The benefits of vitamin C for women
Ascorbic acid is considered the vitamin of youth and longevity. Its antioxidant properties come first among the many effects it has on the body. Along with vitamin E and A, as well as selenium and zinc, it provides constant protection of cells from free radical damage, thereby protecting their integrity and functionality. It is thanks to the action of antioxidants that the youth of skin cells, the shine of hair and the strength of nails are preserved. As a result of the action of antioxidants, the body avoids numerous cellular degenerations and deformations that result in cancerous tumors. Ideally, you need to eat in such a way that all the strongest antioxidants act together. Then the effectiveness of their influence will increase significantly. But it is very difficult to independently create your diet in such a way as to achieve a similar effect. You can provide the body with these important microelements using balanced dietary supplements, such as Selzinc. This drug contains not only vitamin C, but also beta-carotene, vitamin E, selenium and zinc. All these components enhance each other's action, helping to achieve maximum effect.
What else is ascorbic acid useful for women?
- Strengthens blood vessels.
- Promotes regeneration of skin and mucous membranes.
- Helps absorb iron and takes part in hematopoiesis.
- Binds and removes poisons and toxins from the body.
- Reduces the level of cholesterol formation and clears blood vessels of it.
- Increases the functional activity of the liver and improves its condition.
- Prevents fat-soluble vitamins A and E from oxidation (so they need to be consumed together).
- Promotes wound healing, accelerates healing and resorption of sutures and burns.
- Increases stress resistance.
- Improves the condition of the nervous system and enhances the transmission of nerve impulses in the cerebral cortex.
- Takes part in the formation of mucopolysaccharides necessary for the full functioning of the musculoskeletal system.
- Participates in the formation of female hormones, etc.
Low Vitamin C Levels
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is one of the most important nutrients for the body. This antioxidant plays an important role in promoting health and fighting cancer by preventing free radical damage to your cells.
Vitamin C also protects your skin and gums from everyday wear and tear and also helps prevent cardiovascular disease. In addition, the vitamin is of great importance in preventing joint diseases, cataracts, osteoporosis and the development of scar tissue.
How does a lack of ascorbic acid manifest itself in the female body?
It is quite easy to recognize an ascorbic acid deficiency.
First of all, the fragility and fragility of blood vessels occurs: small bruises or hemorrhages begin to appear on the body for no obvious reason. The condition of hair and nails deteriorates, they become brittle, brittle and dull. The skin becomes dull, very flaky and cracks. Ascorbic acid deficiency also manifests itself in other symptoms:
- physical performance decreases sharply, fatigue appears, interest in life disappears;
- attention becomes distracted, memory weakens;
- increased sensitivity to cold and chills appear;
- Infectious diseases often occur, the body becomes susceptible to the negative influence of not only viruses and bacteria, but also fungi;
- the musculoskeletal system suffers, pain and aches in the joints appear;
- mental balance shifts towards apathy, depression, irritability, sleep is disturbed.
Why does vitamin C deficiency occur?
A lack of ascorbic acid may be due to a lack of fresh vegetables, fruits and berries in the diet. However, in most cases, the deficiency occurs due to improper food storage or cooking. For example, when green parsley leaves are stored at a temperature of about 20 degrees for two days, about 80% of vitamin C breaks down in them. During cooking, 60% of ascorbic acid is lost, and if the vegetables are placed in cold water, overcooked or cooked with the lid open, then this figure increases significantly.
Deficiency also contributes to:
- smoking (minus 25 mg of vitamin from the body per cigarette smoked);
- intestinal diseases (gastritis, enteritis);
- stressful conditions;
- exercise stress;
- pregnancy and lactation;
- bad ecology;
- infections.
Names in pharmacies of vitamin E capsules
- Solgar - available in the form of capsules of 100, 200, 400, 1000 IU of tocopherol. Contains 4 tocopherols isolated from safflower oil. The price in the pharmacy is for 100 pieces of 100 IU from 800 rubles.
- Zentiva is a drug produced in packs of 30 capsules of 300 IU of vitamin E. Made in the Czech Republic. The cost per package is 200 rubles.
