Vitamin C

Vitamin C: properties, indications for use and contraindications

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is an essential nutrient needed for many processes in the body. It plays a key role in the immune system, as well as in the production of collagen, a substance essential for healthy skin, bones and cartilage.

Vitamin C is produced in various countries around the world, including Germany, Norway, Ukraine, Croatia, Serbia and Montenegro, Romania and the United States of America. It is available in various forms, including tablets, injections, granules, and chewable tablets.

Indications for the use of vitamin C include hypovitaminosis C, hemorrhagic diathesis, capillary toxicosis, hemorrhagic stroke, bleeding (nasal, pulmonary, uterine, etc.), infectious diseases, intoxication, alcoholic and infectious delirium, acute radiation sickness, post-transfusion complications, liver diseases (disease Botkin, chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis), gastrointestinal tract (achilya, peptic ulcer, especially after bleeding, enteritis, colitis, helminthiasis), cholecystitis, adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease), sluggishly healing wounds, ulcers, bone fractures, dystrophy, physical and mental overload , pregnancy and lactation, hemosiderosis, melasma, erythroderma, psoriasis, chronic common dermatoses. In addition, vitamin C can be used as an antioxidant to treat atherosclerosis, bronchial asthma, diffuse connective tissue diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma) and other diseases.

Despite its usefulness, vitamin C also has contraindications. It is not recommended for hypersensitivity, thrombophlebitis, a tendency to thrombosis and diabetes mellitus. With excessive consumption of vitamin C, side effects may occur, such as irritation of the gastrointestinal mucosa (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea), arterial hypertension, metabolic disorders, inhibition of the function of the insular apparatus of the pancreas (hyperglycemia, glycosuria) and glycogen synthesis, decreased absorption of iron and copper , as well as the appearance of kidney stones.

For most people, the recommended daily intake of vitamin C is between 75 and 90 mg, depending on gender and age. However, in some cases, such as pregnancy, lactation, smoking, infectious and stressful conditions, as well as alcohol consumption, an increased dose of vitamin C may be required.

Overall, vitamin C is an essential nutrient needed to maintain health and prevent many diseases. However, as with any nutrient, it is important to monitor your dosage and consult your doctor before taking vitamin C as a medication.