Vitamin C May Help You See

[Islander]

By Jo-Ann Heslin, MA, RD, CDN, Food & Nutrition Columnist
Aug 22, 2011

(HealthNewsDigest.com) - Reserach published in the Journal of Neuroscience, from the Oregon Health & Science University, shows that nerve cells in the eye require vitamin C to work properly. The retina of the eye, which is part of the central nervous system, needs to be bathed in vitamin C to function correctly. This could have implications for glaucoma which is caused by the dysfunction of nerve cells in the retina. It is possible that a vitamin C rich diet could be protective of the retina and prevent deterioration.

What else does vitamin C do? It plays a critical role in the formation of collagen, which is the connective tissue that holds together the structures of your body. Lack of vitamin C was the downfall of early ocean explorers. At sea for many months, with no fresh fruits and vegetables, the sailors often developed and died from scurvy. The sailors suffered from bleeding gums and aching joints because they were unable to make collagen. It’s found in most of the tissues throughout your body especially in the heart, brain, pancreas, adrenal glands, thymus, lungs, pituitary gland, and lens of the eyes. Vitamin C also protects many other nutrients -- vitamin E, folic acid and iron -- so they can work effectively.

Read more: http://www.healthnewsdigest.com/news...replyids=11079

[Islander]

Before I do another thing, I have to point out that, as a Food & Nutrition Columnist, she hasn't done her homework. A cursory relationship with Linus Pauling will tell you that 500 mg. is a good daily start for children, and 2-4 grams for non-smoking adults. Before I ever began working on elevating my vitamin D levels, I was taking this amount or more, to which I attribute y never getting colds (or sick in any way).
Or maybe I'm just a mutant.

[Reesacat]

Ms. Hesin states: "Very large amounts of vitamin C -- over 2,000 milligrams daily -- may cause nose bleeds, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea." Umm, nose bleeds? Never heard of that. Maybe some people who are very sensitive will get the bowel tolerance symtoms at 2,000 mg/day, but that is unusual.
The liposomal C is wonderful — no GI symptoms at large doses.

[mellowsong]

Umm, nose bleeds? Never heard of that. Maybe some people who are very sensitive will get the bowel tolerance symtoms at 2,000 mg/day, but that is unusual. The liposomal C is wonderful — no GI symptoms at large doses.

Maybe they were snorting it?

[Pattypans]

I've been too lax with my vitamin C, even though I have it here in the house. I've also been concerned about my eyesight, so I'm going to take some Vitamin C right now, and turn over a new leaf. Thanks for the reminder!

[Aaltrude]

I have yet to find a vitamin C supplement that I can tolerate. I think the problem is that they ascorbate rather than natural vitamin C and those supplements that are made from natural sources are well out of my budget. The roses bushes near our house are full of rose hips at the moment. Perhaps some rose hip tea could be a means of increasing my vitamin C intake.

[Reesacat]

I did well with rose hip tea, Aaltrude. And you can titrate it to your tolerance.

[Pattypans]

Aaltrude, have you tried making your own liposomal vitamin C? There's a recipe somewhere here on HH.

[Aaltrude]

I did well with rose hip tea, Aaltrude. And you can titrate it to your tolerance.

Fortunately I seem to be tolerating it well. I am using two rose hips per cup.

[highlander]

LOL @ mellow.