Vitamin C

[XYNaPSE]

I'm not sure where this would go so I thought I would put it here. I have been reading a lot about Vitmain C lately and it sounds like it could be a cure all for all types of things when taken in huge doses. Like 10,000mg to 100,000mg in one day. Linus Pauling was a one of the greatest American Scientists back in the seventies and he said it would help with cancer but the scientific community laughed at him.

Recently it has been proven to help with cancer and killing viruses. When taken in large amounts it kills cancer cells and viruses. It has something to do with makeing hydrogen peroxide in your blood and also boosting your immune system.

Does anyone know how or where I could get this stuff (also known as Sodium Ascorbate) in an IV and pump myself full of this amazing stuff? I have been taking anywhere from 3000 to 10,000 mg per day for a couple weeks now and I feel better than before. My urine is almost clear at times when before it was cloudy and not clear. Perhaps I had some infection and now its gone and I feel better because of it? I would like to have an IV hooked up. Can I do this myself or do I need a Doctor?

[metronycguy]

this sounds almost as scary as the colon cleansing fanatics.

[KiranA]

I imagine too much of a good thing CAN be a bad thing. I recall reading an article once saying that excessive consumption of vitamins can actually be dangerous. Has anyone else heard this?

[LaMemChose]

Yes, Kiran. I've heard the same.

While iron isn't a vitamin, but is a mineral, it can be toxic, even deadly in large doses. That's just one example.

If you get too much potassium, it can be bad on the liver and kidneys. Calcium is good to a point, but surpass that and it's bad on the kidneys.

Getting too much of anything can be harmful. Even water can kill if the body gets too much. Remember the woman who died after drinking excessive amounts of h2o in that radio station contest last year?

Given the acidity of Vitamin C, it seems it could be harmful to the stomach, but that's just a guess. IV-ing seems unhealthy, XYNaPSE. I doubt you'd find a competent doctor to do such a thing to you.

[Juke_spin]

I a slightly different catagory, protein, which most Americans eat too much of, is hard on the renal system and can eventually lead to renal failure and/or other systemic/organ related weaknesses or failures.

[metronycguy]

vit c also works as a laxative in higher doses

[XYNaPSE]

Yeah, I read about how vitamins can kill in an article that came out yesterday. But, this is vitamin C. You guys are thinking of vitamin A D and E. Vitamin C cannot kill you. Vitamin C has been proven to boost the immune system and help fight cancer.

According to some scientists the study recently published on the health risks of taking anti-oxidants is based on flawed methodology. It also ignores the evidence that has the opposite conclusion.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases...0228172604.htm

The argument keeps going back and forth about vitamins throughout the years.

Heres some information about Vitamin C and cancer

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/4238250.stm

http://www.positivehealth.com/permit...ncer/good2.htm

http://www.vitamincfoundation.org/mega_1_1.html#HOLFORD

http://www.seanet.com/~alexs/ascorba...guide_1988.htm

There are endless amounts of articles on Vitamin C.

[XYNaPSE]

Yes, Kiran. I've heard the same.

While iron isn't a vitamin, but is a mineral, it can be toxic, even deadly in large doses. That's just one example.

If you get too much potassium, it can be bad on the liver and kidneys. Calcium is good to a point, but surpass that and it's bad on the kidneys.

Getting too much of anything can be harmful. Even water can kill if the body gets too much. Remember the woman who died after drinking excessive amounts of h2o in that radio station contest last year?

Given the acidity of Vitamin C, it seems it could be harmful to the stomach, but that's just a guess. IV-ing seems unhealthy, XYNaPSE. I doubt you'd find a competent doctor to do such a thing to you.

Yes upset stomach is a result of too much vitamin C. To get around the upset stomch you would take the C intravenously. You can get a doctor to prescribe it or have it done whenever you have to go to the hospital. I dont know if thats true but that is what I have read.

[mr_coffee]

With that much vitamin C my face would be breaking out like crazy and I would be bloated as hell like it was my menstral cycle.

yes bears can smell menstrations ladies.

[Raven]

Thought I would help you by giving you a few links with info in reference to overdosing with some vitamins, and other meds.

Using Vitamin C products beyond recommended the limits may cause stomachaches and diarrhea. Even though the body would only use as much as it needs of the vitamin, Vitamin C Overdose can hinder metabolic activities in the body.

