A little about vitamins – something you didn’t know about

The concept of ascorbic acid

The chemical formula of ascorbic acid is C6H8O6. The powder is no different from other vitamins: it is soluble in water, resistant to fat, has a sour taste, but is odorless. If stored improperly, it disintegrates and resembles a powder in its structure.

At what temperature is vitamin C destroyed? The destructive process begins at 60 degrees, and breaks down into particles at 100 degrees.

Chemists have proven that vitamin molecules are similar in composition to crystalline sugar, but there are still significant differences. Artificially synthesized vitamin C appeared in the food industry, which immediately became a popular food additive under the number E315. It does not have the same beneficial properties as the original, although it is much cheaper.

Functions in the body

The main role of ascorbic acid in the human body is the fight against radicals and antioxidant effect. It is also a powerful antioxidant, as it protects internal organs and tissues from possible damage and the development of cancer.

What is vitamin C for? With its participation, redox processes occur in the body, protein synthesis occurs, and connective tissues are strengthened. Vitamin C accelerates the healing of wounds and scars and has a positive effect on epithelial regeneration.

It is important for athletes to regularly take vitamin and mineral complexes containing ascorbic acid, since it normalizes energy processes and increases endurance. The synthesis of steroid hormones, the metabolism of folic acid, and some metals cannot do without vitamin C. In bodybuilding, the substance is valued for its role in gaining muscle mass, since the level of absorption and processing of protein depends on it.

The importance of ascorbic acid for the body cannot be overestimated. Vitamin C strengthens blood vessels and promotes better permeability of important elements through their walls. If vitamin C is present in the body in the right amount, inflammatory processes occur in a lighter form.

The absorption of iron thanks to vitamin C improves, and the blood is provided with an antianemic factor.

The immune system works at full strength in the presence of three main vitamins: A, C, E. Ascorbic acid is responsible for the functionality of protective cells; if there is enough of it, the immune system resists any foreign agents: viruses, bacteria, parasites.

Oncology is considered the plague of the 21st century; statistics show that the number of cancer cases is steadily growing. Oncologists say that with normal levels of vitamin C in the body, a natural fight against cancer cells occurs. However, if a surplus of ascorbate forms in the body, mutating cancer cells become more resistant, even radiation therapy does not kill them. Cancer patients are advised to maintain vitamin C at the proper level.

Ascorbic acid protects the liver from the effects of toxins, removes copper, radioactive substances, mercury, and lead. To prevent the development of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, ascorbate has become an indispensable remedy. By controlling the level of the substance in the body, there is a chance to avoid cancer in the colon and bladder.

Acid normalizes the functionality of the nervous system, the body gains resistance to stress, and the strength to resist pathogens appears. In addition, the work of the adrenal glands is balanced and the required amount of hormones responsible for combating stress is produced. This is not all that ascorbic acid is responsible for.

It is impossible to give an objective assessment of the effect of vitamin C. In the twenty-first century, science does not know all the properties that a substance has. Do not underestimate control over the level of ascorbic acid in the body, since its deficiency causes the development of chronic diseases.

Why does a person need vitamin C?

Ascorbic acid or vitamin C is an organic compound that is highly soluble in water, is biologically active and related to glucose. Vitamin C is one of the most effective antioxidants; it prevents the negative effects of free radicals on the cells of living beings. Thanks to ascorbic acid, collagen is biologically synthesized - the basis of the connective tissue of tendons, skin, cartilage, and bones. It also has other functions:

• strengthening the immune system (the body more actively produces antibodies and leukocytes; vitamin C also helps to form interferon compounds that have an antiviral effect and accelerate wound healing);
• antioxidant, that is, prevention of cardiovascular diseases and slowing down the aging process;
• participation in the production of hormones by the adrenal glands;
• processing cholesterol and removing it from the body;
• maintaining the effective functioning of neurotransmitters, on which the general emotional state of a person and the health of his nervous system depend;
• decreased blood pressure;
• increasing blood flow speed by dilating capillaries;
• removal of heavy metal salts from the body.

