Vitamin C Additional Information
Vitamin C has undergone extensive studies through the years. The following represents an overview of some of the research work done.
Cardiovascular disease - A 1954 study demonstrated the ability of Vitamin C to reverse atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). 500 mg given three times daily over six months demonstrated reversal of lower extremity atherosclerosis in 6 of 10 individuals taking Vitamin C versus no individuals showing reversal in those not taking Vitamin C. Vitamin C has demonstrated inhibition of platelet aggregation (platelet stickiness) and increased level of good HDL cholesterol.
Spinal disc problem - It has been proposed (but not proven) that Vitamin C may enhance disc healing through
its ability to strengthen and add resiliency to disc cartilage.
Gum disease - Vitamin C has shown conflicting results in studies of periodontal disease with some studies demonstrating benefit and others not.
Immune enhancement - White blood cell activity increases with Vitamin C. Linus Pauling performed a study with high dose Vitamin C in which he claimed
increased survival of cancer patients using this therapy. However, this was not confirmed with a recent Mayo clinic study.
Infections - Vitamin C has definite anti viral activity as well as some antibacterial activity in test tube studies. Many clinicians have found Vitamin
C an effective adjunct for viral infections such as colds, flu and herpes-simplex.
Wound healing - Vitamin C has demonstrated enhanced wound healing in one study, which evaluated decubitus ulcers (pressure sores). 500 mg twice a day showed improved wound healing in individuals with these ulcers.
Eye health - Vitamin C is considered an extremely important antioxidant for eye health. Epidemiological evidence has shown that individuals with low dietary intake or low plasma concentrations of Vitamin C are at
increased risk of developing a cataract.
Side Effects:
Vitamin C may enhance absorption of iron. Individuals
with hemosiderosis or hemachromotosis (excess iron stores) should not supplement with Vitamin C.
Vitamin C therapy should be medically supervised in patents with severe kidney failure as excess Vitamin C may be converted into oxalate, a chemical which can deposit in the soft tissues and cause damage. There is a very small risk of development of oxalate kidney stones in individuals consuming over 1 to 2 grams per day of Vitamin C.
References:
1. Balz F. Antioxidant vitamins and heart disease. Presented at the 60th Annual Biology Colloquium, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, February 25, 1999.
2. Hemilä H. Does vitamin C alleviate the symptoms of the common cold? A review of current evidence. Scand J Infect Dis 1994;26:1–6.
3. Wilis GC,et al. Serial artreriography in atherosclerosis. Can Med Assoc J 1954;71:562-568
4. Taylor A. Cataract: relationship between nutrition and oxidation. J Am Coll Nutr 1993;12:138–46 [review].
5. Taylor A, Jacques PF, Nadler D, et al. Relationship in humans between ascorbic acid consumption and levels of total and reduced ascorbic acid in lens, aqueous humor, and plasma. Curr Eye Res 1991;10:751–59.
6. Jacques PF, Chylack LT Jr. Epidemiologic evidence of a role for the antioxidant vitamins and carotenoids in cataract prevention. Am J Clin Nutr
1991;53:352S–55S.
7. Jacques PF, Chylack LT, McGandy RB, Hartz SC. Antioxidant status in persons with and without senile cataract. Arch Ophthalmol 1988;106:337–40.
8. Seddon JM, Christen WG, Manson JE, et al. The use of vitamin supplements and the risk of cataract among US male physicians. Am J Public Health 1994;84:788–92.
9. Balz F. Antioxidant Vitamins and Heart Disease. Presented at the 60th Annual Biology Colloquium, Oregon State University, February 25, 1999.
10. Levine M, Conry-Cantilena C, Wang Y, et al. Vitamin C pharmacokinetics in healthy volunteers: evidence for a recommended dietary allowance. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 1996;93:3704–709.
11. Piesse JW. Nutritional factors in calcium containing kidney stones with particular emphasis on vitamin C. Int Clin Nutr Rev 1985;5(3):110–129 [review].
