name | Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) |
classification | Water-soluble vitamin |
pharmacokinetics | Absorbed in the small intestine. High doses may be excreted in the urine. Plasma concentrations are generally dependent on the amount of dietary vitamin C. |
suggested dosage | The recommended daily allowance (RDA) for men aged 25 is 90mg. This is a general guideline and individual needs may vary. Higher doses may be considered for certain conditions (consult a physician). |
indications | 1 | Prevention and treatment of scurvy | 2 | Supporting immune function | 3 | Wound healing | 4 | Treating iron deficiency (in some cases) |
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safety in pregnancy | Generally considered safe in pregnancy in recommended doses. However, high doses may have adverse effects. Consult a physician. |
safety in breastfeeding | Generally considered safe in breastfeeding in recommended doses. However, high doses may have adverse effects. Consult a physician. |
side effects | 1 | Gastrointestinal upset (nausea, heartburn, diarrhea, abdominal cramps) | 2 | Headache | 3 | Insomnia | 4 | Kidney stones (with high doses) | 5 | Increased risk of kidney problems in patients with pre-existing kidney disease | 6 | Allergic reactions (rare) | 7 | Skin rash (rare) |
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alternatives | 1 | Other Vitamin C products | 2 | No direct alternatives to vitamin C exist because it's needed in the body. | 3 | However, if a patient is not consuming sufficient amounts from diet, supplementation may be needed |
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contraindications | 1 | Known hypersensitivity to vitamin C | 2 | Gout (high doses may exacerbate symptoms) | 3 | Patients with renal stones | 4 | Individuals with underlying kidney problems |
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interactions | 1 | May interact with certain medications, such as anticoagulants and iron supplements. Consult a physician before combining with other medications. | 2 | May increase the absorption of iron. | 3 | May reduce the effectiveness of some medications. |
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warnings and precautions | 1 | High doses may cause diarrhea, nausea, and/or abdominal cramps. | 2 | Monitor kidney function in patients taking high doses, especially those with pre-existing kidney problems. | 3 | Consult a physician before taking vitamin C supplements if you are taking other medications or have any underlying health conditions. | 4 | Do not exceed recommended dosages without medical supervision. | 5 | Should not be used as a replacement for a balanced diet. |
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additional informations | 1 | Vitamin C is important for collagen synthesis, a vital component of connective tissues. | 2 | Vitamin C is an antioxidant, protecting cells from damage. | 3 | Vitamin C is naturally present in various fruits and vegetables. | 4 | The body does not store vitamin C, so regular intake is important. |
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patient specific considerations | |
dosage recommendations male 25 | Consult with a doctor for an appropriate dosage tailored to individual needs. As a general recommendation, 90 mg daily is sufficient for a healthy male of 25 years. This value should not be exceeded without medical supervision. |