Vitamin C is a vital vitamin. The level of ascorbic acid in the blood is one of the most important indicators of the health of the human body. Therefore, it is necessary to determine whether ascorbic acid as vitamin C and a drug are equivalent.
Instructions for use
In order to maintain an optimal level of health, most often you have to take an additional vitamin complex. In order to protect the body from an overdose of vitamins, you should know some features of their intake:
- Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is enriched in some of the foods. It is a complex compound consisting directly of ascorbic acid, dehydroascorbic acid and ascorbigen, which are capable of effectively converting into each other. Together with these elements, special substances of plant origin work that help vitamins to be properly absorbed - bioflavonoids.
- According to the instructions for use, ascorbic acid purchased in pharmacies includes only ascorbic acid in its composition. But, despite this, the intake of drug vitamins must be distinguished from the receipt of the same substances through food. This is due to the fact that in vegetables and fruits that are consumed as food, the amount of necessary elements is regulated initially by nature. And vitamin medicines must be taken strictly according to the instructions, for fear of overdose and side effects.
- When studying instructions for the use of ascorbic acid, it is necessary to pay attention to the contraindications described there, possible side effects, as well as the features of interaction with other substances and drugs.
- It is very important to observe the dosage and not exceed the norms of use specified by the instruction.
- The daily norm provided by the instructions for ascorbic acid must be divided into several parts and taken throughout the day, since the human body consumes vitamin C quickly enough.
- The maximum allowable daily dosage of vitamin C in the body is 2000 mg.
- Despite the absence of a direct indication in the instructions, ascorbic acid should not be taken before bedtime. This is due to the stimulating effect of vitamin C.
Release form
Ascorbic acid is available in several forms: tablets, dragees, ampoules and powder.
According to the instructions for the use of ascorbic acid, tablets are presented in three versions:
- Medium size. In their composition they have only the main active substance.
- Big sweet chewing. In addition to the main element, glucose is included in their composition. According to the instructions for use, ascorbic acid with glucose contains a small part of the main substance.
- Water soluble effervescent. They are great for people who prefer to take vitamins in liquid form.
The second type of ascorbic acid is dragee. Instructions for use describe them as small yellow balls that must be absorbed in the mouth.
Another type of this vitamin preparation is powder. It is used to make fortified drinks. Take the powder inside after eating. Before use, one sachet must be dissolved in a liter of water at room temperature. Use the solution freshly prepared, according to the prescribed dosage. For proper use, it is recommended to use a measuring cup. The measuring cup does not come with powder.
The last type is ascorbic acid in ampoules. Instructions for use indicate the use of this type of vitamin product for injection.
Pharmacological properties
According to scientific studies, vitamin C has a lot of good qualities. He is also called the king of vitamins. According to the instructions for ascorbic acid in dragees and other types, the pharmacological properties of the vitamin preparation are as follows:
- accelerating the healing of wounds received and the completion of inflammation in the body;
- help in synthesizing collagen protein - a material for building skin, muscles and bones;
- increased detoxification processes in the liver;
- reducing the risk of developing certain pathologies (cancer, blood clots in blood vessels, etc.);
- assisting in the absorption of iron and vitamin D, as well as in the activation of folic acid;
- body protection from the harmful effects of viruses and bacteria;
- stimulation of the formation of cells responsible for the immune system;
- protection of the body from harmful environmental effects due to the antioxidant properties of the vitamin;
- participation in the synthesis of corticosteroids - hormones that resist stress;
- Assistance in the body's resistance to the negative effects that are caused by alcoholism and smoking.
Indications for use
According to the instructions for use of ascorbic acid, it must be used in the following cases:
- Hypovitaminosis, that is, a lack of vitamins in the body, caused by a lack of balance between the nutrients entering and leaving the body.
- Vitamin deficiency, that is, a condition caused by prolonged non-intake of vitamin C into the body with food.
- Low immunity during the seasonal spread of infectious diseases.
Since ascorbic acid helps to increase mental and physical performance, and also stimulates detoxification processes in the body, vitamin C is prescribed not only as the main drug, but also as an additional one. According to the instructions for use, ascorbic acid is prescribed in the following cases:
- to restore the body after fractures, operations and intoxications, as well as for the speedy healing of wounds that got the infection;
- cholecystitis;
- hepatitis;
- rheumatoid arthritis;
- radiation sickness;
- various kinds of bleeding.
Ascorbic acid is often prescribed during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Vitamin C has a great influence on the processes taking place in the body of a pregnant woman. For example, it promotes the absorption of iron and tissue elasticity, has a preventive effect on labor bleeding. It also affects the development of the baby. In this case, an overdose of ascorbic acid is dangerous for the child. It can cause a risk of scurvy, and intravenous administration of an increased dose to the mother increases the risk of miscarriage. The minimum daily dose is 60 mg.
During breastfeeding, the minimum daily requirement is 80 mg. Such a dosage can protect the baby from developing vitamin C deficiency in the body. In this case, it is desirable to obtain this substance from food, so as not to provoke hypervitaminosis in crumbs.
Ascorbic acid as a cosmetic
Ascorbic acid is also used for cosmetic purposes, as vitamin C is a valuable component for maintaining youthful skin and hair beauty. In order for the skin to be supple and resilient, it is necessary to strictly monitor the intake of a sufficient amount of vitamin. In cosmetology, skin saturation with vitamin C is carried out using mesotherapy, during which ascorbic acid is injected under the skin using multiple microinjections. Thanks to them, age-related changes become less noticeable on the skin, blood circulation is enhanced and small wrinkles and pigmentation are eliminated. Such skin fortification without injections can be carried out at home. For this, you can use both ampoules with vitamin and powder.
