Ascorbic acid is a water-soluble antioxidant, commonly known in the form of vitamin C. This nutrient is not naturally made in your body but is crucial for maintaining healthy body functions. To prevent deficiency of this micronutrient, it must be consumed in small amounts on a daily basis through natural or supplemental sources. Ascorbic acid is believed to have many other health uses. However, MayoClinic.com indicates that scientific studies are inconclusive for most proposed uses except in the prevention of scurvy. Talk to your physician before taking higher-than-recommended doses of ascorbic acid to ensure safety.
Step 1
Build up and strengthen your immune system with the daily recommended intake. Your immune system protects you from infections caused by virus and free radicals. The daily recommended dietary allowance of ascorbic acid in adults to maintain immune system health is 75 mg for women and 90 mg for men. Obtain this nutrient from natural sources like one medium orange that yields 70 mg, 1 cup of strawberries with 85 mg or 1/2 cup of broccoli with 95 mg.
Step 2
Apply topically to your skin to improve wrinkles. Over-the-counter skin creams containing ascorbic acid in combination with ingredients like zinc and bioflavonoids may improve facial wrinkles, MedlinePlus says. Follow packaging instructions for application dosage and frequency.
Step 3
Consume short-term higher doses to shorten the duration of the common cold. The upper tolerable limit for vitamin C is not to exceed 2,000 mg per day. According to the Linus Pauling Institute, research trials indicate this nutrient does not cure the common cold but may have therapeutic effects of up to 50 percent in symptom duration reduction. Higher dose use of vitamin C is not necessarily toxic, but adverse effects associated with gastrointestinal disturbance may occur. Consult your physician before taking high doses of ascorbic acid to treat your cold.
Step 4
Eat dietary sources to protect your cartilage. The connective tissue between your joints and bones is cartilage. Your body needs ascorbic acid to make the collagen, proteins that support your body tissue, in order to produce healthy cartilage. A normal diet with the daily recommended allowance of ascorbic acid protects you from cartilage damage associated with osteoarthritis.
Step 5
Prevent urinary tract infections during pregnancy. Consume the recommended daily allowance during pregnancy of 85 mg to prevent urinary tract infections. MayoClinic.com notes this use may decrease your risk but it is not certain and further research is needed for conclusive evidence. Vitamin C intake during pregnancy is considered safe at the recommended dose.
Tips and Warnings
- Choose foods with ascorbic acid as your main source of obtaining the nutrient. Before using a supplement consult your physician.
- Never take an increased dose of supplemental ascorbic acid without the consent of your physician. Supplements can cause nausea, severe diarrhea and kidney stones.
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