Vitamin C

General Information:

• A biochemist named Irwin Stone claims that the human body underwent a genetic transoformation (mutation) that resulted in the loss of an enzyme in the liver that produced vitamin C. Whether this is true or not, the human body must supplement with vitamin C for survival. Stone says we all contracted a genetic disease called hypoascorbemia which resulted in scurvy, a disease which begins with bleeding gums and results in the body hemorrhaging from subcutaneous tissues.
  
  Vitamin C aids in all of the body's metabolic processes. It's greatest contribution is to help in the formation of collagen, a major part of cartilage, which enables our bones to be cushioned during movement. It also helps in the formation of red blood cells by maintaining the elastic quality of arteries, veins and capillaries. It aids in the transfer of iron to the liver that turns into ferritin which when at a low level, results in anemia. It is stored in the adrenal glands and in the pituitary gland.
  
• It is present in tomatoes, carrots, celery, in orages, lemons, bananas, blueberries, cranberries, apples, pineapples, chicken liver, skim milk, and from acerola and rose hips.
  
• Nosebleeds, slow healing of wounds, ulcers, fatigue, and anemia. Destroyed in the body by aspirin, barbituates, adrenaline, estrogen, sulfonamides, ammonium chloride, antihistamines, thyroid medication. Surgery, fatigue, smoking, alcohol consumption, food high in nitrites, and diabetes also use up a lot of vitamin C.
  
• Requirements are 60 mg per day for adults.
  

ŠJamie Longstreet 1996-2004