Vitamin C
Introduction To Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a nutritional supplement. It is used to treat vitamin C deficiency in the body. It is usually taken when your diet does not provide enough vitamin C. It also helps in treating certain conditions caused due to low level of vitamin C in the body.
Vitamin C is generally administered by a healthcare professional. You should not self-administer it at home. This medicine may be only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes making changes to your diet and taking vitamin supplements. Learn about the foods you should eat to make sure you get enough vitamin C in your diet. You should not take more or use it for longer than recommended.
Vitamin C is generally safe with little or no side effects. However, it may pain, redness, or swelling at the site of injection in some people. Before taking this medicine, let your doctor know any other medicines you are taking. Some other medicines can decrease the absorption of vitamin C or interact with it. It is important to ask advice from the doctor before you take any other vitamin supplements.
Uses of Vitamin C
- Vitamin C deficiency
Benefits of Vitamin C
Vitamin C deficiency
Vitamin C is a supplement of vitamin C. It is used in the treatment of
conditions caused due to low levels of vitamin C in the body. Benefits of
vitamin C include immunity boost, protection against cardiovascular disease,
prenatal health problems, eye disease, and skin wrinkling. Take it in the
exact dose and duration as prescribed by your doctor for maximum benefits.
Side effects of Vitamin C
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common side effects of Scorbix
- Injection site reactions (pain, swelling, redness)
How to use Vitamin C
Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Kindly do not self administer.
How Vitamin C works
Vitamin C raises the level of vitamin C in your body thereby treating its deficiency (Scurvy).
Quick tips
- Vitamin C is given to improve the level of vitamin C.
- Drink plenty of liquids while you are taking Vitamin C.
- Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
- Include vitamin C-rich foods in your diet like oranges, lemons, amla, tomato, etc. Consult your doctor for the recommended daily intake of vitamin C in the diet as too much can lead to vitamin C toxicity.
Safety Advice
PregnancyCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Can I take Vitamin C if I’m pregnant?
Information regarding the use of Vitamin C during pregnancy is not available. Please consult your doctor.
BreastfeedingSAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Can I take Vitamin C if I’m breastfeeding?
Vitamin C is safe to use during breastfeeding. Human studies suggest that the drug does not pass into the breastmilk in a significant amount and is not harmful to the baby.
AlcoholCAUTION
Is drinking alcohol while taking Vitamin C safe?
Caution is advised when consuming alcohol with Vitamin C. Please consult your doctor.
DrivingSAFE
Can I drive after taking Vitamin C?
Vitamin C does not usually affect your ability to drive.
KidneyCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Can I take Vitamin C if I have/had kidney diseases?
There is limited information available on the use of Vitamin C in patients with kidney disease. Please consult your doctor.
LiverSAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Can I take Vitamin C if I have/had liver diseases?
Vitamin C is probably safe to use in patients with liver disease. Limited data available suggests that dose adjustment of Vitamin C may not be needed in these patients. Please consult your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is Vitamin C?
Vitamin C consists of a water-soluble vitamin known as vitamin C. Vitamin C is also known as L-ascorbic acid or ascorbate. It cannot be stored for long in our body as it is water soluble. Therefore, it should be taken from food like tomatoes and citrus fruits like oranges to maintain sufficient levels of vitamin C in the body.
Q. Is Vitamin C necessary?
Vitamin C is used if your diet does not provide enough vitamin C. It can also be used to treat certain conditions caused due to low levels of vitamin C in the body. However, it would be best to consult your doctor before taking Vitamin C to get maximum benefit.
Q. Why is it important to take vitamin C in your diet?
Vitamin C has many benefits on the human body and this makes it extremely important to take it in your diet. Vitamin C helps in the growth and repair of tissues of each and every part of the body, be it, bones, cartilage, tendons, skin, hair, muscles, etc. It helps in wound healing and also enhances absorption of iron in our body. Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants that help in getting rid of the harmful effects of free radicals. If the buildup of free radicals exceeds, it speeds up ageing process. Vitamin C is very crucial for bone and teeth health, improves the vision, and also regulates the blood cholesterol levels. Owing to its numerous benefits, it is very important to take an adequate amount of vitamin C in your diet.
Q. Is Vitamin C effective?
Vitamin C is effective if used in the dose and duration advised by your doctor. Do not stop taking it even if you see improvement in your condition. If you stop using Vitamin C too early, the symptoms may return or worsen.
Q. How is Vitamin C administered?
Vitamin C should be administered under the supervision of a trained healthcare professional or a doctor only and should not be self-administered. The dose will depend on the condition you are being treated for and will be decided by your doctor. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully to get maximum benefit from Vitamin C.
Q. Is Vitamin C safe?
Vitamin C is safe if used in the dose and duration advised by your doctor. Take it exactly as directed and do not skip any dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully and let your doctor know if any of the side effects bother you.
Q. What is vitamin C toxicity?
Taking vitamin C in excess (more than recommended) can lead to vitamin C toxicity. However, this is not very common. The symptoms of vitamin C toxicity are diarrhea, nausea, stomach cramps and indigestion. Do not worry, this type of toxicity is not a very serious condition and can be treated by stopping the intake of vitamin C supplements. If these symptoms bother you or persist for a longer duration, please consult your doctor.
Q. Is Vitamin C good for diabetics?
Yes, Vitamin C has been proven to be beneficial for diabetic patients. Vitamin C has also shown positive effects on issues caused by poor blood sugar control. However, if you have diabetes, consult your doctor before starting Vitamin C.
Q. What are the complications of vitamin C deficiency?
Deficiency of vitamin C can lead to complications like scurvy (a condition caused by a severe lack of vitamin C in the diet). The symptoms of scurvy include weakness, feeling tired and sore arms and legs. Without treatment, decreased red blood cells, gum disease, changes to hair, and bleeding from the skin may also occur. Additionally, if the deficiency of vitamin C does not improve, it can further lead to worsening of other conditions such as high blood pressure, stroke, atherosclerosis, gallstones and even cancer.
References
Written By:
Dr Advikka Ridhy
MBBS
RMO, Aster MIMS
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