Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin essential for good health. Because it dissolves in water, a liquid vitamin C supplement is an effective way to administer this nutrient. Adequate intake of vitamin C is essential for skin health and wound healing. Fruits and vegetables are the primary dietary sources of this nutrient. If you are not fond of these foods, a liquid vitamin C supplement may be a good alternative for you. Because of possible side effects and drug interactions, you should consult your doctor before you begin taking a supplement.
Vitamin C Benefits
Vitamin C serves several vital functions in the human body, including its role as a powerful antioxidant. In this capacity, it can help to protect the body from cellular damage caused by free radicals and exposure to environmental contaminants. It is also essential for the synthesis of eight human enzymes. Vitamin C is often included in health and beauty products because of its function for collagen health, the main structural protein of the skin.
Benefits of Liquid Supplements
A liquid supplement offers several health benefits over pills or capsules. Vitamins in liquid form are easier to take and highly digestible. You have the advantage of being able to easily change your dosage as needed. As you age, you may need higher amounts of vitamin C. In addition, smokers will have a higher requirement than non-smokers, explains a 2000 study by the Institute of Experimental Gerontology in Switzerland.
Dosage
Women should get at least 75 mg of vitamin C daily for its antioxidant health benefits. Men should get 90 mg. However, some experts recommend a higher daily dosage. The Linus Pauling Institute, for example, recommends at least 400 mg daily. If your doctor has prescribed vitamin C, you should follow her recommendations. Since it is water soluble, any excess that the body does not need will be excreted because the body cannot absorb more than 1,000 mg per dose.
Guidelines for Use
Before taking a liquid vitamin C supplement, there are several cautions of which you need to be aware. Vitamin C can interact with several types of medication, including blood thinners, antacids and some antibiotics. It can also cause side effects in some individuals, especially at higher doses. Reported side effects include stomach upset, headache and dizziness. WholeHealthMD.com also cautions that vitamin C may interfere with your body's absorption of copper and selenium, two essential minerals. Finally, because it is liquid, you should make sure that your supplement is out of reach of children and pets.
References
- Colorado State University Extension; Vitamins: Introduction and Index; R. Bowen; August 16, 2003
- Linus Pauling Institute; Vitamin C; Victoria J. Drake; November 2009
- "International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research"; Vitamin C Concentrations in Plasma as a Function of Intake: A Meta-Analysis; D. Brubacher, et al.; September 2000
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin C
- Whole Health MD; Vitamin C; June 29, 2010
- Drugs; Vitamin C; December 15, 2010
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