- Mirrolla is a domestic drug in the form of capsules of 15 IU of tocopherol. You can take 5 capsules twice a day. Price - from 30 rubles.
- Meligen is the most affordable drug, containing 150 IU per capsule. The price in pharmacies is 20 rubles.
- Renewal - available in packs of 20 capsules, one capsule contains 100 mg of tocopherol. The price in the pharmacy chain is 90 rubles.
- Layfevit - capsules of 100, 200 mg. One package of 30 capsules costs from 220 rubles at the pharmacy.
- Aevitamine Evalar - packs of 30 pieces, each capsule contains 90 IU of vitamin E and 0.1 mg of vitamin A. Price in the pharmacy - 75 rubles.
Vitamin E liquid
- Solgar , vitamin E liquid - sold in bottles with a dispenser, 59 ml each. Prescribed for adults: 15 drops 1 time per day during meals. Pregnant and lactating women - 2 drops 1 time per day. The course of treatment is 30 days. The price at the pharmacy is 950 rubles.
- Mirolla , natural vitamin E - sold in 50 ml bottles. Recommended for ages 14 and older. Dosage - ½ teaspoon 1 time per day during meals. Take 1-1.5 months. The price at the pharmacy is 70 rubles.
- Vitamin E 5%, 10% and 30%. Oil solution produced by the Tula Pharmaceutical Factory - available in the form of 5%, 10%, 30% solution. Price at the pharmacy - from 120 rubles.
- For infections - 5%, 10% solution for injection in ampoules. Can be used orally and externally.
Where is vitamin C found?
The highest content of ascorbic acid is found in rose hips and sea buckthorn. Rich sources of vitamin C are also black currants, green peas, red peppers, red cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and strawberries. It is not found at all in animal products, with the only exception being liver. It is almost impossible to completely cover the body's daily need for vitamin C with vegetables and fruits alone. Selzinc, in which this microelement also enhances the effects of vitamins A and E, can help in solving this problem. Take care of your body, and you will always be healthy and beautiful!
Contraindications
There are also contraindications to the use of ascorbic acid:
- Ultra-high sensitivity to vitamin C;
- Combined use of the vitamin with products that contain aluminum;
- When consuming vitamin B12, the use of ascorbic acid should be monitored due to the neutralization of one drug by another;
- Sweets containing ascorbic acid have a destructive effect on the coating of teeth;
- Increased blood coagulation and thrombophlebitis;
What is ascorbic acid?
Surely everyone has at least once heard the words “ascorbic acid” and “vitamin” in the same sentence, and sometimes they are even used as synonyms.
Many people mistakenly call ascorbic acid an analogue of vitamin C. This cannot be said to be completely wrong, but it is not worth talking about their complete identity.
Ascorbic acid in chemistry is designated by the formula C6H8O6. It is an organic compound that resembles glucose in many ways.
Vitamin C is found naturally in nature (in citrus fruits, peppers, kiwi and other vegetables and fruits), while ascorbic acid is obtained in laboratories.
In the modern world, poor ecology, the pursuit of profit, the inability to live to the fullest - all this has led to the fact that it has become impossible to receive a daily dose of vitamin C.
Vegetables and fruits are filled with carcinogens, grown with the help of chemical additives, natural and high-quality products are not affordable for everyone, and during heat treatment there is no trace of vitamin C left.
Therefore, the necessary substance that saturates the body with this vitamin was artificially synthesized and called ascorbic acid.
Benefits and harms
How is it useful?
The beneficial properties of this vitamin leave a “positive mark” on almost all organs and systems of the body.
Its importance is difficult to overestimate: it replaces vitamin C in case of its deficiency or impossibility of consumption, and therefore performs all its functions.
It takes part in some oxidative and reduction processes in the body, even in the formation of DNA.
Ascorbic acid, like vitamin C, prevents the occurrence of scurvy, ARVI, influenza, strengthens the immune system, and helps in the treatment of hemorrhoids and varicose veins.
It plays a special role in restorative processes , for example, it promotes wound healing and accelerates the normalization of the functions of connective and bone tissues.
Ascorbic acid, like vitamin C, is a powerful antioxidant that fights free radicals, cholesterol and cholesterol plaques, and cleanses blood vessels.
