!!!! LETS GET CITRIC WITH VITAMIN C !!!!

Vitamin C

C More or C Less?

What is Vitamin C?

Another name for ascorbic acid, which is a vitamin found particularly in citrus fruits and green vegetables. It is essential in maintaining healthy connective tissue, and is also thought to act as an antioxidant. As it is swallowed, ascorbate rapidly enters the bloodstream and cell membranes aided by transport molecules. Functions of vitamin C include collagen production, maintain mucus membranes, promotes healing and skin growth. 

Recommended Daily Intake (RDI): is the recommended daily intake of a nutrient. RDI's are set by government health bodies and the World Health Organization based on clinical studies and evidence. The RDI for vitamin C is set at 45-60mg per day. 

Experiments conducted: 

1. Guinea Pig Trials

Aim: to observe collagen structure with varying levels of Vitamin C, collagen is the main structural protein in the body. 

Procedures:  

• Supplement diet with varying levels of Vitamin C.
• Test vitamin C levels in urine and blood.
• Kill and observe collagen in the guinea pigs

Results: If you have low vitamin C it means your collagen is weak. If you have high vitamin C then your collagen is strong. 

2. Human Trials on conscientious objectors during World War II

Aim: to observe healing and scurvy in vitamin C- limited volunteers

Procedures: 

• They were put on a range of vitamin C restricted diets
• Effects were logged and measured, including the healing of incisions made on their thighs and observations of scurvy. 
• Levels of vitamin C was measured in blood and urine. 

Data:

Results:

This  is an illustration of scurvy, what occurred with Group 3 who had 0mg per day of vitamin C. 

Scurvy commonly is associated with sailors in the 16th to 18th centuries who navigated long voyages without enough vitamin C and frequently perished from the condition. Modern cases of scurvy are extremely rare.

Health Conditions

What health conditions require special emphasis on vitamin C?

Most forms of cardiovascular disease, joint disease, cancer, eye disease, thyroid disease, liver disease, and lung disease require special emphasis on vitamin C intake. The process of aging itself requires special attention to vitamin C. In addition to these broader categories, several specific health conditions also require special emphasis on vitamin C. These specific health conditions include:

• Acne
• Alcoholism
• Alzheimer's disease
• Asthma
• Autism
• Depression
• Diabetes
• Irritable bowel disease
• Parkinson's disease

Vitamin C is one of the safest and most effective nutrients, experts say. It may be the cure for the common cold, other benefits of vitamin C include protection against immune system deficiencies, cardiovascular disease, prenatal health problems, eye disease, and even skin wrinkling.

Are you LACKING vitamin C?

While a cup of orange juice or a half-cup of red pepper would be enough to meet your RDA for Vitamin C, here are all the foods and beverages you'd need to consume to reach 500 milligrams (mg):

• Cantaloupe, 1 cup (8 ounces): 59mg
• Orange juice, 1 cup: 97mg
• Broccoli, cooked, 1 cup: 74mg
• Red cabbage, 1/2 cup: 40mg
• Green pepper, 1/2 cup, 60mg
• Red pepper, 1/2 cup, 95mg
• Kiwi, 1 medium: 70mg
• Tomato juice, 1 cup: 45mg.

Sources:
http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminC-HealthProfessional
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vitamin_C
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=nutrient&dbid=109