Higher levels of Vitamin C are needed when under environmental stress such as trauma, fever or infection. Full saturation is reached with daily intakes of 200-500 mg per day (in 2-3 divided doses). This is a water-soluble protein, and anything in excess is excreted by the body. Vitamin C Overdose can cause diarrhea, gas, or stomach upset. Other side effects could be stomach cramps, nausea, and diarrhea, and an increased risk of developing kidney stones. Large amounts of Vitamin C reduce body levels of copper, an essential nutrient. People with iron overload diseases must avoid Vitamin C Overdose, as it increases iron absorption.Higher levels of Vitamin C are needed when under environmental stress such as trauma, fever or infection. Full saturation is reached with daily intakes of 200-500 mg per day (in 2-3 divided doses). This is a water-soluble protein, and anything in excess is excreted by the body. Vitamin C Overdose can cause diarrhea, gas, or stomach upset. Other side effects could be stomach cramps, nausea, and diarrhea, and an increased risk of developing kidney stones. Large amounts of Vitamin C reduce body levels of copper, an essential nutrient. People with iron overload diseases must avoid Vitamin C Overdose, as it increases iron absorption. more ..

http://ezinearticles.com/?Vitamin-C-Overdose&id=144404

I have been prescribed Vit C since my defense system is very low and easily get colds, infections, etc. They keep checking my levels though.

As for Potassium, I have to take it since I am on a diuretic. They also check my levels frequently.

What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.
Symptoms of a potassium citrate overdose may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, paralysis, irregular heartbeats, and heart attack.

http://www.drugs.com/potassium.html

I am not certain of this but believe in some murder cases, it has been used to cause a heart attack so the person will die. It messes around with the electrolytes in your body.

If you do some searches on whatever you may want to take or even on whatever medication you have been prescribed you can be in a better position of making a good decision. Incredibly, some medications we are taking can at times have some effects we need to be aware of. Too much of a good thing can be more harmful than helpful at times. Also, keep in mind that we may have allergic reactions to some of them too.

Hope this has helped you in making a good decision.

Raven

[XYNaPSE]

Thought I would help you by giving you a few links with info in reference to overdosing with some vitamins, and other meds.



http://ezinearticles.com/?Vitamin-C-Overdose&id=144404

I have been prescribed Vit C since my defense system is very low and easily get colds, infections, etc. They keep checking my levels though.

As for Potassium, I have to take it since I am on a diuretic. They also check my levels frequently.



http://www.drugs.com/potassium.html

I am not certain of this but believe in some murder cases, it has been used to cause a heart attack so the person will die. It messes around with the electrolytes in your body.

If you do some searches on whatever you may want to take or even on whatever medication you have been prescribed you can be in a better position of making a good decision. Incredibly, some medications we are taking can at times have some effects we need to be aware of. Too much of a good thing can be more harmful than helpful at times. Also, keep in mind that we may have allergic reactions to some of them too.

Hope this has helped you in making a good decision.

Raven

Hey Raven. Thanks for the info. I don't take any other medications so I didnt have to worry about conflicts. I had some pretty bad symptoms the other night though so I'm going to cut back. (incredibly horrid stomach pain.) I've come to the conclusion that I don't need Vitamin C everyday. Or perhaps not in such a large amount. When I do get sick though I will be sure to boost up. I have taken up to 10,000 mg in one day and felt fine. Noticed a little difference in my ability to focus better. Probably cleared my bladder of infection too. But I continued to take it everyday after. varying between 2000mg to 6000mg everyday. That last day was tough. Terrible stomach pain. But its gone now. I'm still interested in seeing if Vitmain C being able to fight cancer and destroy viruses is true.

[dogger]

XYNaPSE , I'm moving this over to Care forum where SCI Nurse and/or Dr Young are more likely to see it and comment on the medical aspects . I hope this is ok with you .

[bob clark]

Without Googling I believe Linus Pauling was taking up to 35 grams of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) a day. He lived to be in his mid-90s. But so did my grandfather and grandmother (on my father's side) and they ate pork fat in just about everything and never took a vitamin in their lives. Longevity is mainly in your genetic make-up unless you really abuse your body by smoking, drinking, drugging etc a lot.

Pauling finally succumbed to cancer.

When I was first injured 27 years ago I started taking about 10 grams a day to prevent/treat UTIs but I still got them. Then I fell in love with antibiotics!

Since vitamin C can't be stored in the body they say too much of it just makes for expensive urine!

1 or 2 grams a day is probably the best amount to take since there are (as far as I know) no definitive studies on the subject. Some swear by large doses and others denounce it's overuse.

Hopefully Dr. Young will add his insight to this thread.

Bob.

[SCI-Nurse]

While there is evidence in the literature that taking vit C in large doses can help you, there is also evidence that taking it in large doses is harnful. Please be VERY careful- talk to your doc and read both sides of the issue.

CKF

[GinoL]

While there is evidence in the literature that taking vit C in large doses can help you, there is also evidence that taking it in large doses is harnful. Please be VERY careful- talk to your doc and read both sides of the issue.

CKF

What is condsidered a large dose? I take 1000mg twice a day as directed by my urologist. Should I be concerned?