According to some scientists, vitamin C is one of the important factors in the prevention of cancer. Research is underway on its effect on cancer cells of the gastrointestinal tract and genitourinary system.

Many vitamins, including the one that this article is devoted to, are not synthesized in the body, which means that a person needs to regularly receive them through drinks or food.

Sources of Vitamin C

The body, due to its characteristics, does not accumulate ascorbic acid, so you should carefully monitor its consumption. The daily diet does not often contain foods rich in vitamin C. The amount of the substance should be replenished in medicinal form or in the form of nutritional supplements. The natural vitamin is water-soluble and easily subject to heat treatment, which destroys its beneficial chemical properties.

Main sources of the substance:

• kiwi;
• rose hip;
• Bell pepper;
• melon;
• black currant;
• onion;
• tomatoes;
• oranges;
• apples;
• peach;
• persimmon;
• Rowan;
• baked potato;
• cabbage;
• leafy herbs.

Previously, oranges and tangerines were considered the main fruits containing the most vitamins. Over time, scientists have proven that this is not so, but it is difficult to compare with rosehip, bell pepper and kiwi in terms of the presence of the substance.

Among animal products, vitamin C is found only in the liver, adrenal glands and kidneys.

Herbs containing ascorbic acid are added to any dishes during cooking:

• mint;
• nettle;
• oats;
• parsley;
• plantain;
• raspberry leaves;
• sorrel.

These plants are easily digestible, as evidenced by more than one table of nutritional value of products. People who adhere to a healthy diet do not have to worry about their vitamin levels, since their diet consists of healthy foods, the caloric content of which will not harm the diet.

There are no recommendations on how vitamin C is absorbed. To absorb as much ascorbic acid as possible, follow these rules:

1. Vegetables and fruits are peeled and cut immediately before consumption.
2. During cooking, vegetables are placed only in boiling water so that the organic vitamin does not dissolve in the water during heating.
3. Cooked vegetables should not be left in the broth, because everything is given up to the liquid, and the fruits become useless.
4. Fresh vegetable salads are salted and seasoned with sauces only before serving.

Vitamin C is consumed instantly after it enters the body; take care to consume the vitamin evenly throughout the day.

It is advisable to divide the daily dose into three equal portions, thus maintaining the concentration of the substance in the body constantly. Having found out what contains the most ascorbic acid, try to properly prepare and eat foods with an increased source of the substance.

What if it's not enough?

A severe deficiency of vitamin C causes scurvy
: fragility of blood vessels, the appearance of hemorrhages under the skin, bleeding gums and tooth loss.
But if there is simply not enough of it in the body, the symptoms of hypovitaminosis are not very clear, and people often attribute them to the consequences of stress or fatigue. With a lack of ascorbic acid, the skin becomes dull and dry due to insufficient collagen synthesis. Even minor injuries cause severe hemorrhages and bleeding due to increased permeability of the vascular walls. Hair becomes dull and begins to fall out, nails break. The person becomes lethargic and gets tired quickly
.

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Often these symptoms appear in those who follow strict diets - especially those in which the consumption of fresh vegetables and fruits is sharply limited.

Ascorbic acid as a medicine

If there is a lack of vitamin in the body, it is recommended to replenish the supply with medications. Release form:

• dragee;
• pills;
• ampoules;
• powders.

The form of use is determined by the attending physician depending on the nature of the disease. The instructions for use warn of possible side effects if the drug dosage is incorrect.

Ascorbic acid dragees are prescribed to children because they resemble candy and not medicine. Effervescent tablets are popular among professional athletes. One tablet, diluted in a glass of water, replenishes vitamin reserves and invigorates before a grueling workout. The powder is available in sachets.

An injection solution is prepared in ampoules. One ampoule contains 50 mg and 100 mg, which allows you to administer the required dose of the drug at a time.

