin C through your diet. That way, you also get the benefit of other antioxidants and nutrients contained in food. If you have low levels of vitamin C and have trouble getting enough through the foods you eat, ask your doctor about taking a supplement.
High Blood Pressure -- Population based studies (which involve observing large groups of people over time) suggest that people who eat foods rich in antioxidants, including vitamin C, have a lower risk of high blood pressure than people who have poorer diets. Eating foods rich in vitamin C is important for your overall health, especially if you are at risk for high blood pressure. The diet physicians most frequently recommend for treatment and prevention of high blood pressure, known as the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet, includes lots of fruits and vegetables, which are loaded with antioxidants.
Cancer -- Results of many population based studies (evaluating groups of people over time) suggest that eating foods rich in vitamin C may be associated with lower rates of cancer, including skin cancer, cervical dysplasia (changes to the cervix which may be cancerous or precancerous, picked up by pap smear), and, possibly, breast cancer. But these foods also contain many beneficial nutrients and antioxidants, not only vitamin C, so it's impossible to say for certain that vitamin C is protecting against cancer. Taking vitamin C supplements, on the other hand, has not been shown to have any helpful effect.
In addition, there is no evidence that taking large doses of vitamin C once diagnosed with cancer will help your treatment. Moreover, some doctors are concerned that large doses of antioxidants from supplements could interfere with chemotherapy medications. More research is needed. If you are undergoing chemotherapy, talk to your doctor before taking vitamin C or any supplement.
Osteoarthritis -- Vitamin C is essential for the body to make collagen, which is a part of normal cartilage. Cartilage is destroyed in osteoarthritis (OA), putting pressure on bones and joints. In addition, some researchers think free radicals -- molecules produced by the body that can damage cells and DNA -- may also be involved in the destruction of cartilage. Antioxidants such as vitamin C appear to limit the damage caused by free radicals. However, that said, no evidence suggests that taking vitamin C supplements will help treat or prevent OA. What the evidence does show is that people who eat diets rich in vitamin C are less likely to be diagnosed with arthritis. Taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can lower your levels of vitamin C. If you take these drugs regularly for OA, you might want to take a vitamin C supplement.
Age-related Macular Degeneration -- Vitamin C (500 mg) appears to work with other antioxidants, including zinc (80 mg), beta-carotene (15 mg), and vitamin E (400 IU) to protect the eyes against developing macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of legal blindness in people over 55 in the United States. The people who seem to benefit are those with advanced AMD. It isn't known whether this combination of nutrients helps prevent AMD or is beneficial for people with less advanced AMD. This combination includes a high dose of zinc, which should be taken only under a doctor' s supervision.
Pre-eclampsia -- Some studies suggest that taking vitamin C along with vitamin E may help prevent pre-eclampsia in women who are at high risk. Pre-eclampsia, characterized by high blood pressure and too much protein in the urine, is a common cause of premature births. Not all studies agree, however.
Asthma -- Studies are mixed when it comes to the effect of vitamin C on asthma. Some show that low levels of vitamin C are more common in people with asthma, leading some researchers to think that low levels of vitamin C might increase the risk for this condition. Other studies seem to show that vitamin C may help reduce symptoms of exercise-induced asthma.
Other studies have suggested that vitamin C may also be helpful for:
Boosting immune system function
Maintaining healthy gums
Improving vision for those with uveitis (an inflammation of the middle part of the eye)
Treating allergy-related conditions, such as asthma, eczema, and hay fever (called allergic rhinitis)
Reducing effects of sun exposure, such as sunburn or redness (called erythema)
Alleviating dry mouth, particularly from antidepressant medications (a common side effect from these drugs)
Healing burns and wounds
Decreasing blood sugar in people with diabetes
Some viral conditions, including mononucleosis -- Although scientific evidence is lacking, some doctors may suggest high-dose vitamin C to treat some viruses
It's rare to be seriously deficient in vitamin C, although evidence suggests that many people may have low levels of vitamin C. Smoking cigarettes lowers the amount of vitamin C in the body, so smokers are at a higher risk of deficiency.
