Vitamin C – The importance of vitamin C (ascorbic acid and its derivatives) in human nutrition it is relatively well known, and the symptoms of its deficiency have been described many times. This does not mean, however, that all mechanisms of vitamin C operation were finally examined. We know, that it plays a role in collagen synthesis, noradrenaline, steroids with anti -inflammatory properties (np. hydrocortyzone) and participates in the transformation of amino acids. Quite high doses of vitamin C are used healing, though there are no reports, that such proceedings are not sufficiently documented. However, it is known, that excess vitamin C contained in food does not cause negative side effects. The vegetarian diet provides the right level of vitamin C, Because it is quite widespread in the plant world. However, it belongs to compounds that are very sensitive to destruction, Mainly on oxidation. Oxidized vitamin C is inactive. Therefore, the initial content of vitamin C should not be taken into account in all calculations, and its actual amount already in the dish, which we consume.
Saturation of the human body with vitamin C is an important diagnostic indicator of the assessment of nutritional status. In the absence of supply with food, vitamin C in blood serum disappears after 4-6 weeks, and in leukocytes only after 4-5 months. It is generally considered, that in healthy people the level of vitamin C in serum should be 0,5 do 0,8 mg%. Level below 0,5 mg% is considered a clear deficiency. Witamina C jest wydalane przez osoby zdrowe z moczem. Wyższe od 30 MG vitamin C excretion in urine can be caused by cold, burns, hemorrhage, muscle injury, hard physical work and is considered excessive.
Among the widespread plant products, currants are a rich source of vitamin C, brassica vegetables, strawberries. Potatoes cover a fairly significant percentage of demand, Due to the frequency and quantity, in which they are consumed.
It is also worth knowing, that a negative effect of large doses of vitamin C was experimentally found (500 mg per day in the form of preparations) on the blood iron in blood. Anemia was found in people covered by the study. Experience confirms this, that this vitamin must not overdose in a long -term way.