There are two ways to tone the skin:
- Mask. To prepare it, you need to take one teaspoon of ascorbic acid in powder and dilute with water (mineral). Then apply the resulting slurry for ten to fifteen minutes on the face. The mask can be applied once or twice a week for six to eight weeks.
- Wipe solution. To prepare it, you need to take the contents of two ampoules and dilute with water, observing a 1: 1 ratio. With this solution, you need to wipe the skin before applying a nightly nourishing cream. Use the solution in courses of no more than one and a half to two months.
Before using such products, a skin sensitivity test must first be done.
Ascorbic acid can also be used for hair. Vitamin C as the main active ingredient is used in masks. It should be borne in mind that acid helps lighten hair. For the preparation of masks, you can use lemon juice or ascorbic acid in ampoules. The instructions for preparing the mask are simple:
- It is necessary to mix one egg yolk, 100 ml of glycerin and the contents of one ampoule with vitamin C.
- Apply the mask to damp clean hair, rubbing thoroughly, and leave for thirty minutes.
Ascorbic acid not only strengthens the hair, but can also wash off the dark color of the paint in six to eight applications. This requires the following:
- Mix, according to the instructions, 50 mg of ascorbic acid and two tablespoons of honey.
- Apply the mixture over the entire length of the hair, starting from the bottom.
- Wrap a towel around your head and leave the mixture on your hair for four to six hours.
- Rinse with warm running water.
Ascorbic Acid Dosage
During the period of seasonal exacerbations of viral diseases due to vitamin deficiency, it is necessary to strengthen their prevention, as well as strengthen the immune system. For these purposes, the dose of ascorbic acid is increased to 100-150 mg, if this is confirmed by the doctor. If the intake of vitamin C is due to an already appeared disease, the vitamin norm is increased.
According to the instructions, ascorbic acid is dosed on the basis of age. Thus, the daily dosage is:
- for children up to a year - 35 mg;
- for children from a year to three - 40 mg;
- for children from three to ten years - 45 mg;
- for children from ten to fourteen years old - 50 mg;
- for children from fourteen to eighteen years old - 60 mg;
- for adults - 60 mg;
- for the elderly - 70 mg;
- for pregnant women - 90 mg;
- for lactating women - 100 mg.
Application methods
Vitamin C in tablets is used as a treatment only under the supervision of a specialist. In addition, the doctor also sets an individual dosage. During treatment, children are prescribed no more than 500 mg for 10-15 days, for adults - from 500 to 1000 mg per week. Then, an additional supporting course dose of 250 mg per day is carried out for a week.
Intravenous intake of vitamin C is provided in cases where tablets are not perceived by the patient or the gastrointestinal tract is poorly absorbed by ascorbic acid. Intravenous administration is carried out only by a specialist, since dizziness or weakness may occur with the rapid entry of a substance into the body. One dose is not more than 200 mg, daily - 500 mg. The course of treatment lasts ten days.
Intramuscular intake of vitamin C is provided in cases where neither the first nor the second option is suitable due to brittle veins or the appearance of hematomas after injections. Ascorbic acid is injected into the muscles of the buttocks or upper thigh (with self-administration). As with the intravenous method, the medicine must be administered slowly. One dose is not more than 200 mg.
Contraindications
According to the instructions, ascorbic acid with and without glucose is forbidden to take in the following cases:
- with allergies or individual intolerance to the components of the drug;
- with diabetes;
- with urolithiasis;
- with a predisposition to the formation of thrombosis;
- with thrombophlebitis.
Caution when taking ascorbic acid is necessary with an increased degree of blood coagulation. In addition, when prescribing high doses of vitamin C, it is necessary to strictly monitor the following indicators: pressure (arterial), proper functioning of the kidneys and blood sugar.
Side effects
According to reviews and instructions, ascorbic acid can cause the following side effects:
- Irritation of the lining of the stomach and intestines, resulting in diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting.
- Damage to tooth enamel due to intensive use of ascorbic acid in the form of dragees.
- Weakness and dizziness due to rapid intravenous administration.
- Violation of metabolic processes in the body.
- The formation of stones in the urinary tract and an increase in urine output.
- Violation of the system of blood vessels and the heart, expressed in the appearance of thrombocytosis, erythropenia, etc.
- An allergic rash or hyperemia (i.e., a rush to the skin of the blood).
Overdose
The daily dosage of ascorbic acid is an officially established concept in medicine that helps protect patients from harm during self-medication. Despite the huge benefits of the drug, an overdose of ascorbic acid in the body can cause negative health effects. At the same time, vitamin C is water-soluble, therefore it is easily and quickly excreted from the body. In this regard, the negative consequences can only be caused by the regular use of high doses of acid.
During the treatment with high doses of ascorbic acid, it is necessary to control the amount of insulin secreted by the pancreas, since at elevated rates, the risk of kidney stones (oxalate) increases. In addition, an overdose can cause symptoms that accompany poisoning:
Due to the easy excretion of ascorbic acid from the body, symptoms disappear immediately when the vitamin drug is canceled. Thus, ascorbic acid is extremely beneficial. In this case, an overdose of vitamin C, like any other vitamin, can cause negative consequences. Therefore, taking a fortified drug is necessary only after consulting a specialist. Do not self-medicate, otherwise instead of benefit, you will get the exact opposite result, which will negatively affect your health.