What is Vitamin C all about ?
Vitamin C also called ascorbic acid, is a water soluble nutrient that is easily excreted from the body when not needed. Humans vary greatly in their in their Vitamin C requirement. The amount of vitamin c found in food is also varies dramatically. It cannot be manufactured by the human body then must be ingested via foods, such as citrus fruits. Vitamin C also serve as the major nutritional supplements.
Vitamin C is needed for the growth and
repair of tissues in all parts of our body. Besides that, it also helps body
make collagen, an important protein used to make skin, cartilage, tendons and
ligaments. It is also needed for healing wounds and for repairing bones and
teeth. However, lack of Vitamin C will effect high blood pressure, stroke,
atherosclerosis, the build-up plaque in blood vessels that can lead to heart
attack and stroke.
By consuming
vegetables and fruits in our daily supplements which rich in Vitamin C may help
to prevent from lack of Vitamin C diseases. Vitamin
C can regenerate other antioxidants and act as an antioxidant itself. Therefore
the need for Vitamin C is likely increased in those who exercise
regularly.The
Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for vitamin C is 75 to 90 milligrams daily;
although the body can tolerate up to 2,000 milligrams daily, it is better
absorbed when taken in smaller amounts. It is most greatly concentrated in
plant sources that is foods which are high in vitamin C include red bell
peppers, kiwifruit, and broccoli but can also be found in animal food sources
since many animals can synthesis this vitamin. An intake of 100 antioxidant that is
linked to reduction of inflammatory diseases, such as cardiovascular
disease, hypertension and cancer.
Do you know
there are how many types of Vitamin C ?
There are many different types of vitamin C such as sodium ascorbate, calcium ascorbate, potassium ascorbate, magnesium ascorbate and zinc ascorbate.
1. Sodium ascorbate : 1,000 mg of sodium ascorbate generally contains 111 mg of sodium. Individuals following low-sodium diets example for high blood pressure are generally advised to keep their total dietary sodium intake to less than 2,500 mg per day. It is also can be used in cosmetics. Sodium Ascorbate is buffered (non-acidic) and will not contribute to gastric irritation in acid-sensitive persons. Sodium Ascorbate is snythesized from a combination of sodium bicarbonate and ascorbic acid to form sodium ascorbate.
2. Calcium
ascorbate : Calcium ascorbate generally provides 90-110 mg of calcium (890-910
mg of
ascorbic acid) per 1,000 mg of calcium per 1,000 mg of calcium
ascorbate. This
ingredient mainly
functions as an antioxidant in cosmetics products. It has many anti-
aging benefits including
building collagen, defending the skin against free radicals,
healing inflammations,
reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and
lightening discoloration. Besides that,it also is used as a food supplement source of
vitamin C and as an additive
to keep fruits fresh.
3. Potassium
: The minimal requirement for potassium is thought
to be between
ascorbate
1.6 and 2.0 g per day. Fruits and vegetables are which
rich in
potassium may provide as much as 8 to 11 g per day. Potassium ascorbate also
can be found in
eye drops.
4.Magnesium
: Magnesium Ascorbate provides
both the essential magnesium
ascorbate
mineral and Vitamin C for the human
body. Magnesium ascorbate is a buffered,
low-acid form of vitamin C which is more gentle on the
stomach compared to the
acidic form of ascorbic acid. Magnesium
Ascorbate is synthesized from
a combination of ascorbic acid and magnesium to form magnesium
ascorbate.
Magnesium ascorbate does not leach materials such as
calcium and potassium
from the body.
5. Zinc
ascorbate : Zinc ascorbate is an
antioxidant mineral and an immune booster. Zinc play an
important
role in our immune system and other metabolic process. In addition, zinc
also required for the
production of insulin and for maintaining a healthy liver system.
Zinc
complex used in range of nutraceutical and health care preparations like
liquid.
It is water
soluble and slightly hygroscopic spray.
Written by : Sathish Kumar
A/L Letchumanan, Tanasha Azalea Suhandani, Chong Hui Qian and
Lee Miaw
Woon.