Signs of vitamin deficiency include dry and splitting hair; gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) and bleeding gums; rough, dry, scaly skin; decreased wound-healing rate, easy bruising; nosebleeds; and a decreased ability to ward off infection. A severe form of vitamin C deficiency is known as scurvy.
Low levels of vitamin C have been associated with a number of conditions, including high blood pressure, gallbladder disease, stroke, some cancers, and atherosclerosis, the build-up plaque in blood vessels that can lead to heart attack and stroke.
Getting enough vitamin C from your diet -- by eating lots of fruit and vegetables -- may help reduce the risk of developing some of these conditions.
Because scurvy is potentially fatal, treatment begins immediately to restore adequate vitamin C intake by daily doses of 100 to 200 mg vitamin C in synthetic form or in orange juice in mild disease and by doses as high as 500 mg/day in severe disease. Symptoms usually subside in 2 to 3 days; hemorrhages and bone disorders, in 2 to 3 weeks.
To prevent vitamin C deficiency, patients unable or unwilling to consume foods rich in vitamin C or those facing surgery should take daily supplements of ascorbic acid. The recommended daily allowance is 60 mg/day. Vitamin C supplementation may also prevent this deficiency in recently weaned infants or those drinking formula not fortified with vitamin C.
Some excellent sources of vitamin C are oranges, green peppers, watermelon, papaya, grapefruit, cantaloupe, strawberries, kiwi, mango, broccoli, tomatoes, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage, and citrus juices or juices fortified with vitamin C. Raw and cooked leafy greens (turnip greens, spinach), red and green peppers, canned and fresh tomatoes, potatoes, winter squash, raspberries, blueberries, cranberries, and pineapple are also rich sources of vitamin C. Vitamin C is sensitive to light, air, and heat, so you'll get the most vitamin C if you eat fruits and vegetables raw or lightly cooked.
You can purchase either natural or synthetic vitamin C, also called ascorbic acid, in a variety of forms. Tablets, capsules, and chewables are probably the most popular forms, but vitamin C also comes in powdered crystalline, effervescent, and liquid forms. Vitamin C comes in doses ranging from 25 - 1,000 mg.
"Buffered" vitamin C is also available if you find that regular ascorbic acid upsets your stomach. An esterified form of vitamin C is also available, which may be easier on the stomach for those who are prone to heartburn.
Vitamin C is LIKELY SAFE for most people when taken by mouth in recommended doses or when applied to the skin. In some people, vitamin C might cause nausea, vomiting, heartburn, stomach cramps, headache, and other side effects. The chance of getting these side effects increases the more vitamin C you take. Amounts higher than 2000 mg per day are POSSIBLY UNSAFE and may cause a lot of side effects, including kidney stones and severe diarrhea. In people who have had a kidney stone, amounts greater than 1000 mg per day greatly increase the risk of kidney stone recurrence.
Vitamin C is LIKELY SAFE for pregnant or breast-feeding women when taken in the recommended amount of 120 mg per day. Taking too much vitamin C during pregnancy can cause problems for the newborn baby.
Some people may experience annoying or bothersome side effects of vitamin C. These side effects are not typically dangerous, although they may be signs that you are taking too much vitamin C, since these side effects are more common at higher doses. Amounts greater than 2,000 mg/day are not recommended because such high doses can lead to potential side effects such as:
Nausea
Vomiting
Stomach upset
Irritation of the esophagus
Heartburn or indigestion
Intestinal cramps
Fatigue
Flushing (redness of the skin)
Headaches
Insomnia
Drowsiness
Diarrhea.
Some people may experience irritation or allergic reactions when vitamin C is applied to the skin.
Even though it seems like a harmless nutrient, vitamin C can cause serious side effects, especially if too much is taken. These side effects, which should be reported to your healthcare provider, include:
A blood clot in the legs (deep vein thrombosis, or DVT)
Kidney stones
Erosion of the teeth (seen with long-term use of chewable vitamin C tablets)
Worsening of sickle cell disease
Hemolysis (destruction of red blood cells) in people with glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency
Increased aluminum absorption into the body (which can be especially dangerous for people with kidney disease)
Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
An unexplained rash
Itching
Hives
Swelling of the mouth or throat
Wheezing
Difficulty breathing.
