What it is
Vitamin C or ascorbic acid is water-soluble. This means that it easily dissolves in body fluids and, with a small excess, is excreted in the urine.
Vitamin C helps synthesize collagen, a protein that is responsible for the condition of skin, hair, cartilage and blood vessels. Ascorbic acid is also involved in the formation of serotonin, the hormone of happiness.
The daily requirement of vitamin C for men is 90 mg, and for women - 75 mg. Usually, in the absence of it in the diet, symptoms of hypovitaminosis may appear - bleeding gums, lethargy, dry skin and eyes. But in today's realities, it is almost impossible to get hypovitaminosis or even vitamin deficiency. Even if the diet is very limited, many foods contain ascorbic acid as an acidity regulator.
It is generally accepted that there is a lot of it in citrus fruits, but in fact there is even more in rose hips, currants and cabbage. By the way, vitamin C is needed only by humans, primates and some species of birds and guinea pigs - nature has approached its distribution selectively.
Daily norm
To nourish brain cells, red blood cells, striated muscles and provide the body with energy, a person needs to eat “his” individual norm. To calculate it, multiply your actual body weight by a factor of 2.6. The resulting value is your body’s daily requirement for the monosaccharide.
At the same time, for knowledge workers (office employees) performing computational and planning operations, athletes and people experiencing heavy physical activity, the daily norm should be increased, since these operations require more energy.
The need for glucose decreases with a sedentary lifestyle, a tendency to diabetes, and excess weight. In this case, the body will use fat reserves rather than easily digestible saccharide to produce energy.
Remember, glucose in moderate doses is a medicine and “fuel” for internal organs and systems. Excessive consumption of sweets turns it into poison, turning its beneficial properties into harm.
Vitamin C and immunity
One of the first to popularize the use of large doses of vitamin C to prevent colds was Linus Pauling, a chemist and winner of two Nobel Prizes.
He used ascorbic acid in a dosage of more than 3 g per day (the norm is 90 mg!) and claimed that it strengthens the immune system and protects against colds, and after starting to take it he began to feel more alive. A little later, he formulated a theory about orthomolecular medicine, in which he argued that with the help of vitamins and dietary supplements, almost anything can be treated.
The problem is that when vitamin C is taken in ultra-high doses, its absorption in the intestines drops sharply, which means the body will not receive any benefit from its excess.
Candidate of Medical Sciences, nutritionist and nephrologist at GMS Clinic Svetlana Artemova clarifies that this increases the load on the kidneys. Excess vitamin C can increase the risk of developing hyperoxalaturia - deposits of oxalic acid salts, which are formed after the breakdown of ascorbic acid. And the accumulation of salts in the kidneys leads to the formation of stones - oxalates.
However, in some situations, the absorption of vitamin C in the small intestine is greatly reduced.
“Gastrointestinal diseases, smoking, taking certain contraceptives and alcohol delay the absorption of vitamin C,” adds Svetlana Artemova.
Modern studies conducted on thousands of volunteers have shown that vitamin C has no effect on the development of colds and cardiovascular diseases.
“The beneficial effects of ultra-high doses of vitamin C have not yet been proven, although many have tried,” notes medical blogger and physician Dr. Phil.
Ascorbic acid (table No. 10 with glucose), Ecotex
A country
Russia
The country of production may vary depending on the batch of goods. Please check with the operator for detailed information when confirming your order.
Active substance
Ascorbic acid + Dextrose
Compound
1 tablet contains: ascorbic acid 100 mg, dextrose (glucose) monohydrate 877 mg.
Excipients: calcium stearate - 10 mg, talc - 13 mg. The tablets are white, flat-cylindrical in shape, round, with a chamfer and a score.
pharmachologic effect
Vitamin C. Ascorbic acid is necessary for the formation of intracellular collagen and is required to strengthen the structure of teeth, bones and capillary walls. Participates in redox reactions, tyrosine metabolism, conversion of folic acid into folinic acid, carbohydrate metabolism, lipid and protein synthesis, iron metabolism, cellular respiration processes, activates the synthesis of steroid hormones. Reduces the need for vitamins B1, B2, A, E, folic acid, pantothenic acid, helps increase the body's resistance to infections; improves iron absorption, promoting its deposition in a reduced form. Has antioxidant properties. When used intravaginally, ascorbic acid reduces the pH of the vagina, inhibiting the growth of bacteria and helps restore and maintain normal pH and vaginal flora (Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus gasseri).