An overdose negatively affects the mucous membrane of the stomach and digestive tract as a whole. Pregnant women are at risk because the metabolism between the mother and fetus is disrupted. As a result, the child develops allergies, and the mother may develop problems with the gastrointestinal tract.

Daily value for humans

Scientists have not reached a consensus regarding the daily requirement of vitamin C for the human body. A common option for the average adult is 60-80 milligrams of the substance per day.

Infants are allowed to consume up to 40 mg of ascorbic acid, for children aged five - 45 mg, at fourteen years of age the daily norm increases to 50 mg.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends using a different calculation method: 2.5 mg of the substance is needed per kilogram of body weight. A 200-pound man should receive 225 mg of vitamin C per day. To replenish ascorbic acid levels for medicinal purposes, doctors increase the recommended dose three times.

In some categories, it is recommended to increase the standard doses, since the body does not have enough average amount of vitamin C in the body. These categories include:

1. Pregnant women – 75 mg. If you have a question about whether pregnant women can take vitamin C, check with the antenatal clinic so as not to worry about the baby’s health. When planning pregnancy, the level of vitamin C in the body is important for both men and women. The daily norm does not exceed 100 mg.
2. Nursing mothers – 90 mg.
3. Smokers and alcoholics – 120 mg. Alcohol and nicotine accelerate the breakdown of vitamin C, which provokes the formation of a deficiency of the substance in the body.
4. Persons in constant stressful situations.
5. People living in areas with unfavorable ecology: factory emissions, exhaust gases, untreated drinking water, etc. As soon as harmful substances enter the body, ascorbic acid is used for their disposal. The need for vitamin increases.
6. Residents of the Far North and Southern regions. Unusual weather conditions are considered stress for the body, so residents are advised to take 40% more vitamins than other categories.
7. Women taking oral contraceptives.

Even if you belong to the group of people suffering from vitamin C deficiency, do not consume large doses of the substance at once. Divide the dose into 3 servings and take them throughout the day.

At what age is the use of ascorbic acid allowed? Vitamins without the presence of pathologies in the baby are introduced into the diet after the end of the breastfeeding period. When breastfeeding, the baby receives all the necessary elements from mother's milk.

The lethal dose for humans is 60-90 tablets in a short period of time. The body does not have time to remove the substance from the body with urine, and an overdose of the vitamin occurs.

Vitamin C intake rate

There is no universal answer to the question of how much vitamin C a person needs. When calculating the daily allowance, many factors need to be taken into account:

• climate and season;
• state of ecology;
• bad habits (nicotine addiction, passive smoking, alcohol intake);
• gender and age of the person;
• chronic diseases.

Doctors have calculated that the average adult should consume from 60 to 100 mg of vitamin C daily. If the doctor has prescribed complex treatment for any disease, it is recommended to increase the dosage to 500 mg or more (but not more than 1500 mg per day).

Increasing the amount of vitamin C entering the body is necessary for those who take contraceptives or antibiotics. People who smoke usually suffer from a lack of ascorbic acid. The combustion products of tobacco interfere with its absorption, which means that those with nicotine addiction should increase the daily dose of vitamin C intake by 20-35 percent.

Fans of kebabs, fried pork, beef stewed with vegetables and other meat dishes, including smoked meats, sausages and sausages, should also consume an increased amount of vitamin C. The fact is that an excess of nitrogenous compounds has a negative effect on the human body. In addition, when making sausages, manufacturers use saltpeter as a preservative, a nitrate compound that, when mixed with gastric juice, can provoke the growth of cancer cells.

Vitamin C deficiency and its signs

Let us remember that since ancient times, citrus fruits were considered the only salvation from scurvy. 10 mg of ascorbic acid, which is equal to two fresh apples or a bunch of grapes, will help prevent the development of the disease. However, this is not enough to maintain the productive functioning of the body in conditions where the world is filled with negative factors: factories, exhaust fumes, dirty water, chronic stress.

