Vitamin C Safety

It has been decades since widespread public knowledge about the efficacy of vitamin C came. It all began with Dr. Linus Pauling, a two time Nobel Prize winning laureate. He himself started taking high doses of vitamin C in 1965. He died in 1994 at the age of 93. He believes that his death was delayed for 20 years because of his vitamin C intake, that went as high as 18,000 milligrams per day in later years. In his work on vitamin C, Dr. Pauling makes it clear that he believes that people can have an extra 12-18 years of life if one takes 3,200 to 12,000 milligrams of vitamin C per day . Corroborating his assertions in a study of 11,000 Americans where he postulate that intake of 300 mg of Vitamin C per day (equivalent to 5 servings of fruits and vegetables per day) adds up to 6 years to a man's life and 2 years to a woman's life. Likewise, cardiovascular disease in this group declined by significantly.

Vitamin C is a water-soluble antioxidant. Human are one of the few animals that cannot produce this vitamin and therefore must get it from external source. Fortunately, it is found abundantly in fruits and vegetables such as RED, papaya, tomato, and brussels sprouts. It is a supplement needed as insurance against the increased demands of aging.


Research on vitamin C is so well known that many people probably know at least two or three effects of Vitamin C. The effects of vitamin C are wide ranging. They have been postulated to immunize against cancer, saves arteries by driving up HDL, raises immunity by increasing production of lymphocytes; reverses biological clock by increasing white blood cell level in elderly; enhance adrenal function; improves sperm and restores male fertility; combats gum disease; suppresses high blood pressure; and regenerates Vitamin E and glutathione.

Over the years, many research studies have concluded that Vitamin C is one of the safest and most non-toxic natural nutrients that can be taken. Both long term and high oral intakes of up to 200,000 mg and intravenous doses of up to 300,000 mg of Vitamin C is safe and has no side effects. Likewise, studies show that there are no evidence of toxicity or side effects in giving late stage cancer patients 50,000 mg of intravenous Vitamin C daily for up to 8 weeks. Moreover, AIDS patients were given anywhere between 25,000 to 125,000 mg of Vitamin C on a regular basis based on bowel tolerance without any side effects. Vitamin C is undeniably a safe supplement even when given in high doses over a long period of time.

Reports Reports of heartburn from use of over-the-counter Vitamin C occur in some cases ( primarily in those with a sensitive gastric lining) but they still remain virtually devoid of side effects. Diarrhea, a common occurance when the intake of vitmain C exceeds the body's tolerance level (BTL) is temporary and subside once vitamin C dosage is reduce. This is not considered a side effect but rather a sign of maximum saturation from oral ingestion.

Those with adrenal fatigue, especially in the advance stage, may experience increased anxiety and or fatigue with vitamin C. This is generally due to a clearance problem and not the vitamin C itself. Vitamin C is broken down into metabolites prior to its excretion from the body. If this breakdown process is dysfunctional or functionally sub-optimally ( as frequently seen in advance adrenal weakness), the speed of clearance is reduced. As a result, metabolites accumulate and circulate in the body for a longer period of time. This excessive circulating metabolite can trigger a wide variety of "re-toxification" like symptoms including malaise, joint pain, anxiety, fatigue, heart palpitations, etc. These are not side effects of vitamin C.

Vitamin C and Kidney Stones

Vitamin C intake is commonly confused for build up of kidney stones since studies have shown that it contributes to the increased production oxalates in the body. However, no evidence has surfaced to pinpoint Vitamin C as the sole culprit in the increase in kidney stones as there are other factors that contribute in the development of oxalates in the body.

When Vitamin C is taken, it is broken down into dehydroascorbic acid (DHAA). It is further metabolized and converted into diketogulonic acid. Finally it is broken down and metabolized into lyxonic, xylose, threonic acid, or oxalic acid (oxalate).

