Vitamin C is a vital vitamin. The level of ascorbic acid in the blood is one of the most important indicators of the he alth of the human body. Therefore, it is necessary to determine whether ascorbic acid is equivalent as a vitamin C and a drug.
Instructions for use
In order to maintain an optimal level of he alth, 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 fortified in some foods. It is a complex compound consisting of directly ascorbic acid, dehydroascorbic acid and ascorbigen, which are able to effectively convert into each other. In combination 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, includesonly ascorbic acid. But, despite this, the intake of preparative vitamins must be distinguished from the receipt of these same substances through food. This is due to the fact that in vegetables and fruits that are consumed in the form of food, the amount of necessary elements is initially adjusted by nature. And medicinal vitamin preparations must be taken strictly according to the instructions, for fear of overdose and side effects.
- When studying the instructions for the use of ascorbic acid, it is necessary to pay attention to the contraindications described there, possible side effects, as well as features of interaction with other substances and drugs.
- It is very important to observe the dosage and not exceed the norms of use specified in the instructions.
- The daily rate provided by the instructions for ascorbic acid must be divided into several parts and taken throughout the day, as 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.
Issue form
Ascorbic acid is available in several forms: tablets, dragees, ampoules and powder.
According to the instructions for use of ascorbic acid, tablets are available in three versions:
- Medium size. In their composition, they have only the main operatingsubstance.
- Large sweet chewy. Their composition, in addition to the main element, includes glucose. According to the instructions for use, ascorbic acid with glucose contains a small part of the main substance in its composition.
- Water soluble effervescent. They are great for people who prefer liquid vitamins.
The second type of ascorbic acid is dragee. The instructions for use describe them as small yellow balls that must be dissolved in the mouth.
Another type of this vitamin preparation is a powder. It is used to prepare fortified drinks. Take the powder inside after meals. Before use, one sachet must be dissolved in a liter of water at room temperature. It is necessary to use the solution freshly prepared, according to the established dosage. For correct application, the use of a measuring cup is recommended. A measuring cup is not included with the powder.
The last look is ascorbic acid in ampoules. Instructions for use indicate the use of this type of vitamin preparation for injection.
Pharmacological properties
According to scientific research, vitamin C has many he alth benefits. It is also called the king of vitamins. According to the instructions for ascorbic acid in pills and other forms, the pharmacological properties of the vitamin preparation are as follows:
- acceleration of the healing of wounds received and the completion of ongoingthe body's inflammation processes;
- help in the synthesis of collagen protein - the material for building skin, muscles and bones;
- strengthening of detoxification processes in the liver;
- reducing the risk of developing certain pathologies (cancer, blood clots in blood vessels, etc.);
- assistance in the absorption of iron and vitamin D, as well as in the activation of folic acid;
- protecting the body from the harmful effects of viruses and bacteria;
- stimulation of the formation of cells responsible for immunity;
- protecting 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 caused by alcoholism and smoking.
Indications for use
According to the instructions for the use of ascorbic acid, it should be used in the following cases:
- Hypovitaminosis, that is, a lack of vitamins in the body, caused by a lack of balance between incoming and outgoing nutrients.
- Avitaminosis, that is, a condition caused by prolonged lack of vitamin C in the body with food.
- Low immunity during the seasonal spread of infectious diseases.
Since ascorbic acid improves mental and physical performance, and also stimulates detoxification processes in the body, vitaminC is prescribed not only as the main, but also as an additional drug. 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 have become infected;
- cholecystitis;
- hepatitis;
- rheumatoid-type arthritis;
- radiation sickness;
- bleeding of various kinds.
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 birth bleeding. It also affects the development of the baby. At the same time, an overdose of ascorbic acid is dangerous for a child. It may increase the risk of scurvy, and intravenous administration of higher doses to the mother increases the risk of miscarriage. The minimum daily dose is 60 mg.
During breastfeeding, the minimum daily allowance is 80 mg. This dosage can protect the baby from the development of vitamin C deficiency in the body. At the same time, it is desirable to obtain this substance from food so as not to provoke hypervitaminosis in crumbs.
Ascorbic acid as a cosmetic product
Ascorbic acid is also used for cosmetic purposes, as vitamin C is a valuable component forpreservation of youthful skin and beauty of hair. In order for the skin to be elastic and elastic, it is necessary to strictly monitor the intake of a sufficient amount of vitamin into the body. In cosmetology, the saturation of the skin 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 increases and small wrinkles and pigmentation are eliminated. Such vitaminization of the skin without injections can be carried out at home. To do this, you can use both vitamin ampoules 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 gruel for ten to fifteen minutes on the face. You can apply the mask once or twice a week for six to eight weeks.
