Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C): Uses, indications and notes when using

Vitamin C or ascorbic acid plays a relatively important role in the body's metabolism. A healthy diet usually does not cause vitamin C deficiency. However, in some special patients who cannot absorb the necessary amount of ascorbic acid, then the doctor will prescribe additional supplements with medications. So what should be kept in mind when using vitamin C pills?

Ascorbic acid (also called vitamin C) is used to prevent or treat vitamin C deficiency in people who are not getting enough of the vitamin from their daily diet. Most people who follow a normal diet do not need extra ascorbic acid.
Low levels of vitamin C in the daily diet can lead to scurvy due to vitamin C deficiency. The disease can cause symptoms such as a rash, muscle weakness, joint pain, fatigue, or tooth loss.
Vitamin C has an important role for the body, this is a necessary vitamin to maintain the health of skin, cartilage, teeth, bones and the stability of blood vessels. In addition, vitamin C is also used to protect the body's cells from damage, as vitamin C is known as a powerful antioxidant.
MORE: Side effects of vitamin C

Ascorbic acid is taken orally, with or without food, usually 1-2 times daily. You can take vitamin C according to the instructions on the product packaging or take it as directed by your doctor.
If the patient is taking extended-release capsules, swallow the tablet whole, do not crush or chew the extended-release capsule or tablet as this may cause all the medication to be released at once. increases the risk of side effects. In addition, do not split extended-release tablets unless they have a dividing line or when directed to break by your doctor/pharmacist. Swallow the tablet whole (no need to crush or chew) with a full glass of water (8 ounces/240 milliliters).
If the ascorbic acid is in the form of lozenges, the patient should place the lozenge in the mouth and allow the lozenge to dissolve slowly.
If patient is taking powdered ascorbic acid, mix ascorbic acid thoroughly with suitable liquid or soft food, stir well and use immediately, do not mix. If the patient is taking the liquid form of this vitamin, carefully measure the dose with a special measuring device, do not use a household spoon as this may lead to incorrect dosage.
The dose of each person will be prescribed by the doctor based on the health condition and response to treatment of each specific individual. Take ascorbic acid regularly at the same time each day to make it easier for the patient to remember to take the medication.
MORE: Should normal health be supplemented with vitamin C daily?

Possible side effects of ascorbic acid include: diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, heartburn, etc. If any of the side effects of ascorbic acid persist or become increasingly severe. More importantly, tell your doctor or pharmacist right away.
Vitamin C can cause rare but very serious side effects such as: painful urination, pink urine or blood in the urine.

Before taking products containing ascorbic acid, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to this active ingredient and your medical history, especially kidney disease (kidney stones), G6PD deficiency. .
During pregnancy, vitamin C has been shown to be safe when used in recommended doses. Higher doses should be used during pregnancy only when clearly needed and after discussing the risks and benefits with your obstetrician.
Vitamin C can pass into breast milk and is considered safe during breastfeeding when used in recommended doses by the mother.

The effect of ascorbic acid may change if the patient takes it with other medicines or herbal products. This may increase your risk of serious side effects or may prevent ascorbic acid from working as well.
For the most effective medication, patients should tell their doctor about all products they are using (including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and herbal medicines) before starting treatment. treatment with vitamin C pills. At the same time, during the use of ascorbic acid, patients should not arbitrarily use, stop or change the dosage of any medications they are using without consulting their doctor.
Vitamin C can affect and distort the results of some laboratory tests, including urine glucose tests, so when performing these tests, patients need to inform their doctor. Doctors and laboratory staff about the use of ascorbic acid.
Vitamin C is not a product suitable for use in diets. The source of ascorbic acid in the daily diet should come from other healthy foods, such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, broccoli and some vegetables. other fruit.
If the patient misses a dose of vitamin C, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is too close to the time of the next dose, the user should skip the missed dose, do not double the dose to make up for the missed dose.
Different brands of vitamin C pills will have different storage requirements. Therefore, you need to check the information on the product's packaging or instruction sheet to have the most appropriate preservation measures. It is important to keep all medications (including ascorbic acid) out of the reach of children and pets.

Reference source: webmd.com