Oxalate is the metabolic end product when the human body breaks down Vitamin C. The body cannot break oxalates down into smaller compounds. The confusion arises due to the presence of calcium oxalate, the primary component of kidney stones. Moreover, some suggest that the intake of Vitamin C promotes the development of these kidney stones due to the oxalates that are produced when Vitamin C is broken down by the human body. However, over the years a large body of studies has been compiled from credible research facilities and has shown that these assumptions are not true. In addition, many research studies have proven that Vitamin C actually decreases the chance of kidney stone formation. Furthermore, Gester’s statistical study in 1977 revealed that individuals with high Vitamin C intake had lower risk of kidney stones as compared to individuals consuming the least amount of Vitamin C.

Build up of calcium oxalate stones in the kidney are caused by a number of factors. High Vitamin C intake when certain medical conditions are present is just one of many. Kidney stones are linked to the presence of heavy metal killing agents such as DMPS, DMS and EDTA, increased urinary calcium, reduced urinary magnesium, increased urinary cystine, increased urinary phosphorous, ageing, dehydration, over supplementation of calcium, pre-existing kidney insufficiency or failure, history of intestinal bypass or resection surgery, urinary tract infections, hyperparathyroidism, cirrhosis, diabetes, congestive heart failure, anti-biotic therapy, prolonged bed rest, hypertension, increased alcohol intake, and ketogenic diet.

Taking Vitamin C may increase the oxalate level in the urine. This is the reason why many think that prolonged administration of Vitamin C will increase calcium oxalates in the human body. However, there are certain researches that have shown a leveling of oxalate production even though Vitamin C dosing was continued. Furthermore, the human body excretes significant amounts of oral Vitamin C without being metabolized. In addition, Vitamin C does not have to be broken down to oxalates to be utilized by the human body. As much as 89% Vitamin C administered is eliminated as DHAA. The unoxidized form of this vitamin is readily restored from oxidized counterpart than from the metabolic breakdown product. In short, Vitamin C does not have to be broken down to oxalate before it is utilized by the body. No significant increase in oxalates were noticed in healthy men when given a dose of 4000 mg or less of Vitamin C.

Spinach, rhubarb, parsley, citrus fruits and especially tea are good sources of oxalates. Likewise, swiss chard, cocoa, chocolate, pepper, wheat germs, peanuts, refried beans, lime peel have high oxalate content. Just like the others mentioned, various soy based food have high oxalate levels. In addition, high protein food such as sartenes and herringroes also increase oxalate secretion in the body.

Researchers have shown the therapeutic role of Vitamin C. The studies have shown that Vitamin C is responsible for inhibiting the formation of calcium oxalate in individuals with a history of stone formation.

In spite of the numerous researches and studies, many women especially the elderly still take regular doses of calcium supplement. The excess calcium due to the supplements finds its way to other compounds in the system. The calcium is combined with oxalates that are already in high concentration in the human body. However studies have shown that Vitamin C given with calcium carbonate and other oxalate sources can facilitate stone formation. Patients who develop kidney stones should take sodium ascorbate as Vitamin C supplement and must avoid calcium ascorbate with calcium supplements.

Proper monitoring of Vitamin C therapy as well as other oxalate sources must be done for patients with renal and kidney problems. Likewise, patients suffering from G6PD Deficiency and those with high levels of metal in their system must have professional assistance in monitoring their medication. Totally avoiding vitamin C is not a sound recommendation since the human body still needs this vitamin. No conclusive evidence has pinpointed Vitamin C as the sole cause of renal and kidney failure due to excess calcium oxalate crystal formation in normal people. However, proper dosage and monitoring must be observed. The decline in kidney function after Vitamin C therapy is due to dehydration and pre-existing kidney disease. In fact, these two are the major causes of the decline in kidney function. A careful study of the patient’s medical history must be done before putting the blame on Vitamin C. Proper hydration when medicating is always necessary. This will help prevent crystallization as well as concentration of precipitates in the human body, which includes kidney stone crystals.

Vitamin C ingestion must be monitored to include patients with G6PD deficiency as well as those with high level of metals in their system.

