Vitamin C is a vitamin that helps protect cells and keeps them healthy. It also maintains healthy skin, blood vessels and bones.
Which foods is vitamin C found in?
Vitamin C can be found in citrus fruits and their juices, red and green peppers, strawberries, broccoli, Brussels sprouts and potatoes. Vitamin C supplements can also be found. They can be found as tablets (chewable and non-chewable), effervescent tablets and drinks. Vitamin C serums are also available.
What are the symptoms and potential life-threatening conditions if someone has a vitamin C deficiency?
If someone has a deficiency of vitamin C, they may develop scurvy. Scurvy is a condition where limbs can be sore. However, symptoms can include fatigue (tiredness), depression, and connective tissue defects. Other symptoms can include dry skin, loss of hair, swelling, discolouration and unexpected bleeding of gums. In addition, nosebleeds can occur, wounds cannot be properly healed and there would be problems fighting infections as white blood cells are weakened.
What are the health implications of overdosing on vitamin C?
If someone overdoses on vitamin C, then symptoms can occur. Symptoms can include diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting and heartburn. Other symptoms can include abdominal cramps, headaches and insomnia.
What are the side effects of vitamin C?
The side effects can include nausea, vomiting, heartburn, stomach cramps and headaches. However, the side effects are not common.
What is the optimal dosage of the vitamin for children and adults?
The optimal dosage of vitamin C for newborns up to six months of age would be 40 milligrams every day. The optimal dosage for infants from seven months of age to a year old would be 50 milligrams every day. For children who are one to three years old, the optimal dosage of vitamin C would be 15 milligrams daily. For children who are between the ages of four to eight, the dosage should be 25 milligrams daily. Children who are between the ages nine to thirteen should take 45 milligrams of vitamin C daily. Teenage boys should have 75 milligrams of vitamin C daily. However, teenage girls should have 65 milligrams of vitamin C daily. Men should have 90 milligrams of vitamin C daily whereas women should have 75 milligrams of vitamin C every day. Pregnant teens should have 80 milligrams a day and pregnant women should have 85 milligrams of vitamin C. Teens who are breastfeeding should have 115 milligrams of vitamin C whereas women who are breastfeeding should have 120 milligrams of vitamin C daily. Adults who smoke should have 35 more milligrams of vitamin C than the average recommended amount.