Vitamin C supplements

Vitamins are organic substances that our bodies require in minute quantities and which are very vital. Vitamin C is also known as ascorbic acid and is much needed by the body for the formation of collagen in the muscles, bones, blood vessels and cartilages. Vitamin C is also essential in iron absorption and is defined as a vitamin that is soluble in water. The main sources of vitamin c include vegetables and fruits which are of a citrus nature. People with the vitamin C deficiency often suffer from scurvy which if left untreated can lead to death. These people are thus put on medication and advised to consume fruits and vegetables which are rich in vitamin C.

They can at times be asked to take vitamin C supplements which work as well as the vitamin C giving foods. Sometimes, the body is in dire need of vitamin C and this is where supplements are introduced to cater for the deficit. The recommended vitamin C supplements intake on a daily basis is 1000mg. this is for those people without any condition that requires more. However, in some cases, people are advised by their doctors to take up to 3000mg daily depending on how severe the deficiency is. The recommended vitamin c supplements include 40mg for infants who are between the ages of 0 and 6 months. Those between 7 and 12 months should have a daily supplement dose of 50mg. children between the ages of 1 and 3 years should take 15mg per day and those of 4 to 8 years 25mg. 45mg are recommended for children between the ages of 9 and 13 years.

Males aged 14 and 18 years should take 75mg on a daily basis. Females in this age bracket, on the other hand, are supposed to take 65mg. expectant mothers are supposed to consume up to 80mg of vitamin C supplements on a daily basis. Lactating mothers should take up to 115mg per day and it is important to note that these intakes should not be exceeded. It is good to be well advised that consumption of the vitamin C supplements in large quantities can cause adverse health effects. These include diarrhoea, cramps, and the person will also risk damaging the B12 vitamins that the body requires. In other cases, the absorption of copper may go down as a result of over consumption of the vitamin C supplements.

People with the homochromatic condition are advised against consuming the supplements since it will cause an iron overload which can be detrimental to their well being. When embarking on the consumption of the vitamin c supplements, it is important to note that those with gout do not consume too much. This is because over consumption may lead to an increase in uric acid. Those suffering from sickle cell Anaemia also need to go low on these supplements since their red blood cells are fragile and can thus get easily harmed. Vitamin C supplement tablets that are supposed to be chewed can easily erode the teeth and opting for the buffered ones is highly recommended.