Pharmacology Book

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Vitamin C

Aka: Vitamin C, Ascorbic acid
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  1. Sources
    1. Citrus fruits
      1. Orange Juice (8 ounces contains 100 mg)
      2. Lemons
      3. Grapefruit
    2. Dark-green leafy vegetables
      1. Asparagus
      2. Broccoli
    3. Tomatoes
  2. Signs of Deficiency
    1. See Scurvy
  3. Doses (Ascorbic acid per day)
    1. Recommended Daily Allowance: 200 mg/day
    2. Minimum (Scurvy prevention)
      1. Formula fed infants: 35 mg/day
      2. Lactating mothers: 100 mg/day
      3. Other children and adults: 45-60 mg/day
  4. Mechanism
    1. Antioxidant and pro-oxidant effects
  5. Potential benefits of high intake
    1. Reduced risk of Senile Cataract
    2. Reduced risk of Cancer
    3. Reduced risk of Coronary Artery Disease
    4. Higher HDL Cholesterol concentrations
  6. Disproved Myths: non-benefits
    1. Does NOT prevent Upper Respiratory Infections
      1. Studied with short term studies
  7. Adverse Effects of high doses of Vitamin C (>1 gram)
    1. Poorly absorbed
    2. Diarrhea
    3. Increased urinary oxylate excretion
      1. Nephrolithiasis risk
  8. References
    1. Behrman (2000) Nelson Pediatrics, p. 182-4

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