It helps the iron to be absorbed faster, stimulates the production of hemoglobin, and therefore is indispensable for anemia.
The substance does an excellent job of removing heavy metals (mercury, lead, copper) from the body and promotes the production of L-carnitine.
For men
Ascorbic acid has undeniable benefits for men .
- Has a beneficial effect on erectile function, protects against early impotence;
- Improves brain function;
- Helps cope with stress faster by reducing cortisol levels;
- Strengthens the immune system;
- Reduces the risk of atherosclerosis.
- Helps smokers quickly restore the acidic environment of the body.
For women
to recover faster from serious illnesses, even such as heart attack and stroke.
It eases the course of diabetes.
Vitamin C is often called the source of youth and beauty , so its analogue, ascorbic acid, is indispensable for the female body.
It is involved in the processes of growth and development of collagen fibers, which are responsible for the elasticity and firmness of the skin.
Taking this magical substance for preventive purposes, especially for women over 30, will have a positive effect on the condition of the skin, preventing the appearance of wrinkles and aging.
The main component of multivitamin complexes for the age category 45+ is ascorbic acid: in addition to combating skin aging, it also ensures the absence of blues, sensitivity, and nervousness during menopause.
These products, by the way, are available not only for internal use, but also in the form of creams, masks, and other care products for the face and body.
Ascorbic acid is useful for stress , mental and physical stress, and seasonal vitamin deficiencies.
It perfectly nourishes hair and strengthens nails, and has a beneficial effect on the skin.
In combination with other vitamins, it can prevent cancer and serve as a preventive measure for diseases in mature women.
For pregnant
Ascorbic acid for pregnant women is simply a godsend.
It prevents bleeding and anemia , strengthens vascular walls, helps iron be better absorbed, and promotes normal and easy childbearing.
Daily norms
Physiological daily nutrient intakes are measured in milligrams (mg). In order to accurately determine the concentration of a substance in the blood, a special chromatographic analysis is performed. Normal values are in the range of 4.6-14.9 mg/l. The need for vitamin C varies among people of different ages and gender. Recommended dosages of acid may vary for special conditions, such as pregnancy and lactation, chronic diseases, respiratory infectious diseases.
How much vitamin C should you drink (video):
For babies
In newborns, the norm is 30 mg of vitamin C per day. The nutrient is involved in the growth of bones and cartilage tissue, stimulates metabolic reactions. Children 6 months to 1 year need 35 to 40 milligrams per day. Ascorbic acid enters the child’s body in sufficient quantities through breast milk and complementary foods, so additional administration of vitamin supplements at an early age is prohibited.
In childhood
The daily intake of vitamin C varies depending on the age of the child:
- in children from one to 7 years of age, the daily requirement ranges from 45 to 50 mg;
- primary and secondary schoolchildren need to receive 60-70 milligrams of acid;
- recommended dosages for teenage girls are 70 mg;
- for boys – 90 mg.
The substance is necessary for proper physical formation and development of mental abilities.
For men
A man needs to receive from 70 to 100 mg of ascorbic acid daily. If the nutrient intake is insufficient, in addition to standard symptoms, sexual dysfunction may occur. Compliance with the daily requirement of vitamin C in men ensures the production of functionally active sperm, increases sperm volume and normalizes libido.
For smokers, a 25% increase in dosage is required.
For women
The daily dose of vitamin C is 65-75 milligrams. Ascorbic acid is very important for the female body: it maintains the beauty of hair and skin, prevents brittleness and splitting of nails. The absorption of the substance significantly worsens when taking hormonal drugs simultaneously, so women who use oral contraceptives need to increase the dose by 10-20 mg.
During pregnancy
In pregnant women, part of the ascorbic acid is spent on the needs of the unborn child, so the daily dose must be increased. The minimum daily intake of vitamin C for women is 85 mg, but doctors recommend that most pregnant women receive about 100 milligrams of the active substance. It is advisable that most of the dose of ascorbic acid come from natural sources; vitamin supplements should only be taken after a full examination and a prescription from your gynecologist.