Hypovitaminosis is manifested by a decrease in the functioning of the immune system, the body's vulnerability to respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases. Studies have proven that with a deficiency of ascorbic acid in schoolchildren, the body’s ability to resist pathogens is halved. Acid deficiency causes the development of serious diseases. Signs of vitamin C deficiency:

• sensitivity and bleeding gums;
• loss of teeth;
• decreased visual acuity;
• varicose veins;
• the appearance of bruises;
• prolonged wound healing;
• fatigue;
• hair loss;
• obesity;
• the appearance of wrinkles;
• irritability;
• inattention;
• joint pain;
• insomnia;
• depression;
• apathy.

With insufficient intake of ascorbic acid for two to three months, vitamin deficiency develops.

Before taking vitamins, find out their amount in the body in order to avoid unwanted consequences from an overdose. An excess of vitamin C is indicated by its presence in the urine.

You need to replenish vitamin C reserves in the body with the right foods, which were already mentioned above. Try to heat-treat fruits and vegetables as little as possible, since beneficial substances are destroyed extremely quickly.

Vitamins

Vitamins are biologically active organic compounds that are of great importance for normal metabolism and vital functions of the body.
They increase a person’s physical and mental performance, contribute to the body’s resistance to various diseases, which is why they can be considered as an important means of preventing them. Most vitamins are not synthesized in the human body, so a constant supply of them is necessary with food or in the form of medications.

With a lack of vitamins in the diet, a person develops hypovitaminosis, which is characterized by a deterioration in general well-being, rapid fatigue, and a decrease in the body’s defenses. Hypovitaminosis conditions are more often observed in winter and spring, since it is at these times of the year that many foods contain insufficient amounts of vitamins.

Vitamins are produced by industry in the form of special preparations. However, preference should be given to natural sources of vitamins and only if necessary, resort to vitamin preparations.

Vitamins are divided into two main groups: water-soluble vitamins and fat-soluble vitamins. In addition, there is a group of vitamin-like compounds, the degree of irreplaceability of which has not been proven.

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is involved in many vital processes, activates various enzymes and hormones, and increases the body's resistance to diseases. If it is insufficiently supplied to the body, general weakness, rapid fatigue appear, and gum bleeding is possible. One of the important properties of vitamin C is its ability to prevent scurvy, a disease in which gums become inflamed, teeth fall out, and resistance to infectious diseases sharply decreases.

Taking ascorbic acid reduces physical fatigue and increases performance. Therefore, it is necessary to take care of the daily intake of 50-70 mg, even 100 mg of vitamin C into the body through food.

The main sources of vitamin C are vegetables and fruits. They are rich in rose hips, black currants, sweet peppers, green onions, white cabbage (fresh and pickled) and cauliflower, radishes, green peas, tomatoes, dill, parsley, spinach, lemons, oranges.

It should be borne in mind that vitamin C is partially destroyed during cooking, as well as during long-term storage of vegetables and fruits. In winter, the most constant and accessible source of vitamin C is potatoes, as well as fresh and sauerkraut. To enrich the diet with vitamin C, we can recommend an infusion of dried rose hips.

The preservation of vitamin C is ensured by proper culinary processing of vegetables and fruits. Vegetables should not be left peeled and cut in the air for a long time; when cooking, they should be placed in boiling water immediately after peeling. Frozen vegetables should be immersed in boiling water, as slow thawing increases the loss of vitamin C.

B vitamins include vitamin B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), vitamin PP (nicotinic acid), B6 ​​(pyridoxine), B9 (folic acid), vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin), etc.

Thiamine (vitamin B1) plays an active role in carbohydrate metabolism, participates in protein and fat metabolism, is a stimulator of nervous and muscle activity, and has a beneficial effect on the functions of the digestive organs.

Symptoms of hypovitaminosis B1:

• muscle weakness,
• leg pain,
• weakening of attention,
• increased irritability.

