Vita C

Vitamin C is available in multiple forms, adapted to different preferences and needs: tablets, capsules, effervescent tablets, vegetable gummies, or drops for oral administration.

There are also dermo-cosmetic products with vitamin C for external use: creams, serums, or lotions for deep hydration, reducing dark circles, stimulating collagen synthesis, and antioxidant protection.

Manufacturers - Vitabalans, Helcor, Mincer, Activlab, etc.

Vitamin C-based products have various complex functions in the body:

• Immune support: prevention and reduction of the severity of cold and flu episodes.
• Antioxidant protection: neutralization of free radicals, especially in conditions of increased oxidative stress (intense physical exertion, pollution, smoking).
• Reduction of fatigue and exhaustion: through its role in energy metabolism and psychological functions.
• Supporting the health of the osteoarticular system: through its involvement in collagen synthesis.
• Maintaining healthy skin, gums, and teeth.
• Improving the absorption of non-heme iron from food.
• Cosmetics (creams with vitamin C): reduction of dark circles, stimulation of cell regeneration, anti-aging protection.

The dosage regimen depends on individual needs, concentration, and form of administration.

For tablets, 1-2 tablets per day are recommended, swallowed with water, preferably with food. The recommended daily dose of vitamin C varies between 500-1000 mg.

For creams containing vitamin C, daily application is recommended, massaging gently into clean, dry skin.

There are several contraindications for Vita C consumption:

• Known hypersensitivity to vitamin C or any of the product's excipients
• Patients with recurrent oxalic kidney stones or severe renal failure
• Administration in very high doses to people with hemochromatosis, due to increased iron absorption

Smokers and competitive athletes may have a higher vitamin C requirement due to increased oxidative stress.

Concomitant administration with iron-rich foods promotes its absorption.

Cosmetic products containing vitamin C can be used as adjuvants in anti-aging regimens, but their effectiveness increases when combined with oral supplementation.

Vitamin C is usually well tolerated. However, in high doses (over 2000 mg/day), the following may occur:

• Digestive disorders: nausea, abdominal cramps, diarrhea
• Formation of oxalic kidney stones
• Skin allergic reactions (rare)

Vitamin C may interact with certain medications such as:

• Oral anticoagulants (warfarin): in high doses, vitamin C may reduce their effect
• Oral contraceptives: may reduce plasma levels of vitamin C

If you are taking medication for severe chronic diseases, tell your doctor before taking any other dietary supplement.

Excessive intake of vitamin C (over 2 g/day) can cause severe digestive disorders, electrolyte imbalances, and risk of kidney stones. Treatment is symptomatic, with discontinuation of administration and hydro-electrolytic rebalancing.

Vita C should be stored at temperatures below 25°C, in its original packaging, away from light and moisture. Cosmetic products should be stored in dry places, away from direct sunlight, to prevent oxidation of vitamin C. Keep out of reach of children. Observe the expiry date stated on the packaging.

• WebMD, Vitamin C
• Healthline, Vitamin C
• PubMed, Vitamin C and Immune Function
• MDPI, Vitamin C: A Comprehensive Review of Its Role in Health, Disease Prevention, and Therapeutic Potential