Acid Or Base: The Difference Between Various Forms Of Vitamin C

Vitamin C is one of the common vitamins that are regularly used by people with information that it is an antioxidant and it improves the body’s immune system. In today’s generation, most of people’s lives are fast paced and career oriented. Getting sick is not an option and is considered a waste of time, effort and money. With adequate vitamin C in the body, you become free from colds and have protection against contagious diseases. Vitamin C is a water soluble vitamin and can be found in fruits and vegetables such as rose hip, papaya, citrus fruits, spinach, cabbage, tomato, lettuce and a lot more.

When the body has a deficiency in vitamin C, scurvy may be present. This condition may be seen in malnourished people in depressed areas. It is a condition where brown spots appear on the skin, particularly the extremities and the gums bleed. The person suffering from this condition becomes pale, weak, and they become susceptible to wounds and bleeding. Scurvy can be a life-threatening condition when immediate medical attention is not given.

With the health benefits that can be acquired with the intake of vitamin C, supplements in different forms have emerged. Most pharmacies nowadays offer a wide selection of vitamin C supplements. Vitamin C can be in a form of tablet, capsule, powder or syrup. The good thing is that you can take whatever form is convenient for you since the amount of vitamin your body receives after ingestion does not vary with the form. The controversy lies on the question which most people ask: which type of vitamin C is the best? Along with different forms, different types have also emerged. The popular type is the ascorbic acid, which is the most common and sodium ascorbate which is basic in nature.

For some people, ascorbic acid causes gastrointestinal problems because it is acidic in nature. People who are sensitive to ascorbic acid may feel pain in their stomach after ingestion and may experience diarrhea. Sodium ascorbate promises relief from gastrointestinal problems because it is not acidic. This type of vitamin C is given to those who are sensitive to the acidic type. However, sodium ascorbate contains sodium. For those with medical conditions which require lower daily intake of sodium, this type is not recommended. Another type is calcium ascorbate. Instead of sodium, it contains calcium. People who are sensitive to the acidic type, yet cannot take too much sodium can take this type instead.

There are other types of vitamin C available in the market. If you are going to buy a type other than ascorbic acid, make sure that you have already read the labels and the contents of each type. You can ask the pharmacist for more information or look it up in the internet. Other types may have ingredients which are contraindicated for you, especially if you have a medical condition, which is why you need to ask your doctor before taking them. Always remember to take vitamin C with meals and with a glass of water to avoid irritation of the stomach.

Thomas Mitchelle enjoys writing for Uniformhaven.com which sells cherokee scrubs and urbane 9502 as well as a host of additional products.