Hepatitis C is an inflammation of the liver caused by a virus. Hepatitis C can be either acute or chronic. In acute cases, it is short term and normally appears within six months of your being exposed to the virus. Some people can rid themselves of the virus, but for about 75 percent to 85 percent of people exposed, it can develop into a chronic lifelong condition that may lead to liver disease, cirrhosis of the liver or liver cancer, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Vitamin C can be helpful in boosting the immune system to help fight off the virus.
Vitamin C and Hepatitis C
Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin and powerful antioxidant that stimulates the immune system. As such it may be a useful source for fighting the hepatitis C virus, particularly for acute cases. The "Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine" notes that according to Robert Cathcart, M.D., high doses of vitamin C, between 40 and 100 g, given orally or intravenously, had a significant impact in reducing acute hepatitis within two to four days and clearing up jaundice, a symptom, inside of six days.
Vitamin C and Diet
Vitamin C is mainly found in fresh fruits and vegetables. Your body cannot store the vitamin so you need to ingest it daily. The recommended dietary allowance varies by age and gender. It ranges from 40 mg for infants to 90 mg per day for adult males over age 19, according to the National Institutes of Health. Fruits high in vitamin C include citrus fruits, cantaloupe, pineapple, kiwi and strawberries. Vegetables high in vitamin C include broccoli, tomatoes, and green leafy foods such as spinach.
Vitamin C Supplements
Ideally you should get the RDA through diet, but you can also take a dietary supplement. These supplements are readily available, either as a part of a multivitamin or as a stand-alone. Most supplements are in the form of ascorbic acid. Research has not shown that any specific form of the vitamin is better than another, per the National Institutes of Health.
Interactions and Side Effects
It is possible to get too much vitamin C, which can lead to stomach upset, nausea or diarrhea. Because vitamin C also helps in iron absorption, it can cause your body to store too much iron, which can damage bodily tissue, according to the National Institutes of Health. To be safe, the agency stipulates upper levels of daily vitamin C should range from 400 mg for a child 1 year old to 2,000 mg for adults. Vitamin C can also interact with certain medications, so discuss taking it with your health care provider to determine what works best for you.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Hepatitis C
- "Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, Revised Second Edition"; M. Murray, et al.; December 1997
- National Institutes of Health: Vitamin C
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