December 8, 2016 general

When it was discovered in 1920, vitamin C wasn’t the first vitamin known. However, it may be the most familiar to us. We have heard about early sailors who died from the vitamin C deficiency disease scurvy before it was discovered that adding limes to their rations prevented the disease. (Hence, the reason British sailors were called “Limeys”.) Indeed, citrus is the most well-publicized source of vitamin C, but the nutrient is also found in a wide variety of other fruits, vegetables and herbs. More surprisingly, since most animals make their own vitamin C, animal foods can also be a source of small amounts. Vitamin C is a bit fragile. For example, it is degraded by cooking and even more so in copper cookware. Vitamin C is not a sexy and trendy supplement, but it is very powerful.

• Gum disease. Diseases like the flu come on quickly and dramatically. But, in contrast, a deficiency disease develops gradually. For example, bleeding gums may indicate that a person is low in vitamin C and is inching toward scurvy. Other signs of C insufficiency are easy bruising, irritability, shortness of breath, joint pain, poor wound healing, inflammation of the tongue, curly brittle hair, loose teeth, loss of appetite, tiny red spots on the skin, fatigue and eye redness. Article.
• Sugar can cause C deficiency. A recent article from the Dr. Rath Institute stated “… due to the similarity of the chemical structure of the sugar and vitamin C molecules, excess sugar in the blood can block the channels necessary for transfer of vitamin C inside the cell, thus creating a vitamin C deficiency. (Secondhand smoke also reduces available vitamin C.)
• Protecting the cardiovascular system. The Dr. Rath article continued “…a lack of vitamin C can damage the cells lining the blood vessel walls [thereby] promoting arterial plaque formation.” The Institute found that conversely, increased vitamin C intake helped protect cells from the damage caused by high blood sugar. (Note: researchers used a special combination containing calcium and magnesium ascorbate [a buffered form of vitamin C] and ascorbyl palmitate [a fat-soluble form of C]. You may find that type C in your natural food store. This item on Amazon will show you what to look for.)
• Some cardiovascular drugs can cause C deficiency. Various “channel blocker” type drugs (such as Procardia and Nifediac) are used to control high blood pressure, angina and heart rhythm problems. Studies show that these drugs increase the risk of death, heart attack, breast cancer, and gum trouble. Many of those side effects are caused because the drugs happen to reduce the body’s vitamin C levels. Supplementing the vitamin C combination mentioned in the last bullet point apparently helps offset the drug problems. STUDY  

More: A previous blog discussed vitamin C in relation to endometriosis and aging. It covered dosage issues as well. Vitamin C also helps offset the health damage caused by stress.  An interview with Bill Sardi talked about the revival of the use of vitamin C with cancer.