- Solution for wiping. For its preparation, it is necessary to take the contents of two ampoules and dilute with water, observing the proportions of 1: 1. This solution should be wiped over the skin before applying a nourishing night cream. It is necessary to use the solution in courses, no more than one and a half to two months.
Before using such products, you must first do a skin sensitivity test.
Ascorbic acid can also be used for hair. Vitamin C as the main active ingredient is used in masks. In doing so, it should be taken into account thatacid helps lighten hair. To prepare masks, you can use lemon juice or ascorbic acid in ampoules. Instructions for preparing the mask are simple:
- You need to mix one egg yolk, 100 ml of glycerin and the contents of one vitamin C ampoule.
- Apply the mask to damp, clean hair, rubbing in thoroughly, and leave for thirty minutes.
Ascorbic acid not only helps to strengthen hair, but can wash off dark hair color 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 all over the hair, starting from the bottom.
- Wrap a towel around your head and leave the mixture in your hair for four to six hours.
- Wash off with warm running water.
Ascorbic acid dosage
During the period of seasonal exacerbations of viral diseases due to beriberi, 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 need is confirmed by the doctor. If the intake of vitamin C is due to an already existing disease, the norm of the vitamin is increased.
According to the instructions, ascorbic acid is dosed based on age. Thus, the daily dosage is:
- for children up to a year - 35 mg;
- for children from one to three years - 40 mg;
- for children from three to ten years - 45 mg;
- for children from ten to fourteen years old - 50 mg;
- for children fromfourteen to eighteen years - 60 mg;
- for adults - 60 mg;
- for the elderly - 70 mg;
- for pregnant women - 90 mg;
- for breastfeeding women - 100 mg.
Uses
Vitamin C tablets are used as a treatment only under the supervision of a specialist. In addition, the doctor also sets an individual dosage. When treating children, no more than 500 mg is prescribed for 10-15 days, for adults - from 500 to 1000 mg during the week. Then an additional maintenance course is taken at 250 mg per day for a week.
Intravenous vitamin C is provided in cases where the patient does not perceive the tablets or the gastrointestinal tract does not absorb ascorbic acid well. Intravenous administration is carried out only by a specialist, since with the rapid intake of the substance into the body, dizziness or weakness may occur. 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 the fragility of the 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 route, the drug must be administered slowly. One dose is no more than 200 mg.
Contraindications
According to the instructions, ascorbic acid with and without glucose is forbidden to be taken in the followingcases:
- with allergies or individual intolerance to the components of the drug;
- for diabetes;
- with urolithiasis;
- with a predisposition to the formation of thrombosis;
- with thrombophlebitis.
Be careful when taking ascorbic acid is necessary with an increased degree of blood clotting. In addition, when prescribing higher doses of vitamin C, the following indicators must be strictly monitored: pressure (arterial), proper functioning of the kidneys and blood sugar levels.
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 heavy use of ascorbic acid in the form of dragees.
- Weakness and dizziness due to rapid IV administration.
- Violation of metabolic processes in the body.
- Urinary tract stones and increased urine output.
- Violation of the vascular system and the heart, expressed in the appearance of thrombocytosis, erythropenia, etc.
- Rash of an allergic type or hyperemia (that is, a rush of blood to the skin).
Overdose
The daily dosage of ascorbic acid is a concept officially established by medicine that helps protect patients from harm during self-medication. Despite the enormous benefits of the drug, an overdose of ascorbic acid inbody can cause negative he alth effects. At the same time, vitamin C is water-soluble, so it is easily and quickly excreted from the body. In this regard, negative effects can only be caused by the regular use of increased doses of acid.
During the period of 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:
- nausea;
- vomit;
- diarrhea.
Due to the easy excretion of ascorbic acid from the body, the symptoms disappear immediately upon discontinuation of the vitamin preparation. Thus, ascorbic acid is extremely useful. At the same time, an overdose of vitamin C, like any other vitamin, can cause negative consequences. Therefore, it is necessary to take a fortified preparation only after consulting a specialist. Do not self-medicate, otherwise, instead of benefiting, you will get a completely opposite result, which will negatively affect your he alth.
