Why Humans are deprived of Vitamin C ?

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Topic :      Why humans are deprived of vitamin C  ?                                                                   December 2018

Humans, unlike other animals, cannot make vitamin C. We must consume it from exogenous supplements or our diet. Can this be considered a manufacturing defect ? The absence of the enzyme l-gulonolactone oxidase (glo) from the liver and loss of the gene controlling the synthesis of this enzyme in humans blocks the final phase in the series for converting glucose to ascorbic acid. Not so in other mammals except the guinea pig, fruit bats, primates.

Sources: The very richest sources are acerola, guavas, red sweet peppers, kale leaves, parsley, collard leaves, turnip greens, green sweet peppers, broccoli, brussels sprouts, and mustard greens, all fresh fruits and vegetables (especially green, leafy vegetables). Early explorers learned that, to avoid scurvy, they needed to eat oranges, lemons, limes, berries.

Functions : Needed for production of collagen (“cell cement”) , the main protein substance of the body. It is an extremely important antioxidant. It strengthens various immune functions by enhancing white blood-cell function and activity. It neutralizes chemicals, pesticides such as water and air pollutants.It is needed by every cell, gland, tissue such as adrenal, thyroid etc. It is a great antibiotic known to kill all viruses, bacteria, fungal and mold.

It is used for all gastrointestinal problems, snakebites, poisonous effects of drugs. Wonderful in dealing with fevers and infections. It reduces wrinkles, a great beauty aid. It regulates immune system by creating regulatory T cells called tregs  and good for treating autoimmune conditions such as Celiac disease, type1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, lupus, Crohn’s disease.

Extremely helpful in treating asthma and other allergies,

atherosclerosis, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, cataracts, Parkinson’s disease, skin ulcers, wound healing, and pregnancy-related conditions.

It overcomes cadmium poisoning .Cancer patients should be urged to take lots of vitamin C.

Supplements : Vitamin C from the health-food store comes in several forms: powders, crystals, capsules, tablets, and time-release tablets. Ascorbic acid is the most widely used and least expensive form. It is usually made from corn. Buffered vitamin C with sodium, magnesium and potassium can be taken but Ester C with calcium must be avoided to overdose the calcium.

Liposomal Vitamin C is the new guy in this area and quite costly but very effective and bioavailable even better than IV treatment.

Deficiency symptoms: Soft gums (pyorrhea), tooth decay, skin hemorrhages, anemia, slow healing of sores and wounds, capillary weakness, premature aging, deterioration in collagen, thyroid insufficiency. Also reduced resistance to infections, toxic effects of drugs, and environmental poisons. The classic symptoms of  scurvy are bleeding gums, poor wound healing, and extensive bruising ; also there is susceptibility to infections, hysteria, and depression .

Interactions: Bioflavonoids, calcium, and magnesium are needed for vitamin C assimilation. Vitamin C works closely with other nutritional antioxidants, especially vitamin E, selenium, and beta-carotene . When a combination of antioxidants is given, the patient can more easily deal with cancer. Vitamin C increases the absorption of iron, decreases the absorption of copper.

RDA of vitamin C is about 90 mg/day for men and women need more vitamin C around 110 mg/day. Smokers, pregnant and breastfeeding women need even more to prevent scurvy. Ideal dose of Vitamin C is 2000-3000 mg/day in divided doses. Liposomal Vitamin C is the best and beware of the product made with soybean lecithin.

Good Health !

Sukhwinder Brar

587-830-2930