With severe vitamin B1 deficiency, multiple inflammation of the nerve trunks is possible - polyneuritis. Polyneuritis, which occurs during a long monotonous diet of grains freed from the outer shells, as well as polished rice, is called Beri-Beri, and in the recent past was widespread in a number of countries.

The need for vitamin B1 increases with intense physical and neuropsychic activity.

Vitamin B1 is found in foods of both plant and animal origin. Bread products made from wholemeal flour and, especially from bran, contain a large amount of vitamin B1. It is found in cereals, peas, beans, meat, especially lean pork, and offal. There is a lot of vitamin B1 in yeast (brewer's, baker's) and nuts. For additional vitaminization, synthetic preparations of vitamin B1 are also used.

Riboflavin (vitamin B2) has a significant effect on the function of the organ of vision: it increases its sharpness, the ability to distinguish colors, and improves night vision.

If there is insufficiency of vitamin B2, the mucous membrane of the eyes may become inflamed, photophobia, lacrimation may appear, and visual acuity may decrease. Hypovitaminosis of riboflavin is associated with the appearance of cracks in the corners of the mouth (“jams”) and inflammation of the oral mucosa (stomatitis). Vitamin B2 is found in the same foods as vitamin B1. There is especially a lot of it in yeast.

Nicotinic acid (vitamin PP) is involved in metabolism, being an integral part of some oxidative enzymes, and has a beneficial effect on the nervous system and skin condition. With severe hypovitaminosis RR, a disease called pellagra occurs, which means “rough skin.” It is characterized, in addition to skin changes, intestinal dysfunction and mental retardation. RR deficiency causes fatigue, general weakness, irritability, and insomnia.

Sources of vitamin PP are wholemeal bread, cereals, beans, peas, potatoes, meat, fish, eggs, yeast.

For a more complete supply of vitamin PP, it is important to have a sufficient intake of complete protein in the body, containing one of the essential amino acids - tryptophan, necessary for the synthesis of nicotinic acid.

Pyridoxine (vitamin B6) plays an important role in the metabolism of proteins and fats and has a regulatory effect on the nervous system.

Symptoms of hypovitaminosis are muscle weakness, irritability. Vitamin B6 is found in foods of both animal and plant origin. There is a lot of it in yeast and liver. Pyridoxine is also found in meat, fish, eggs, milk, and cheese. Plant products that are a source of vitamin B6 include potatoes, peas, beans, and green peppers.

Folic acid (vitamin B9) is involved in the synthesis of certain amino acids, has a stimulating effect on hematopoiesis, and promotes better absorption of vitamin B12. With a lack of folic acid, anemia can develop.

It should be borne in mind that while most B vitamins are heat stable and are not destroyed during cooking, folic acid is easily destroyed when heated.

Among animal products, liver and kidneys are richest in folic acid, and among plant products, green leaves of plants are the richest. The best sources of folic acid are salad greens. It is also found in cabbage, beets, carrots, potatoes and other vegetables, and in many fruits.

Cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12) belongs to substances with high biological activity. It is involved in hematopoiesis processes. Vitamin B12 deficiency usually develops when its absorption is impaired and is manifested by anemia (anemia). The main source of vitamin B12 is animal products. Beef liver is especially rich in it.

Unlike water-soluble vitamins, fat-soluble vitamins enter the body only with fats. These are vitamins A, D, E, K.

Retinol (vitamin A) and carotene are involved in various types of metabolism and affect the condition of the mucous membranes and skin. The special importance of vitamin A for ensuring normal vision processes should be emphasized. Participating in the formation of the photosensitive substance of the retina, it plays a role in providing night and twilight vision.

One of the signs of vitamin A deficiency is loss of the ability to see at dusk, or so-called night blindness. Vitamin A deficiency also affects daytime vision, causing narrowed vision and impaired ability to distinguish colors.

Vitamin A is found only in products of animal origin: liver (pork, beef, fish), chicken eggs, milk, butter, cheese, fish oil. In summer there is more of it in milk than in winter, due to the higher content of carotene in animal feed in summer.

