Products
Vitamin C is commercially available in the form of tablets, lozenges, effervescent tablets, sustained-release capsules, as a solution for injection, and as a powder, among others. Vitamin C is available as an open product in pharmacies and drugstores. It is also combined fixed with other active ingredients, for example with iron, acetylsalicylic acid, vitamins and minerals. The vitamin is also known as L-ascorbic acid. The name is derived from the deficiency disease scurvy. It is found in many fruits and vegetables, for example, rose hips, acerola cherries, sea buckthorn fruit, currants, kiwis and citrus fruits.
Structure and properties
Vitamin C (C6H8O6, Mr= 176.1 g/mol) exists as colorless crystals or as a white crystalline powder. It is readily soluble in water and has an acidic taste. Vitamin C is a labile substance, sensitive to various influences (air, moisture, heat, metals). The salts are called ascorbates, for example sodium ascorbate and calcium ascorbate.
Effects
Vitamin C (ATC A11GA01) has antioxidant properties and protects the body from free radicals. Together with dehydroascorbic acid, it forms a reversible redox system. Vitamin C performs various important functions in metabolism as a cofactor for enzyme systems. It is involved in collagen formation and wound healing, and therefore also plays a role in bone growth and dentin formation. Vitamin C is also involved in the synthesis of carnitine, norepinephrine, serotonin, the tetrahydrofolic acid and glucocorticoids, and promotes the breakdown of histamine and cholesterol. It improves the absorption of iron in the digestive tract and supports immune defense (selection).
Indications for use
For the prevention and treatment of vitamin C deficiency (scurvy). In case of increased vitamin C requirements, for example during wound healing, pregnancy, stress or smokers. Other areas of application (selection):
- For the prevention and treatment of colds and the flu (controversial).
- To promote wound healing.
- To promote the absorption of iron in the intestine in case of iron deficiency.
- As a dietary supplement.
- As an antioxidant in food technology.
- As a pharmaceutical excipient.
Dosage
According to the professional information. Therapeutically, adults are usually administered daily doses of 500 to 1000 mg. Humans, unlike many animals and plants, cannot make vitamin C themselves from glucose and therefore must obtain it from food. Recommended intakes are 95 mg (women) and 110 mg (men) per day (DACH reference values). Incidentally, other monkeys, bats and the guinea pig cannot biosynthesize vitamin C either.
Abuse
Ascorbic acid is mixed with heroin to make the opioid water-soluble for injection.
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity
- Oxalate urolithiasis (kidney stones)
- Severe renal insufficiency, renal failure.
- Iron storage diseases (thalassemia, hemochromatosis, sideroblastic anemia).
- Erythrocytic glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (higher doses).
Refer to the drug label for complete precautions.
Adverse effects
Possible adverse effects include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and hypersensitivity reactions, especially at high doses.