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The article is professionally consulted by Master, Doctor Nguyen Thi Nhat - Infectious Diseases - Department of Medical Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Hai Phong International General HospitalAs everyone knows Vitamin C is a substance that has many benefits for human health. However, it is not always better to take vitamin C as much as possible. Vitamin C should be used strictly according to the dose recommended and limited by the doctor.
1. Uses of vitamin C
Vitamin C plays an important role in the body and is present in many metabolic processes:
Vitamin C participates in creating collagen and some other components with the role of creating connective tissues in teeth, bones, vessels blood. Therefore, people who lack vitamin C often have swollen gums, bleeding gums, and easy teeth to fall out. Participating in the metabolism of protid, lipid, glucid,... Participating in the synthesis of substances such as adrenocorticotropic hormone, catecholamines,... Acting as a catalyst for the conversion of Fe+++ to Fe++ so that iron can be absorbed in the duodenum. colon. That's why vitamin C deficiency also leads to iron deficiency anemia. Helps increase resistance, the body's immune system by creating interferon and reducing the body's sensitivity to histamine. Combined with vitamin A and vitamin E, it participates in the antioxidant process, neutralizing free radicals produced by metabolic reactions, thereby preserving cell membranes. In addition, vitamin C has many other uses. To know for sure, you can ask your doctor to get the most detailed and accurate information.
2. Limited Dose of Vitamin C
According to nutritionists, the maximum limit of vitamin C that the body can accept is 2,000mg for people over 19 years old. The same applies to pregnant and lactating women.
For young children and infants, the specific daily limit of vitamin C is:
Children 1-3 years old: 400mg Children 4-8 years old: 650mg Children 9-13 years old: 1,200mg Adolescents 14 - 18 years: 1,800mg There are also limited doses of vitamin C for specific exceptions. However, the exception limit dose is usually applied only with the consent of medical professionals.
3. Recommended dose of vitamin C
The recommended daily dose of vitamin C for people in each specific age group is as follows:
Children aged 1-3 years: 15mg Children 4-8 years old: 25mg Children 9-13 years old: 45mg Adolescents 14-18 years old: 75mg (for men) and 65mg (for women) Adults over 19 years old: 90mg (for men) and 75mg (for women) Some special cases need to add vitamin C such as:
People Smokers should take 35mg/day more than the recommended dose Pregnant women should take 85mg of vitamin C per day Lactating women should take 120mg of vitamin C per day So far, no studies Dosage of vitamin C for children under 1 year of age. Experts have estimated data:
Children under 6 months: 40mg Children 7-12 months: 50mg However, the body does not absorb all the vitamin C loaded into the body. If the amount of vitamin C taken per day is 30-180mg, only 70-80% of that vitamin C is absorbed by the body. The absorption rate of vitamin C is only about 50% if a person takes more than 1g of vitamin C per day. The remaining amount of vitamin C that is not absorbed will be excreted in the urine.
4. How to take vitamin C?
Users should use vitamins strictly according to the doctor's instructions, absolutely do not arbitrarily increase or decrease the dosage compared to the recommended amount.
Depending on what form vitamin C is prepared in, there is a suitable use:
Vitamin C gum: can be chewed for as long as you like, note that it should be thrown away after chewing, not swallowing. Vitamin C chewable tablet: Before swallowing, it is necessary to chew the vitamin C tablet completely, combined with drinking plenty of water. Vitamin C extended-release tablets: swallow whole and do not chew, crush or break tablets. Liquid Vitamin C: Use a measuring spoon or measuring cup to measure out the correct dose of vitamin C. Vitamin C fast disintegrating tablets: open the package only when ready to drink. Keep hands dry when taking vitamin C tablets out of the packaging and placing them in your mouth. Do not swallow immediately, but suck to let the vitamin dissolve in the mouth. When the drug dissolves, it should be swallowed several times. You absolutely must not suddenly stop using vitamin C if you are in a state of vitamin C deficiency or are taking vitamin C for a long time. You should strictly follow your doctor's instructions to avoid unwanted effects.
5. Side effects when using vitamin C
In addition to the main effects of treating diseases, Vitamin C can also cause some unwanted effects such as:
Shortness of breath Rash Swelling of lips, tongue, throat or face Diarrhea, stomach cramps Heartburn, sadness vomiting If the patient experiences one of the above symptoms, he should immediately and go to the nearest medical facility for further monitoring, should not ignore some mild symptoms that can lead to difficult complications. measure more.
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Side effects of vitamin C Harm of excess or deficiency of vitamin C Uses, doses and side effects of Vitamin C