If you think you are experiencing a side effect of vitamin C, please let your healthcare provider know. Also, notify your healthcare provider if you develop something that "just does not seem right." While it may not be a side effect, your healthcare provider will be able to diagnose and treat the problem.
Vitamin C supplements have a diuretic effect, meaning they help the body get rid of excess fluid. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids when taking them.
Most commercial vitamin C is made from corn. People sensitive to corn should look for alternative sources, such as sago palm.
Vitamin C increases the amount of iron absorbed from foods. People with hemochromatosis, an inherited condition where too much iron builds up in the body, should not take vitamin C supplements.
Vitamin C is generally considered safe because your body gets rid of what it does not use. But at high doses (more than 2,000 mg daily) it can cause diarrhea, gas, or stomach upset. If you experience these side effects, lower the dose of vitamin C.
People with kidney problems should talk to their doctor before taking vitamin C.
People who smoke or use nicotine patches may need more vitamin C because nicotine makes vitamin C less effective in the body.
Infants born to mothers taking 6,000 mg or more of vitamin C may develop rebound scurvy because their intake of vitamin C drops after birth. If you are pregnant, talk to your doctor before taking more than 1,000 mg of vitamin C.
Vitamin C may raise blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. In older women with diabetes, doses of vitamin C above 300 mg per day were associated with an increased risk of death from heart disease.
Taking vitamin C right before or after angioplasty may interfere with healing.
If you are being treated for cancer, talk to your oncologist before taking vitamin C. Vitamin C may potentially interact with some chemotherapy drugs.
If you are being treated with any of the following medications, you should not use vitamin C supplements without first talking to your health care provider:
Aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) -- Both aspirin and NSAIDs can lower the amount of vitamin C in the body because they cause more of the vitamin to be lost in urine. In addition, high doses of vitamin C can cause more of these drugs to stay in the body, raising the levels in your blood. Some very early research suggests that vitamin C might help protect against stomach upset that aspirin and NSAIDs can cause. If you regularly take aspirin or NSAIDs, talk to your doctor before taking more than the recommended daily allowance of vitamin C.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) -- High doses of vitamin C may lower the amount of acetaminophen passed in urine, which could cause the levels of this drug in your blood to rise.
Aluminum-containing antacids -- Vitamin C can increase the amount of aluminum your body absorbs, which could cause the side effects of these medications to be worse. Aluminum-containing antacids include Maalox and Gaviscon.
Barbiturates -- Barbiturates may decrease the effects of vitamin C. These drugs include phenobarbital (Luminal), pentobarbital (Nembutal), and seconobarbital (Seconal).
Chemotherapy drugs -- As an antioxidant, vitamin C may interfere with the effects of some drugs taken for chemotherapy. However, some researchers speculate that vitamin C might help make chemotherapy more effective. If you are undergoing chemotherapy, do not take vitamin C or any other supplement without talking to your oncologist.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) -- Vitamin C can cause a rise in estrogen levels when taken with these drugs. Oral estrogens can also decrease the effects of vitamin C in the body.
Protease inhibitors -- Vitamin C appears to slightly lower levels of indinavir (Crixivan), a medication used to treat HIV and AIDS.
Tetracycline -- Some evidence suggests that taking vitamin C with the antibiotic tetracycline may increase the levels of this medication. It may also decrease the effects of vitamin C in the body. Other antibiotics in the same family include minocycline (Minocin) and doxycycline (Vibramycin).
Warfarin (Coumadin) -- There have been rare reports of vitamin C interfering with the effectiveness of this blood thinning medication. In recent follow-up studies, no effect was found with doses of vitamin C up to 1,000 mg per day. However, if you take warfarin or another blood thinner, talk to your doctor before taking vitamin C or any other supplement.
