(Not) Truth About Vitamin C: Is the panacea the ubiquitous vitamin or the latest fashion in medicine?

There is no more popular vitamin C medicine. Is it really a panacea ubiquitous vitamin or another fashion in medicine?

Legends about life-saving vitamin dating from distant times when seafarers suffered from bleeding warts because on long journeys they did not have fruit as a source of vitamin C.

It is known that it strengthens the blood vessels and reduces bleeding, in the case of gums. The vitamin's benefit is indisputable to the body - it is a powerful antioxidant, helps the function of enzymes, participates in the synthesis of collagen and hence in the strength of vessels, favors the absorption of iron from the body, etc. But his qualities are sometimes exaggerated, science has blurred some myths, and others confirmed.

Indispensable for flu and cold. It is true. Under the influence of viruses occurs oxidative stress of the organism with all the unpleasant consequences - chills, temperature, etc., vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and its benefit in influenza is obvious. Especially if taken naturally from fresh fruits and vegetables.

According to US scientists, they have studied the action of vitamins, only the natural ones (from food) act beneficial to the body. Synthetic showed good properties in the laboratories, but not in the human body. So drain a few oranges instead of running to the pharmacy.

The widespread practice of putting vitamin C into the nasal nose is not recommended. In fact, this vitamin is ascorbic acid and any acid can damage the soft nose of the nose.

Vitamin C protects against colds. It is a common practice for winter parents to give children vitamin C in the morning. It is much easier and quicker than to make a joke for example.

But it should be known that there is no definite scientific evidence that taking a vitamin for prophylaxis actually prevents colds. Much better work is done by hardening and rational feeding. Give fruits and vegetables to children, but do not spend on vitamin C, a crisis is still.

It's safe! Not true. Any medication in inappropriate doses is at risk. The daily requirement for an adult of vitamin C is 60 mg and for children 45. The smallest tablets are 100 mg. In smokers, adults and some diseases, the needs are bigger.

Systemic overdosage, especially those recommended by some 3-4 grams (3-4000 mg), may show nausea, sore throat pain, muscle cramps, headache.

Vitamin C is water soluble and the excess is excreted through the kidneys, where oxalate stones can form from high doses. It cannot overdose when taken with food.

Protects against cardiovascular diseases. And that's not certain. In 2008, a study involving 15,000 volunteer physicians was completed in the United States. For 10 years, half received 500 mg each day. vit. With the others, no. At the end of the period, cardiovascular diseases in both groups were the same. Studies with other vitamins (E and B) led to the same result.

Vitamin C protects against cancer. There is no conclusive evidence of this. It is true that regular consumption of fruits and vegetables is a preventive measure in the fight against cancer, but besides the vitamin in question, many other vitamins, microelements, and fiber are taken. The latter cleanse toxins and excess fat from the intestines and their role in cancer prevention is great. Perhaps the cause of the beneficial action is complex, not just vitamin C. And people who eat rationally usually lead a healthy lifestyle and logically suffer less.

Slows aging. Sounds comfortable, but not proven. Apart from genes, life expectancy and quality of life depend on lifestyle, nutrition, sports, life situations, stress, thinking (positive thinking is the basis for good health). Relying solely on vitamin C is quite naive.

In addition, scientists have proven that the intake of vitamins influences negatively otherwise. People who drink vitamins regularly complain about doing something for their health and not paying attention to their lifestyle. Who ultimately ages.

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