Vitamin C and Pro-oxidation

Vitamin C’s oxidant properties are found in low dosages (60 mg up to 2,000 mg). For its pro-oxidant properties to manifest, it requires high circulated or tissue level of one or more catalytic metals such as mercury or lead. Asides from Vitamin C, other anti-oxidants like glutathione and NAD have pro-oxidant capabilities. The primary factor needed for Vitamin C and other anti-oxidants to demonstrate pro-oxidant activity is the presence of catalytic metals like mercury and lead.

Only moderate levels of Vitamin C must be administered to people with Hemochromatosis and high iron disorder. Likewise, caution must be maintained for patients with Glucose – 6 – phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency when giving patients Vitamin C. The iron level in G6PD deficient cells detrimentally interacts with the Vitamin C. G6PD deficient cells rupture due to the presence of Vitamin C. It has also been shown that Vitamin C can promote a hemolytic crisis in individual with G6PD condition. However, it is difficult to predict its occurrence. To avoid complications, medical professionals should closely monitor the administration of Vitamin C in the presence of G6PD as well as chronic kidney insufficiency.

Summary

Vitamin C has been studied closely since its discovery in the early 20th century. There are many researches and studies that have shown its benefits as well as the lack of side effects when it is administered even in large doses. No prescription medication has even come close to having the ability of having no side effects when compared to vitamin C. Common complaints such as diarrhea indicates that the bowl tolerance level and is not a side effect. Similarly, those with adrenal fatigue may find an increased in anxiety and fatigue, both of which may be indicative of low clearance velocity. These are not side-effects as well. In both cases, reducing vitmain C intake will promptly resolve the annoyance. Those with sensitive stomach may find some gastric irritation which again resolves by itself if dosage is reduced.

However, confusion and misconception still exists regarding Vitamin C and its role in the formation of kidney stones. Many studies done by credible researchers have shown otherwise. These researches will exonerate this vitamin from the allegations that it causes kidney stones. In fact, contrary to what some believe, a number of studies prove that Vitamin C may even reduce stone formation. It is important to know that there are many contributing factors that may lead to kidney stone formation. Vitamin C, when accompanied by specific medical conditions, is just one among fifty reasons. Vitamin C intake should be regulated but not completely avoided for people with prior history of kidney disease and kidney stones. However, proper monitoring and regulation must be practiced. Combined with catalytic metals, Vitamin C also has pro-oxidant activities when given in low doses. Vitamin C levels should be more closely followed in those with conditions such as hemochromatosis, high iron disorders and G6PD deficiency.

Through the years, there has been significant improvements in delivery system and forms of vitmain C for maximum effect. Fat soluable forms of vitamin C such as ascobyl palmitate are gentle and yet potent, for example. Sodium ascorbate is far preferred over calcium ascorbate for those with adrenal fatigue, just to mention a few. The preferred delivery system of Vitamin C should be through liposome rather than through tablets or capsules, although these other forms are syngestically supportive of each other and often used in a blended cocktail as part of an overall therapuetic program. Lipsomalized vitamin C delivers the nutrient through the small intestine, bypassing the gastric area. Gastric irritation is drastically reduced, and absorption is greatly enhanced.

Vitamin C is one of the greatest natural healing agents available to the body. Most therapeutic failures arise from improper use or lack of knowledge on how to deliver this important nutrient to the cells through various forms and delivery system.

 

About The Author

Michael Lam, M.D., M.P.H., A.B.A.A.M. is a specialist in Preventive and Anti-Aging Medicine. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Oregon State University, and his Doctor of Medicine degree from Loma Linda University School of Medicine, California. He also holds a Masters of Public Health degree and is Board Certification in Anti-aging Medicine by the American Board of Anti-Aging Medicine. He has authored numerous articles and the following books: The Five Proven Secrets to Longevity, How to Stay Young and Live Longer, Estrogen Dominance - Hormonal Imbalance of the 21st Century, and Beating Cancer with Natural Medicine.

For More Information

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© 2009  Michael Lam, M.D. All Rights Reserved.

 

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