Saturday, July 16, 2011

Mega Antioxidant Vitamin C

Mega Antioxidant Vitamin C, ascorbic acid (as calcium, potassium, magnesium & zinc ascorbates)

Vitamin C is a highly effective antioxidant, it is important in reducing free-radical reduction. Even in small amounts vitamin C can protect molecules in the body, such as proteins, lipids (fats), carbohydrates, and nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) from damage from free radicals and reactive oxygen species that can be generated during normal metabolism as well as through exposure to toxins and pollutants.
Vitamin C has many different forms but what really matters is its efficacy and bioavailability.  Bioavailability refers to the degree to which a nutrient becomes available to the target tissue after it has been administered. The gastrointestinal absorption of ascorbic acid occurs through an active transport process, as well as through passive diffusion. 
At low gastrointestinal concentrations of ascorbic acid active transport predominates, while at high gastrointestinal concentrations active transport becomes saturated, leaving only passive diffusion. In theory, slowing down the rate of gastric emptying (e.g., by taking ascorbic acid with food or taking a slow-release form of ascorbic acid) should increase its absorption. The bioavailability of ascorbic acid appears equivalent whether it is in the form of powder, chewable tablets, or non-chewable tablets. Moreover, bioavailability of ascorbic acid from slow-release preparations has not been found to be greater than that of plain ascorbic acid. 


Calcium ascorbate: 1,000 mg of calcium ascorbate generally provides 890-910 mg of ascorbic acid and 90-110 mg of calcium. Calcium in this form appears to be reasonably well absorbed. The recommended dietary calcium intake for adults is 1,000 to 1,200 mg/day. Total calcium intake should not exceed the tolerable upper intake level of 2,500 mg/day.

Potassium ascorbate: The minimal requirement for potassium is thought to be between 1.6 and 2.0 grams/day. Fruits and vegetables are rich sources of potassium, so a diet rich in fruits and vegetables may provide as much as 8 to 11 grams/day. Acute and potentially fatal potassium toxicity (hyperkalemia) is thought to occur at a daily intake of about 18 grams of potassium/day in adults. Individuals on potassium-sparing diuretics and those with renal insufficiency (kidney failure) should avoid significant intake of potassium ascorbate. The purest form of commercially available potassium ascorbate contains 0.175 grams (175 mg) of potassium per gram of ascorbic acid.

Magnesium ascorbate: The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for magnesium is 400-420 mg/day for adult men and 310-320 mg/day for adult women. The maximum upper level of intake for magnesium from supplements is 350 mg/day.

Zinc ascorbate: The RDA for zinc is 11 mg/day for adult men and 8 mg/day for adult women. The upper intake level of zinc for adults is 40 mg/day.

How to Take It:
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. Talk to your doctor before taking more than 1,000 mg of vitamin C on a daily basis and before giving vitamin C to a child.
Daily intake of dietary vitamin C (according to U.S. recommended dietary allowances), are listed below.
Pediatric
·         Birth - 6 months: 40 mg
·         Infants 6 - 12 months: 50 mg
·         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
·         Breastfeeding women: 120 mg
Because smoking depletes vitamin C, people who smoke generally need an additional 35 mg per day.
The doses recommended to prevent or treat many of the conditions mentioned in the Uses section is often 500 - 1,000 mg per day.
Precautions:
Because of the potential for side effects and interactions with medications, you should take dietary supplements only under the supervision of a knowledgeable health care provider.
Vitamin C supplements have a diuretic effect, so 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.
While vitamin C is generally considered safe because your body gets rid of what it does not use, in 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 decreases the effectiveness of vitamin C 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.

HAVE A BEAUTIFUL LIFE AND EXPERIENCE TRUE HEALTH







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