The Master Nutrient

Vitamin C (also known as ascorbic acid) is a water-soluble vitamin. Strangely, although most mammals actually manufacture vitamin C in their own bodies, humans do not. We have to obtain vitamin C through our diet.

Vitamin C is vital for the formation of collagen and connective tissue - tendons, ligaments and cartilage. It maintains the strength of the walls of blood vessels and helps the body to absorb iron. It helps fight infection and diseases such as high blood pressure, arteriosclerosis and cancer.

In larger doses, it is an antioxidant, mopping up the oxygen free radicals that destroy cells and cause ageing. It also makes an important contribution to the antioxidant action of other vitamins, particularly vitamin A and vitamin E.

It is believed that ascorbic acid in larger doses may help prevent cancer by stopping the formation of carcinogenic nitrosamines from nitrates and nitrites present in food. It also improves the function of while blood cells, which fight viruses, bacteria and cancer cells.

Recent studies show that vitamin C also helps to prevent the formation of bad cholesterol and reduces levels of LDL cholesterol in the body. It may thus be involved in protecting us from high blood pressure and arteriosclerosis.

Vitamin C is found in citrus fruit, berries, tomatoes, peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, potatoes, fresh green vegetables and chilies. However it is destroyed by heat, light and freezing, so we need to ensure we eat fresh, uncooked fruit and vegetables for maximum vitamin C.

Recommended Daily Allowances (RDA) are generally around 60 mg – 90 mg for a healthy adult.

HOWEVER: Many researchers believe that much higher levels of vitamin C are required to prevent — or even cure — chronic diseases. High doses of vitamin C (6g – 18g or higher) have been linked to reversal of heart disease, lowering of blood pressure and cholesterol, reduction in cataracts, as well as the more well-known improvements in immune function (leading to fewer – and/or shorter – colds and flu).

* Linus Pauling is widely regarded as the premier chemist of the twentieth century. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in chemistry for his work describing the nature of chemical bonds. He was a versatile scholar, noted for his expertise in inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, immunology and many associated sciences. In 1962 he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize (and is the only person to be awarded two unshared Nobel prizes!).

Pauling was a strong advocate of high doses of vitamin C, and personally supplemented his diet with up to 18g or more daily for many decades. One Amazon reviewer comments of this book:
Linus Pauling goes right to the science of nutrition with an emphasis on vitamin C as a prophylactic against ailments of every kind. I found the book easy to read but full of hard science, clinical trials and useful practical methods of protection against everything from the common cold to cancer.

* This book offers those interested in a scientific approach to vitamin supplements an incredible amount of hard evidence supporting daily intake of Vitamin C as a protector of the body from the toxins and diseases we come in contact with everyday. It actually changed my whole mindset towards supplements and I bet it will change yours as well. I highly recommend it to all those planning or currently using vitamin and mineral supplements.

* Dr. Steve Hickey has written a marvelous book. He presents detailed knowledge of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and its function in the body. Dr. Hickey suggests suitable doses of vitamin C and other supplements for heart, cancer and several other ills.

* I recommend the book highly to present and future patients who want to live longer and with less pain. He has also written "Cancer, Nutrition and Survival." His vitamin C knowledge has helped me and several of my friends. I was diagnosed 9 years ago with aggressive prostate cancer-my PSA was doubling every 6 months. With hormones and vitamins my PSA is down to 0.6 average for the last 4 years. I never needed nor had surgery, chemotherapy or radiation of any kind.

Natural vs. synthetic vitamin C?

Many people debate the benefits of the “natural form” of certain vitamins compared to the so-called “synthetic forms.” What about ascorbic acid? Natural and synthetic L-ascorbic acid are chemically identical and there are no known differences in their biological activities or bioavailability.

Vitamin C with bioflavonoids

Bioflavonoids are a class of water-soluble plant pigments that are often found in vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables, especially citrus fruits. Some people believe that only vitamin C from sources including bioflavonoids offers real benefits. There is little evidence that the bioflavonoids in most commercial preparations increase the bioavailability or efficacy of vitamin C.