Indications for use
For systemic use: prevention and treatment of hypo- and vitamin C deficiency; ensuring the body's increased need for vitamin C during growth, pregnancy, lactation, heavy loads, overwork, and during convalescence after long-term serious illnesses; in winter, with an increased risk of developing infectious diseases. For intravaginal use: chronic or recurrent vaginitis (bacterial vaginosis, nonspecific vaginitis) caused by anaerobic flora (due to altered vaginal pH); in order to normalize the disturbed vaginal microflora.
Mode of application
Ascorbic acid with glucose is prescribed for the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases in weakened patients. The prophylactic dose for an adult is 0.5-1 tablets/day, the therapeutic dose is from 1.5 to 5 tablets/day. For children over 5-6 years old, the prophylactic dose is 0.5 tablets/day. therapeutic - 1-3 tablets/day. Glucose with ascorbic acid is prescribed intravenously to prevent secondary infection, pulmonary edema, renal hepatic failure and a number of other pathologies. The benefits of this remedy are also enormous for pregnant women who suffer from severe toxicosis and need additional support for the body. In each specific case, the dose is selected individually. Reviews indicate that many people (especially people on a diet) use ascorbic acid tablets with glucose instead of prohibited sweets, believing that they are less harmful. The calorie content of glucose is 340 kcal, and one tablet contains 877 mg. That is, 1 tablet is approximately 30 kcal. However, using the drug instead of sweets and regularly exceeding the daily requirement of vitamin C is fraught with serious stomach problems.
Interaction
When used simultaneously with barbiturates and primidone, the excretion of ascorbic acid in the urine increases. With simultaneous use of oral contraceptives, the concentration of ascorbic acid in the blood plasma decreases. When used simultaneously with iron supplements, ascorbic acid, due to its restorative properties, converts ferric iron into divalent iron, which helps improve its absorption. Ascorbic acid in high doses can reduce urine pH, which, when used simultaneously, reduces the tubular reabsorption of amphetamine and tricyclic antidepressants. When used simultaneously, acetylsalicylic acid reduces the absorption of ascorbic acid by about a third. When used simultaneously with warfarin, the effects of warfarin may be reduced. When used concomitantly, ascorbic acid increases iron excretion in patients receiving deferoxamine. When using ascorbic acid at a dose of 500 mg/day, left ventricular dysfunction may occur. When used simultaneously with tetracycline, the excretion of ascorbic acid in the urine increases. A case of a decrease in the concentration of fluphenazine in the blood plasma in a patient receiving ascorbic acid 500 mg 2 times a day is described. It is possible to increase the concentration of ethinyl estradiol in the blood plasma when used simultaneously as part of oral contraceptives.
Side effect
From the side of the central nervous system: headache, feeling of fatigue, insomnia. From the digestive system: stomach cramps, nausea and vomiting. Allergic reactions: isolated cases of skin reactions and manifestations from the respiratory system have been described. From the urinary system: when used in high doses - hyperoxaluria and the formation of kidney stones from calcium oxalate. Local reactions: with intravaginal use - burning or itching in the vagina, increased mucous discharge, hyperemia, swelling of the vulva. Other: feeling of heat.
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to ascorbic acid.
Use during pregnancy and lactation The minimum daily requirement for ascorbic acid in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy is about 60 mg. Ascorbic acid penetrates the placental barrier. It should be borne in mind that the fetus can adapt to high doses of ascorbic acid taken by a pregnant woman, and then the newborn may develop ascorbic acid syndrome as a withdrawal reaction. Therefore, during pregnancy you should not take ascorbic acid in high doses, unless the expected benefit outweighs the potential risk. The minimum daily requirement during lactation (breastfeeding) is 80 mg. Ascorbic acid is excreted in breast milk. A maternal diet containing adequate amounts of ascorbic acid is sufficient to prevent deficiency in the infant. It is not known whether maternal use of ascorbic acid in high doses is dangerous for the child. Theoretically this is possible. Therefore, it is recommended that a nursing mother not exceed the maximum daily requirement for ascorbic acid, unless the expected benefit outweighs the potential risk.