During lactation
For the formation of breast milk, increased concentrations of all vitamins and microelements are needed, so women during lactation are advised to receive 120-130 mg of acid daily. It is undesirable to exceed the recommended doses of vitamin C per day, as this can lead to allergic reactions in the child.
In older people
The daily intake of vitamin C for an elderly person who does not have severe chronic diseases in the stage of decompensation does not differ from standard recommendations and is 75-90 mg. In weakened or malnourished elderly patients, the daily need for ascorbic acid is determined individually by the attending physician.
In professional athletes
The nutrient is necessary for the functioning of the muscular-ligamentous system and the skeletal system, which is especially important for people who are exposed to heavy physical activity. The daily dose of vitamin C for athletes ranges from 100 to 400 mg, the maximum allowable dosage is recommended during preparation for competitions, as well as during the recovery period after injuries.
For colds
At the first signs of a cold or acute respiratory viral infection, doctors recommend increasing the daily intake of vitamin C to 1000 mg in adults, and to 500-600 milligrams in adolescents (learn more). In large quantities, acid stimulates the destruction of viral and bacterial microorganisms, reduces the duration of the disease and the severity of symptoms.
The difference between drugs in tablets and dragees
Ascorbic acid is produced not only in the usual forms of tablets or dragees, but also in the form of powders, ampoules and effervescent tablets.
However, these two types are the most popular.
Ascorbic acid in tablets are round yellow balls that taste sweet at first and sour after the shell is absorbed.
The drug is often used during vitamin deficiency in spring and autumn.
Due to their “sunny” appearance, they are especially loved by children. They prefer bright, sweet vitamins.
Tablets and dragees have different concentrations of the active substance, therefore, for different diagnoses and characteristics of the body (the presence of stomach diseases, for example), different forms of the drug are prescribed.
Benefits come from what is consumed in moderation , unless, of course, we are talking about fast food or something prohibited.
Ascorbic acid can, in a sense replace vitamin C if fresh fruits and vegetables are a luxury and a deficiency.
Best Vitamin Supplements
To replenish the daily requirement of vitamin C, various pharmacological preparations are produced: in the form of tablets and dragees, effervescent tablets, syrups for children. When choosing a vitamin preparation, you should pay attention to the nutrient content in one tablet, the presence of artificial flavors or preservatives.
TOP 3 supplements with ascorbic acid:
Where can I buy
Domestic-made medications with vitamin C are available in regular pharmacies and online stores, but the quality of these supplements may be questionable. Effective imported dietary supplements for replenishing the daily requirement of vitamin C are sold at inflated prices, so it is more profitable to purchase them on the iHerb international trading platform.
This site presents products from premium manufacturers from the USA and Europe, and prices for supplements are 30-50% lower due to the absence of intermediaries and trade markups. The store provides fast and reliable delivery methods all over the world, and there is a free delivery option to Russia. When choosing products, you can sort them by rating and number of customer reviews, and competent consultants will help you decide on the right supplement.
Special offer for our readers - 10% discount on the first order on iHerb. To activate it, follow the link or copy the promotional code AGK4375 into the special field when checking out the parcel in the cart.
The importance of vitamin C for the female body
Vitamin C is involved in redox reactions occurring in the body and provides resistance to infectious diseases. That's why when we have a cold, we are prescribed a loading dose of ascorbic acid.
Vitamin C helps the body recover faster even after such serious illnesses as heart attack and stroke, and it eases the course of diabetes. In the absence of ascorbic acid deficiency in the body, not only small wounds heal faster, but even skin ulcers heal.
Why does a schoolgirl need vitamin C?
During school age, a lack of vitamin C can cause tiredness, lethargy and fatigue, which can lead to learning problems. In addition, a lack of ascorbic acid can cause disruption of the ossification process in little girls.
Ascorbic acid is necessarily included in multivitamins for children. There is a lot of it in berries (currants, cranberries), fruits (especially citrus fruits) and vegetables (potatoes, cabbage, onions).
You just need to remember that vitamin C is destroyed during heat treatment, and an overdose of vitamins can cause hypervitaminosis. Therefore, a qualified doctor should select vitamins, especially for children.