12. Ringsdorf WM, Cheraskin WM. Medical complications from ascorbic acid: a review and interpretation (part one). J Holistic Med 1984;6(1):49–63.
13. Hoffer A. Ascorbic acid and kidney stones. Can Med Assoc J 1985;32:320 [letter]. 20. Wandzilak TR, D’Andre SD, Davis PA, Williams HE. Effect of high dose vitamin C on urinary oxalate levels. J Urol 1994;151:834–37.
14. Levine M. Vitamin C and optimal health. Presented at the February 25, 1999 60th Annual Biology Colloquium, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon.
15. Cameron E, etal. Supplemental ascorbate in the supportive treatment of cancer:prolongation of survival times in terminal human cancer. Proc Natl Acad Aci 1976;73:3685-3689.
16. Anderson TW,et al. Vitamin C and the common cold: a double -blind trail. Can Med Assoc J 1972;107:503-508
17. Murata A. Vitucidal activity of vitamin C for prevention and treatment of viral diseases. IN Hasegawa T (ed). Proceedings of the first Intersectional Congress of the Int Ass. of Microbiological Societies, Tokyo,Sept 1-7,1974
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Vitamin E Additional Information
Heart Disease - As one of the body’s primary antioxidants, Vitamin E protects LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol), from oxidation. Protection of LDL may reduce the risk of heart disease. There have been numerous studies that have documented a reduction in the risk of heart disease in both males and females who supplement their diet with Vitamin E. In one such study, there was a 77% drop in non-fatal heart attacks reported in the double blind CHAOS study in people given 400 to 800 IU Vitamin E daily. While Vitamin E is found in nuts, seeds, egg yolks, leafy green vegetables and wheat germ, it is not possible to obtain these levels without supplementation.
Diabetes - Diabetics appear to have an increased requirement for Vitamin E likely due to increased oxidative stress in this illness. Vitamin E has demonstrated benefits in reduction of cardiovascular and neurologic complications in diabetic individuals.
Additional evidence also supports the benefits of Vitamin E in supporting an individual’s immune system and circulatory system, enhancing wound healing, and in assisting in premenstrual syndrome.
Side Effects:
There are no known toxic reactions to Vitamin E at recommended levels.
Vitamin E may potentiate the effects of anticoagulants and other blood thinners such as aspirin and NSAID’s (ibuprofen, etc). Individuals undergoing surgery should consult their health care practitioner concerning discontinuation prior to surgery.
References:
1. Rimm EB, Stampfer MJ, Ascherio A, et al. Vitamin E consumption and the risk of coronary heart disease in men. N Engl J Med 1993;328:1450–56.
2. Stampfer MJ, Hennekens CH, Manson JE, et al. Vitamin E consumption and the risk of coronary heart disease in women. N Engl J Med 1993;328:1444–49.
3. Stephens NG, Parsons A, Schofield PM, et al. Randomised controlled trial of vitamin E in patients with coronary disease: Cambridge Heart Antioxidant Study (CHAOS). Lancet 1996;347:781–86.
4. Murray M. Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements, Prima Publishing, 1996; 45-53.
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DISCLAIMER This information is provided for Educational Purposes Only and has NOT been designed to diagnose, treat or cure any health conditions. Please consult a qualified Health Care Professional with Nutritional Training to diagnose your health conditions and avoid self-diagnosis. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration have not evaluated statements about these health topics or any suggested product compositions.
Essential Vitamins: Vitamins are essential for life. Life cannot continue without vitamins. Long ago, before the advent of the industry processing foods for better looks or convince, foods were closer to the way nature intended. Now in modern days, most of our food is devoid of the nutrition it once had long ago. Yes, there still are still some vitamins in the foods we eat, but the quality and amounts of naturally occurring vitamins present in food we consume in modern days is severely lacking, compared to long ago.