Vitamin C: Ascorbic Acid
CLASS:
Water soluble vitamin
ROLE:
Antioxidant
Wound healing
Immunity
Metabolic enzymes
Red Blood Cell production
SOURCES:
Fresh fruit
Fresh vegetables
RECOMMENDED DAILY INTAKE (RDI):
40 mg Men
30 mg Women
DEFICIENCY STATE:
Tiredness, weakness, lethargy
Haemorrhages into skin and organs
Anaemia
Osteoporosis
Poor wound healing
Scurvy; loose, bleeding teeth
OVERDOSE STATE:
Kidney stones
RISKS:
Elderly
Trauma
Chronic illness
Malnutrition and starvation
Smokers
Oral Contraceptive Pill
Psychiatric in-patients
DIAGNOSIS:
Blood tests
OTHER NUTRIENT INTERACTIONS:
Many other nutrients require Vitamin C in normal levels