There is no vitamin A in plant foods. They contain its provitamin - carotene (from the Latin carota - carrot). Indeed, carrots contain a lot of carotene, as do other vegetables and fruits of red and orange color - tomatoes, red sweet peppers, apricots and dried apricots, sea buckthorn berries. There is carotene in green salad, cabbage, green peas, parsley, and green onions.

Because vitamin A is fat-soluble, it is absorbed much better when combined with fat. Therefore, it is advisable to consume vegetables containing carotene with fatty foods, for example, carrots with sour cream or in the form of salads and vinaigrettes with vegetable oil.

Vitamin A is resistant to heat, but unstable to oxygen and ultraviolet rays.

Therefore, it is recommended to store vegetables containing carotene in a dark place, and when cooking, chop them immediately before use.

Calciferols (vitamin D) influence mineral metabolism, ensure the absorption of calcium and phosphorus in the intestine, and affect the deposition of calcium in bone tissue. Vitamin D is necessary for the prevention of rickets in children. It is found only in products of animal origin (sour cream, cream, milk, cod liver, tuna).

In the human body, vitamin D is formed when the provitamin contained in the skin is exposed to sunlight. Vitamin D deficiency can occur when working in polar night conditions, in the absence of ultraviolet radiation.

Tocopherols (vitamin E) normalize muscle activity, preventing the development of muscle weakness and fatigue. This vitamin is closely related to the function of the endocrine system, especially the gonads, thyroid gland, and pituitary gland. Vitamin E is found in foods of plant and animal origin. There is a lot of it in vegetable oils, in particular in cottonseed, sunflower, and soybean oils. Vitamin E is found in small amounts in vegetables, legumes, milk, butter, chicken eggs, meat, and fish.

Phylloquinones (vitamin K) are one of the factors that ensure blood clotting. Vitamin K deficiency causes bleeding from the nose, gums, and gastrointestinal tract. Vitamin K is found in green leaves of lettuce, cabbage, and nettles.

Bioflavonoids (vitamin P) are classified as vitamin-like compounds. Vitamin P is part of the group of biologically active substances (rutin, catechins, anthocyanins), has a capillary-strengthening effect, and reduces the permeability of the vascular wall. P-hypovitaminosis is usually combined with ascorbic acid deficiency. In this case, fragility of the walls of small vessels, pinpoint hemorrhages, and rapid fatigue are possible.

Vitamin P is found in chokeberries, cherries, black currants, tea, green peas, oranges, lemons, rose hips, peppers, raspberries, strawberries and other fruits and berries.

Methylmethionine sulfonium (vitamin U) has a beneficial effect on the condition of the mucous membranes, promotes the healing of stomach and duodenal ulcers.

Vitamin U is found in white cabbage, tomatoes, green tea, and juices from raw vegetables (cabbage) and fruits.

Classification of vitamins and vitamin-like compounds

Excess ascorbic acid in the human body

Ascorbic acid is extremely beneficial for humans, but in large quantities it can cause irreparable harm. The body functions normally only when it receives the required amount of vitamins and minerals, not exceeding the permissible norm. Excess and deficiency become impetus for undesirable processes that affect the overall health.

Consequences of excess ascorbic acid:

1. Diarrhea.
2. Destruction of blood cells.
3. The simultaneous consumption of vitamin C and aspirin leads to irritation of the gastric mucosa and even the formation of erosion and ulcers. Aspirin causes increased consumption of ascorbic acid, which is excreted in the urine through the kidneys. Such a loss becomes the first sign of a serious vitamin deficiency.
4. A high dose of vitamin C interferes with the absorption of vitamin B12, which is used as a dietary supplement. B12 deficiency has an extremely negative effect on the body, so its level should be regularly monitored by a doctor.
5. Candies and chewing gums with a high content of vitamin C damage tooth enamel, so after eating them, be sure to brush your teeth and rinse your mouth.
6. Excessive doses of ascorbic acid slow down the functioning of the pancreas, which is dangerous for patients with diabetes and people with anemia, thrombophlebitis, and thrombosis. Vitamin C influences the formation of a separate group of hormones that affect the functioning of the kidneys and blood vessels.

