Ascorbic acid - benefits and harms

When scientists discovered ascorbic acid in the 1920s, they had high hopes for the compound. And they were not mistaken. Vitamin C has brought many benefits to humanity. And at the same time, almost no one knew what the threat of an overdose was.

After much research, it became clear that ascorbic acid is both good and bad for people. Let's find out what's what.

What is harmful ascorbine

Yes, that's exactly what we used to call flat white tablets or round yellow tablets. Remember how longed they were in childhood. And, having discovered the treasured bubble at home, who refused to devour several things at once? So how could we hurt ourselves?

Ascorbic acid itself is harmless. Unpleasant consequences are brought by its overdose. And only when using a synthetic product (injections or tablets). Excess vitamin contained in vegetables and fruits is almost completely eliminated by the body.

So, the harm of ascorbic acid:

1. It greatly improves blood coagulation. Therefore, the risk of clogging of all vessels with large and small blood clots is high. Who has not heard the terrible word thrombus?
2. Excess ascorbic acid causes severe pain in the stomach. Heartburn, pain, nausea may appear. Because acid quickly corrodes the walls of the stomach.
3. Promotes the formation of sand and stones in the kidneys. This is with regular overdose.
4. The pancreas is disrupted.
5. An excess of ascorbic acid disrupts the metabolism of pregnant women. And this is fraught with unpleasant consequences for the unborn child. He may already be born with allergies.
6. An allergic reaction may occur.

Who Benefits Ascorbic Acid

However, despite all the unpleasant moments described above, the beneficial properties of ascorbic acid are simply invaluable. Naturally, only a qualified specialist can accurately prescribe the dosage necessary for the correct effect.

So, the benefits of ascorbic acid:

1. Recovery. Vitamin C is actively involved in the synthesis of collagen fibers. Thanks to him, cuts and wounds heal faster. The bones grow together also much better if you take ascorbic acid.
2. Blood formation. No, of course not directly. But helping the absorption of iron in the body, ascorbic acid is indirectly related to the synthesis of hemoglobin.
3. Increased immunity. This is due to the fact that ascorbic acid helps the body produce antibodies. Therefore, vitamin C is the first remedy for flu and colds.
4. Participation in metabolism. Ascorbic acid enhances the action of basic vitamins (A, E), which allows you to bring the metabolism to an almost perfect state.
5. Vascular cleansing. Recently, everyone knows terrible cholesterol. But lovers indulge in ascorbic acid, he is not afraid. Vitamin C significantly strengthens the walls of blood vessels, makes them strong and elastic. And, like a stiff brush, clears all plaques and blockages from the cardiovascular system.
6. Help with poisoning. Ascorbic acid has the ability to bind and remove free radicals and heavy metals from the body. Therefore, it is often prescribed for many types of food poisoning.

And yet, strangely enough, without ascorbic acid, all the cartilage in the body becomes fragile and crumbling. Remember how old heavy smokers look like. They have a haggard appearance, plus it’s very hard for them to move around.

This is because one smoked cigarette neutralizes about 25 mg of vitamin C in the human body. And without it, the normal absorption of other vitamins and the good work of the cartilage body of the joints are impossible.

As you can see, the benefits of ascorbic acid in some cases are incomparably great. And harm is often obtained only from excessive use.

How To Understand That Vitamin C Is Not Enough

There are several external signs by which it can be determined that in the human body there is an acute shortage of ascorbic acid. These include:

• persistent pain in the feet and heels
• general malaise similar to flu symptoms
• wounds and cuts do not heal for a long time
• the skin is pale
• incomprehensible anxiety and disturbing sleep
• shaky teeth, bleeding gums
• general weakening of the immune system, a tendency to colds

But, it should be noted that only external signs are few. To make an accurate diagnosis, you need to contact a qualified specialist. Because the signs listed above can be symptoms of serious diseases, and not just a lack of vitamin C. And you certainly can’t self-medicate just by eating ascorbic acid. In some cases, a vitamin supplement may not only be useless, but it will do even more harm.

Can I take ascorbic drugs

Some doctors are categorically against such a combination of drugs. Nevertheless, the vast majority of Aesculapius allows the combination of drugs and ascorbic acid in one use. But, with a certain reservation. It is forbidden to take vitamin C with medicines containing:

• folic acid
• iron
• caffeine
• B vitamins

More information can always be found in the instructions for use of the drug.

What to do if the child ate a lot of ascorbic acid

Remember, at the beginning of the article, we recalled how in childhood we often tried to get to the cherished bubble? What if your child succeeds?

Do not panic. Ascorbic acid is not poison. Therefore, without tantrums, scare the child. First, flush your baby’s stomach. As usual - warm water and vomiting. After cleansing, give your child any adsorbent that is in the medicine cabinet. And make them drink plenty of clean water. The first will absorb excess Vitamin C, the second will help the body remove the residues of ascorbic acid. The most common way is through the toilet.

Interesting facts about ascorbic

Did you know that you can’t abruptly stop drinking vitamin C? It is necessary to gradually reduce the dosage so that the body learns to cope without a tablet form. Otherwise, you can provoke some unpleasant types of recoil of the body. For example, susceptibility to certain diseases may appear.

By the way, many doctors in the world have recognized that regular intake of competent doses of ascorbic acid significantly reduces the risk of cancer. But it does not completely exclude it.

Of course, ideally, this vitamin should enter the human body with food. Then there will be no need for additional admission. But, who knows how to accurately calculate the dose of currant berries or slices of bell pepper? Besides, where in the winter to get good fresh fruits and vegetables? After all, they are the main natural source of ascorbic acid.

No, canned and frozen will not work. Vitamin C remains in them a negligible amount. Therefore, doctors strongly recommend taking pharmacy vitamin preparations at least in the cold season.

Now you know what role ascorbic acid plays in the human body. The benefits and harms are also known to you. Therefore, do not eat handfuls of vitamin A and do not feed children without the advice of a competent specialist.

Video: what will happen if you eat a lot of ascorbic acid