The best way to take vitamin C supplements is 2 - 3 times per day, with meals, depending on the dosage. Some studies suggest that adults should take 250 - 500 mg twice a day for any benefit. The dose recommended to prevent or treat many of the conditions mentioned in the Uses section is often 500 - 1,000 mg per day.
The following doses have been studied in scientific research:
BY MOUTH:
For scurvy: 100-250 mg once or twice daily for several days.
For treating the common cold: 1-3 grams daily.
For preventing kidney damage related to contrast media used during diagnostic tests: vitamin C 3 grams is given before coronary angiography and then 2 grams is given after the procedure in the evening and again the following morning.
For slowing progression of hardening of the arteries: slow-release vitamin C 250 mg in combination with 91 mg (136 IU) of vitamin E twice daily for up to 6 years.
For tyrosinemia in premature infants on high protein diets: 100 mg of vitamin C.
For reducing protein in the urine of patients with type 2 diabetes: vitamin C 1250 mg with vitamin E 680 IU daily for 4 weeks.
For preventing complex regional pain syndrome in patients with wrist fractures, vitamin C 500 mg daily for 50 days.
Daily intake of dietary vitamin C (according to the National Academy of Sciences) is listed below.
Pediatric
Birth - 6 months: 40 mg (Adequate intake)
Infants 6 - 12 months: 50 mg (Adequate intake)
Children 1 - 3 years: 15 mg
Children 4 - 8 years: 25 mg
Children 9 - 13 years: 45 mg
Adolescent girls 14 - 18 years: 65 mg
Adolescent boys 14 - 18 years: 75 mg
Adult
Men over 18 years: 90 mg
Women over 18 years: 75 mg
Pregnant women 14 - 18 years: 80 mg
Pregnant women over 18 years: 85 mg
Breastfeeding women 14 - 18 years: 115 mg
Breastfeeding women over 18 years: 120 mg
Because smoking depletes vitamin C, people who smoke may need an additional 35 mg per day.
Do not take more than the following amounts of vitamin C: 400 mg per day for children ages 1 to 3 years, 650 mg per day for children 4 to 8 years, 1200 mg per day for children 9 to 13 years, and 1800 mg per day for adolescents and pregnant and breast-feeding women 14 to 18 years, and 2000 mg per day for adults and pregnant and lactating women.
The following reviews have been selected:
------------------------------------------
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Vitamin C...great for living, May 10, 2009
By
Mary Santos (San Antonio, Texas)
In this day and age, I am shocked that the media doesn't tout the benefits of Vitamin C more. So easy to take, cheap and safe. I am now on permanent daily Vitamin C.
Every person in the world should be supplementing with it. Last year, I suffered through a nasty cold during the summer and vowed that it would not happen to me again this year. I searched for homeopathic ways to prevent/combat common viruses (cold, influenza) and was amazed how often Vitamin C was mentioned. Not only that, but it could cut the duration of cold/flu in HALF when taking megadoses of Vitamin C with few side effects! That's as good as Tamiflu! Without the horrible side effects. The worst side effect I could find info on for Vitamin C overdose was diarrhea. Seems pretty minor compared to the side effects of RX drugs.
I want to be prepared if/when the next flu/cold outbreak hits and I feel confident that I am now. I keep extra bottles in case I do become ill and will need to megadose every hour.
If you don't believe me on the benefits, just Google "Vitamin C cold flu megadose" and read all about it. I cannot believe I am just now learning all this and wanted to share this information.
------------------------------------------
20 of 23 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars My brother was right, March 17, 2008
By
E. Wright (Jamaica)
Picked up a bad FLU that relapsed when I returned to work after 10 days sick leave. It started all over again and just wouldn't go away even after several visits to my doctor and several rounds of prescription drugs. I shared my problem with an older brother who lives abroad and he just had a good laught at me before boasting that he hadn't had a cold or FLU for over 30 years. What's his secret? Vitamin C. "Get C-1000 with Rose hips time released," he said. "Take about 6,000 miligrams per day. That's what they taught me in the army [Jamaican Army]" I followed his advice for a week and it worked. I am down to about 2,000 miligrams per day now for protection and I am telling all my friends with the FLU about it.
