C-true: The real score on ascorbic acid

MANILA, Philippines - More isn’t always better. That’s what some experts say when it comes to taking some forms of vitamin C. That’s because there’s more than one kind of vitamin C going around and some of them may not be what they claim to be.

Megadosing, or taking more than 1,000 milligrams, of vitamin C became popular back in the late 1960s after chemist and two-time Nobel laureate Linus Pauling practiced it himself and advocated it to others. His claims sparked off a debate on the benefits and ills of megadosing that continues today.

Myth #1: Megadosing on vitamin C is the best way to prevent colds.

Fact: Megadosing with vitamin C reduces the duration, but not the frequency of colds.

“If you look at the actual incidence, meaning the frequency of the colds, it doesn’t seem to reduce it. If you’re going to get a cold, you’re still going to get it,” explains Dr. Cecile Jimeno, an associate professor from the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology at the University of the Philippines, Manila. “But what it will reduce is the duration of the actual cold. That’s going to be shortened.”

Megadosing may not be necessary, adds Dr. Jimeno, who has reviewed existing studies on the different kinds of vitamin C. According to the Philippines FNRI, the Recommended Energy and Nutrient Intake (RENI) for adult Filipinos is a mere 70 to 75 milligrams of vitamin C a day. For pregnant women, it is 80 to 105 milligrams. However, in cases where the diet is deficient in vitamin C, higher doses are needed.

Myth #2: Sodium ascorbate and calcium ascorbate are less acidic and are, therefore, safer alternatives to ascorbic acid.

Fact: There are no controlled clinical trials to support the claim that mineral ascorbates such as sodium ascorbate and calcium ascorbate cause less hyperacidity. Furthermore, there may be risks with intake of too much mineral.

“If you look at [scientific] literature actually, there’s not much basis supporting (the claim that mineral ascorbates cause less hyperacidity),” says Dr. Jimeno. “It’s not actually based on experiments or trials. It’s really mostly based on testimonials of patients who do say that. But the downside probably mostly for the sodium ascorbate is that if you take as much as 10,000 to 20,000mg per day, meaning that’s around 20 to even 40 tablets (of 500 milligrams each), then the downside is that they do contain a lot of sodium.”

Myth #3: Taking an ascorbic acid supplement is harmful and is not necessary because dietary intake is sufficient.

Fact: Ascorbic acid supplements are relatively safe and as effective in providing your daily dietary vitamin C requirements.

Fruits like guava, papaya, various types of citrus, citrus juices, and vegetables like broccoli are high in vitamin C. However, many people are unable to make such fruits and vegetables a regular part of their diet. Furthermore, certain groups are at risk for vitamin C deficiency because of chronic malnutrition and generally poor intake. These include those with chronic diseases, the elderly, and those who are dieting.

Myth #4: Some forms of vitamin C are more easily absorbed than others.

Fact: Natural (fruits and vegetables) or synthetic (ascorbic acid, sodium ascorbate, calcium ascorbate) are comparable in terms of how the body absorbs and utilizes the nutrient.

There’s no issue when you go for tried and tested ways to boost your health. The convenience of a supplement packed with immune-boosters that can be just as good as fruits and vegetables can be found in ascorbic acid Cecon.

Knowing what’s in your vitamin C helps ensure that you take the right kind of supplements. Ascorbic acid Cecon, the trusted vitamin C brand, reinforces its message of “Everyday Cecon, Everyday Protection”.

With ascorbic acid Cecon as your body’s armor of protection, you are assured of a strong immune system and are protected from colds and infections every day.