Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a vitamin that is necessary for normal growth and development.

Use Vitamin C as directed by your doctor.

• Take Vitamin C by mouth with or without food.
• Chew a pill before swallowing.

Vitamin C is required for the growth and repair of tissues in all parts of your body. It is necessary to form collagen, an important protein used to make skin, scar tissue, tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels. Vitamin C is essential for the healing of wounds, and for the repair and maintenance of cartilage, bones, and teeth.

The body cannot store vitamins. Leftover amounts of the vitamins leave the body through the urine. That means you need a continuous supply of such vitamins in your diet.

A severe form of vitamin C deficiency is known as scurvy, which mainly affects older, malnourished adults.

If you miss a dose of Vitamin C and are taking it regularly, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

Store Vitamin C at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep in a tight, light-resistant container. Keep Vitamin C out of the reach of children and away from pets.

• Taking megadoses of vitamin C may lead to kidney damage, diarrhea, iron overload and accelerated atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). It increases the risk of kidney stones in some people. If stopped abruptly, it may result in rebound scurvy (vitamin C deficiency). Doses between 2000 and 5000 mg per day may have anti-coagulant properties, making it difficult for people to stop bleeding.

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• Dry and splitting hair; gingivitis (inflammation of the gums); bleeding gums; rough, dry, scaly skin; decreased wound-healing rate; easy bruising; nosebleeds; weakened tooth enamel; swollen and painful joints; anemia; decreased ability to fight infection; possible weight gain because of slowed metabolism.

Vitamin C is used therapeutically in huge doses from 100 to 10,000 mg a day. In acute poisoning or infections, 1,000 to 2,000 mg, preferably in injection form, can be administered every one and a half or two hours.