Ascorbic acid - the benefits and harm

When, since the twenties of the last century, scientists discovered ascorbic acid, they pinned great hopes on the compound. And they were not mistaken. Vitamin C has brought to humanity a lot of useful actions. And at the same time, almost no one knew what the overdose threatened.

After much research, it became clear that ascorbic acid is a benefit and harm to people at the same time. Let's find out what's what.

What is harmful ascorbing

Yes, yes, that's what we used to call flat white tablets or round yellow pills. Remember how desirable they were in their childhood. And, having found the cherished bubble at home, who refused to devour several things at once? So what could we do to hurt ourselves?

Ascorbic acid alone is harmless.Its overdose brings unpleasant consequences. And only with the use of a synthetic product (shots or tablets). Excess vitamin contained in vegetables and fruits is almost completely eliminated by the body.

So, the harm of ascorbic acid:

1. It greatly increases blood clotting. Therefore, there is a high risk of blockage of all vessels by large and small blood clots. Who has not heard the terrible word thrombus?
2. Excess askorbinki causes severe pain in the stomach. Heartburn, pain, nausea can occur. Because the acid quickly eats away the walls of the stomach.
3. Promotes the formation of sand and stones in the kidneys. This is with a regular overdose.
4. Violation of the pancreas.
5. An excess of ascorbic acid disrupts the metabolism in pregnant women. And this is fraught with unpleasant consequences for the unborn child. He can already be born with allergies.
6. An allergic reaction may occur.

Who is useful ascorbic acid

However, despite all the unpleasant moments described above, the beneficial properties of the ascorbinka are invaluable.Naturally, only a qualified technician can accurately assign the dosage necessary for exactly the right effect.

So, the benefits of ascorbic acid:

1. Recovery. Vitamin C is actively involved in the synthesis of collagen fibers. Thanks to him, cuts and wounds heal faster. Bones grow together too much better if you take ascorbic.
2. Hematopoiesis No, of course not directly. But helping the absorption of iron in the body, ascorbic acid is indirectly related to the synthesis of hemoglobin.
3. Enhance immunity. This is due to the fact that ascorbic acid helps the body produce antibodies. Therefore, vitamin C - is the first remedy for the flu and cold.
4. Participation in the metabolism. Ascorbic acid enhances the action of basic vitamins (A, E), which allows you to bring the metabolism to a near-perfect state.
5. Cleansing the blood vessels. Recently, everyone knows terrible cholesterol. But lovers indulge ascorbic he is not terrible. Vitamin C significantly strengthens the walls of blood vessels, making them strong and elastic. And, like a stiff brush, it cleans all plaques and blockages from the cardiovascular system.
6. Help with poisoning. Ascorbic acid has the ability to bind and remove free radicals and heavy metals from the body. Therefore, it is often prescribed for many types of food poisoning.

And, oddly enough, without ascorbic acid, all the cartilage in the body becomes fragile and crumbling. Remember how old heavy smokers look like. They have a haggard appearance, plus it's very hard for them to move around.

This is because one smoked cigarette neutralizes about 25 mg of vitamin C in the human body. And without it, normal absorption of other vitamins and good cartilage of the joints are impossible.

As you can see, the benefit of ascorbic acid in some cases is incomparably great. And the harm is often obtained only from excessive use.

How to understand that not enough vitamin C

There are several external signs by which it can be determined that there is an acute shortage of ascorbic acid in the human body. These include:

• persistent pain in the feet and heels
• general malaise similar to flu symptoms
• wounds and cuts do not heal for a long time
• pale skin
• incomprehensible anxiety and disturbing sleep
• loose teeth, bleeding gums
• general weakening of immunity, tendency to catarrhal diseases

But, it should be noted that only external signs are few. For an accurate diagnosis is required to contact a qualified specialist. Because the above signs can be symptoms of serious diseases, and not just a lack of vitamin C. And certainly you can not self-medicate, just eating ascorbic. In some cases, a vitamin supplement may not only be useless, but it hurts even more.

Can I take ascorbic medication?

Some doctors are categorically against this combination of drugs. And yet the absolute majority of the doctor allows you to combine drugs and ascorbic acid in simultaneous use. But, with a certain reservation. It is forbidden to take vitamin C with medicines containing:

• folic acid
• iron
• caffeine
• B vitamins

More detailed information can always be found in the instructions for use of the drug.

What to do if a child ate a lot of ascorbine

Remember, at the beginning of the article, we recalled how, in childhood, we often tried to seize upon the cherished bubble? What if your child still did?

Do not panic. Ascorbic acid is not poison. Therefore, without hysterics, scare the child. First try to wash the baby's stomach. As usual - warm water and vomiting. After cleansing, give the child any adsorbent that is in the home first-aid kit. And make you drink plenty of clean water. The first absorbs excess vitamin C, the second will help the body remove ascorbinka residues. The most common way is through the toilet.

Interesting facts about ascorbic

Did you know that you can not abruptly stop drinking vitamin C? It is necessary to gradually reduce the dosage, so that the body learns to cope without a tablet form. Otherwise, you can provoke some unpleasant forms of recoil. For example, susceptibility to certain diseases may appear.

By the way, many doctors in the world have recognized that regular intake of competent doses of ascorbic acid significantly reduces the risk of oncology. But does not completely rule out.

Of course, ideally, this vitamin should be supplied to the human body with food. Then there will be no need for additional reception. But who knows how to accurately calculate the dose of currant berries or slices of bell pepper? In addition, where in the winter to get good fresh fruits and vegetables? After all, they are the main natural source of ascorbic acid.

No, canned and frozen will not do. In them, vitamin C is negligible amount. Therefore, doctors strongly recommend taking pharmaceutical vitamin preparations at least during the cold season.

Now you know what role ascorbic acid plays in the human body. The benefits and harms are also known to you. Therefore, do not eat vitamin handfuls and do not feed children without the advice of a competent specialist.

Video: what will happen if you eat a lot of ascorbic acid