------------------------------------------
5.0 out of 5 stars Great deal on Vitamin C!, October 3, 2011
By
sowelu
I will continue buying vitamin C here. It's probably the best deal. It's food quality vitamins and I think having a bottle of vitamin C in your kitchen cabinet is a must. It helps you stay healthy, is necessary if you are stressed and many other reasons.
The item is a good deal, because it's 1000mg, it's a huge bottle, very affordable and it was timely shipped and neatly packaged. Thank you!
------------------------------------------
5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome Product!, September 11, 2011
By
Sandy Nolan
Husband started this program with the C-1000 and after six months with no colds and better health with this product and couple others I jumped on board. Been 2 years and so far no colds or downtime!!! We see no reason to change or modify since it seems to be the ticket.
------------------------------------------
13 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars superb natural vitamin C from a reputable company, December 23, 2008
By
tom sawyer "000000" (United States)
i love this brand of vitamin C. the vitamin C is truly natural. GNC brand of vitamin C and most others you will find at wallgreens and other drug stores are synthetic and will actually do more harm then good as the body doesn't know what to do with chemical vitamins, so beware of using synthetic vitamins. they are cheap but they are worthless in the end.
what this helps with: whenever i start to get a little sick and feel like i have a cold or flue coming on, I take a mega doze of it, say four pills at the same time, every 5 hours or so for about a day. this generally does the trick and knocks the cold right out of my system.
yes you will pay more money for this brand of vitamin C, but its a guarantied to be REAL vitamin C not synthetic that will do nothing for you no matter how much you take it except may be harm you in the end.
in short, this stuff is good.
------------------------------------------
30 of 30 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars autistic son is thinking clearer, May 31, 2010
By
Karen Gruver
I heard about the value of vitamin C in curing mercury poisoning from reading Dr. Thomas Levy's book, 'Curing the Incurable'... In the book it talks about mega-doses of vitamin C given intravenously. When I looked it up online I found this product that Dr. Levy says is even more effective than that given intravenously.
We bought some and started giving it to our autistic son. We have been thrilled with the results. He is stimming less and is obviously thinking clearer. The improvements are slow but steady. After 6 years of trying all kinds of things (and none of them working) we are beyond thrilled to have the hope that this product gives us. I can't imagine any reason we would ever stop using it with our son. I highly recommend it to anyone who is dealing with autism. There is everything to gain and nothing to lose.
------------------------------------------
17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Stuff, December 6, 2010
By
Rebecca
I was a little weird about it at first because it was not the conventional sour pill your take when your sick, but I was referred to it by a good friend so I gave it a shot. My husband and I both love it! We have been taking it for about 4 years (as needed) and we have not once gotten sick! We take it when we have been around sick people or when we feel run down or when we feel like we may be coming down with something... The price does not bother me because if something works for our health its worth it. No doctor bills to worry about. I also give it to my 118 lb dog to help with her medical problems. I tell everyone I know to get this stuff and I share it with my friends when they are sick. We both feel better after taking it and we have not gotten sick so in my opinion it is worth it!
------------------------------------------
44 of 44 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Optimized Delivery of Vitamin C, August 15, 2009
By
K. A. Minden "Writer, educator, mother & Lyme... (Richmond, VA United States)
My doctor suggested [Vitamin C]. My understanding is that the water soluble vitamins are encapsulated in fat soluble phospholipids so the vitamins get delivered to the liver instead of being lost in digestion. What I do know is that I have a lot more energy when I take these. I mix them with some grape juice each morning about 15 minutes before eating breakfast. The first week, I had to nap in the afternoons - I was worn out from working harder each morning as I have a chronic illness, Lyme disease. I've been taking them for two weeks now, and find my energy level stays high for about 6 or 7 hours after taking these. They are not inexpensive, but considering that I am more able to work consistently with them, the investment is worth it.
------------------------------------------