Overdose
An overdose of Ascorbic acid develops with prolonged use of doses exceeding 1 gram per day. Its signs are: - headache; - nausea; - insomnia; - increased excitability of the central nervous system; - ulceration of the mucous membrane of the digestive canal; - vomit; - diarrhea; — inhibition of the functional activity of the pancreas insular apparatus; - nephrolithiasis; - oxalosis; - hyperacid gastritis; - moderate pollakiuria; - damage to the glomerular (glomerular) apparatus of the kidneys; - decreased permeability of capillary walls. In some cases, blood pressure and blood clotting increase, tissue trophism worsens, and microangiopathies develop. Intravenous administration of high doses of vitamin C can provoke erythrocytolysis and abortion. The lethal dose of vitamin C is 20-30 grams.
special instructions
Use with caution in patients with hyperoxaluria, impaired renal function, or a history of urolithiasis. Because ascorbic acid increases iron absorption, its use in high doses may be dangerous in patients with hemochromatosis, thalassemia, polycythemia, leukemia and sideroblastic anemia. In patients with high iron levels in the body, ascorbic acid should be used in minimal doses. Use with caution in patients with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency. The use of ascorbic acid in high doses can cause an exacerbation of sickle cell anemia. Data on the diabetogenic effect of ascorbic acid are contradictory. However, with long-term use of ascorbic acid, blood glucose levels should be periodically monitored. It is believed that the use of ascorbic acid in patients with rapidly proliferating and widely disseminated tumors may aggravate the process. Therefore, ascorbic acid should be used with caution in patients with advanced cancer. The absorption of ascorbic acid decreases with the simultaneous consumption of fresh fruit or vegetable juices and alkaline drinks.
Benefits and harms
The main functions of glucose are nutritional and energy. Thanks to them, it maintains heartbeat, breathing, muscle contraction, brain function, nervous system and regulates body temperature.
The value of glucose in the human body:
- Participates in metabolic processes and is the most digestible energy resource.
- Supports the body's performance.
- Nourishes brain cells, improves memory and learning.
- Stimulates the heart.
- Quickly quenches the feeling of hunger.
- Relieves stress, corrects mental state.
- Accelerates the recovery of muscle tissue.
- Helps the liver in neutralizing toxic substances.
Glucose has been used for many years to relieve intoxication in the body during hypoglycemia. The monosaccharide is part of blood substitutes, anti-shock drugs used to treat diseases of the liver and central nervous system. Many drugs are injected into a vein using glucose, including novocaine and potassium chloride, which are often used in medical practice.
In addition to its positive effects, glucose can harm the body of people in old age, patients with impaired metabolism and lead to the following consequences:
- obesity;
- development of thrombophlebitis;
- overload of the pancreas;
- the occurrence of allergic reactions;
- increased cholesterol;
- the appearance of inflammatory, heart diseases, coronary circulation disorders;
- arterial hypertension;
- damage to the retina of the eye;
- diabetes mellitus;
- endothelial dysfunction.
Remember, the amount of monosaccharide ingested into the body must be fully compensated by the expenditure of calories for energy needs.
Glucose in medicine: release form
Glucose preparations are classified as detoxification and metabolic agents. Their spectrum of action is aimed at improving metabolic and redox processes in the body. The active ingredient of these medications is dextrose monohydrate (sublimated glucose in combination with excipients).
Release forms and pharmacological properties of the monosaccharide:
- Tablets containing 0.5 grams of dry dextrose. When taken orally, glucose has a vasodilator and sedative effect (moderately pronounced). In addition, the drug replenishes energy reserves, increasing intellectual and physical productivity.
- Solution for infusion. In a liter of 5% glucose there are 50 grams of anhydrous dextrose, in a 10% composition - 100 grams of the substance, in a 20% mixture - 200 grams of carbohydrate, in a 40% concentrate - 400 grams of saccharide. Considering that a 5% saccharide solution is isotonic with respect to blood plasma, the introduction of the drug into the bloodstream helps to normalize the acid-base and water-electrolyte balance in the body.
- Solution for intravenous injection. A milliliter of 5% concentrate contains 50 milligrams of dried dextrose, 10% - 100 milligrams, 25% - 250 milligrams, 40% - 400 milligrams. When administered intravenously, glucose increases osmotic blood pressure, dilates blood vessels, increases urine formation, enhances the outflow of fluid from tissues, activates metabolic processes in the liver, and normalizes the contractile function of the myocardium.
In addition, the saccharide is used for artificial therapeutic nutrition, including enteral and parenteral.