Ascorbic acid is freely available in stores and pharmacies, and can be purchased without a doctor's prescription.

Excess vitamin C has negative consequences that are as serious as deficiency.

It is important not to overdo it!

In most cases, a lack of vitamin C will not turn a healthy person into a disabled person, but it will clearly worsen your health. But hypervitaminosis can cause even more harm. For most people, excess ascorbic acid will not harm you. Unless a diet with constant consumption of large amounts of fruit will cause diarrhea or diathesis.

In addition to ascorbic acid, citrus fruits contain B vitamins and phytoncides.

If there is too much vitamin C in the body and you are treated with salicylic acid-based antibiotics, gastritis or stomach ulcers may develop. An excess of ascorbic acid can cause increased blood pressure, headaches, deprive sleep and even cause miscarriage in pregnant women.

The use of loading doses of ascorbic acid is contraindicated for diabetics and people who have rapid blood clotting and a tendency to form blood clots.

Vitamin C in medicine

The beneficial properties of ascorbic acid have become the reason for its popularity in medicine. Vitamin C-based preparations are prescribed for a wide range of diseases:

• scurvy;
• avitaminosis;
• hepatitis;
• cirrhosis;
• helminthiasis;
• ulcer;
• fracture;
• bleeding;
• diathesis;
• infectious diseases;
• dystrophy.

Doctors, after studying the patient's medical history, may increase the dosage of vitamin C to 1.5 g per day. Intramuscular medications are administered in case of acute vitamin deficiency; in other cases, the diet is regulated and pills are prescribed.

The famous doctor Linus Pauling became an ardent supporter of the use of vitamin C for medicinal purposes. The scientist advocated the use of the substance in the treatment of serious diseases and minor ailments, but this trend was not confirmed by research by physiologists. Some patients, after exceeding the daily norm, developed serious problems caused by hypervitaminosis.

During pregnancy, additional examinations and tests are carried out, since both the woman and the child can be affected. It is not for nothing that there are restrictions on the use of vitamin C for pregnant women, since in the early stages its excess provokes miscarriage.

Ascorbic acid is prescribed for delayed menstruation and irregular cycles. Vitamin C is involved in the production of estrogen, an essential hormonal component necessary for the normal functioning of the female reproductive system. When there is a sufficient amount of this hormone, the muscle layer of the uterus contracts, provoking menstruation. Thus, the substance helps regulate the flow of menstruation and improves women’s health.

Application in cosmetology

Ascorbic acid, as an antioxidant, is included in anti-aging cosmetics for women. Products based on vitamin C prevent the effects of free radicals on the skin of the face, which is why it is used in the manufacture of anti-aging creams.

The presence of a vitamin in the list of cosmetic ingredients does not guarantee quality, since the amount of the element used is not always enough to produce an effect. The optimal dose in cosmetology ranges from 0.3% to 10%. Professional preparations on the labels contain information about the amount of active substance and the percentage of components.

Due to the sensitivity of the vitamin to light and air, cosmetics based on it are produced in sealed, tinted packaging with a dispenser.

Vitamin C-based facial cosmetics perform the following functions:

• protect the skin from exposure to infrared rays;
• synthesize collagen;
• restore collagen fibers;
• slow down the aging process;
• increase skin tone;
• prevent the appearance of age spots;
• relieve inflammation;
• refresh and improve complexion;
• strengthen vascular walls.

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In winter, to replenish vitamin C reserves, it is necessary to take vitamin and mineral complexes for the skin.

Ascorbic acid is useful for hair; it gives hair shine and silkiness. Liquid vitamin C in ampoules is added to ordinary shampoo or hair conditioner. Nutrition along the entire length is provided during each wash.