Liposomal Vitamin C Uses

Liposomal Vitamin C Uses

There's little doubt that vitamin C is of great benefit to the human body. However, how you consume vitamin C makes a huge difference in the amount your body is able to absorb and use (a feature of all supplements called "bioavailability").

Liposomal (or pro-liposomal) vitamin C is a groundbreaking option for high-dose vitamin C.

Between 14-30% of the vitamin C consumed in supplement form is actually absorbed by the body. ( Source 1) That number can vary greatly depending on your own vitamin C needs and the type of supplements you take. Consuming five servings of raw foods high in vitamin C per day, such as berries, kiwi, broccoli and citrus, will provide adequate vitamin C. Adding supplemental vitamin C in the form of ascorbic acid, the equivalent form of vitamin C found naturally in foods, will increase blood levels further, but natural absorption of vitamin C above the intake of about 200 mg decreases sharply with increasing doses by as much as 50%. ( Source 2) This may be because our bodies use certain transporters of vitamin C in the small intestine called Sodium-Dependent Vitamin C Transporters (SVCT -1) which will absorb efficiently only up to a certain point and this absorption is regulated by our bodies depending on the level of vitamin C in plasma (blood). In addition, any excess absorbed vitamin C is destined to be  excreted in urine to maintain a small tight control on plasma concentrations. This is where liposomal vitamin C has an advantage.

Liposomes are phospholipid containing microscopic spheres that carry vitamin C at their core. Their absorption does not depend on vitamin C transporters like SVCT-1 but rather on the direct fusion of the liposome with the small intestinal cells resulting in the direct intracellular release of the vitamin C which eventually  ends up into the blood circulation.

Not only does liposomal vitamin C have a substantially higher absorption rate than conventional vitamin C supplements, but it also comes with its own host of health benefits. This is due to the phospholipids used to surround, or encapsulate, the vitamin C — the very mechanism that allows it to bypass the slow vitamin C transporters present in the gut. In this article, I discuss the definition of liposomes and how to choose the best liposomal supplement and potential side effects.

What are liposomes?

Liposomes are actually similar to cells. The same phospholipids that makeup cell membranes also make up the outer shell of liposomes. The inner and outer walls of the liposome are made up of phospholipids, the most common being phosphatidylcholine, to create a lipid bilayer. A double layer of phospholipids (phospholipid bilayer) creates a sphere around an aqueous (water-containing) component, such as dissolved vitamin C.

Because the liposomes' outer shells imitate our cell membranes, liposomes can "fuse" with certain cells upon contact, delivering the liposome's content to the cell.

This is the scientific advantage of the liposomal delivery system.

Liposomes were discovered in the 1960s. This novel delivery system offers a targeted method to get nutrients into the bloodstream without being destroyed by the digestive enzymes and acid found in the digestive tract and stomach respectively.

What is liposomal vitamin C?

In the case of liposomal vitamin C, these phospholipids encapsulate vitamin C at their core.

As mentioned above, liposomes are thought to fuse with the cells responsible for absorbing nutrients making up the gut lining called enterocytes. Because they bypass the normal mechanism of absorbing vitamin C through slow vitamin C receptors type 1 (sodium-dependent vitamin C receptors SCVT 1), the bioavailability is much higher than standard vitamin C supplements. ( Source 3 )

Taking a liposomal form of vitamin C is much more effective and efficient than traditional methods of vitamin C supplementation in terms of absorption.

5 Benefits of Liposomal Vitamin C

Taking standard vitamin C (ascorbic acid) offers several benefits to the human body. These benefits may be magnified when taking liposomal C.

1. Bioavailability

The best-understood advantage is that liposomal vitamin C has a much higher bioavailability than standard vitamin C.

Bioavailable simply means how well vitamin C absorbs into your system. As we already mentioned liposomal vitamin C supplement allows your small intestine to absorb more of the nutrient than a standard vitamin C supplement.

A 2016 study in 11 human subjects found that vitamin C encapsulated in liposomes increased vitamin C levels in the blood by substantially  compared to an un-encapsulated (non-liposomal) supplement at the same dose (4 grams). ( Source 4 )

Liposomal vitamin C's bioavailability is only outstripped by intravenous (IV) vitamin C. IV vitamin C which has 100% bioavailability by definition, but is much more invasive, as it requires a needle insertion, a specially trained facility, and 1-3 hours of time for the slow infusion.

High doses of IV vitamin C are used most frequently in conjunction with cancer treatment and provide a pro-oxidant effect which can ONLY be achieved with very high IV doses of vitamin C. The pro-oxidant effect of high dose IV vitamin C is very different than that of low doses of vitamin C which provide anti-oxidant activity.

2. Heart and Brain Health

Vitamin C intake (via diet or supplements) may decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease by about 25%, according to a 2004 analysis published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition . ( Source 5 )

Any form of vitamin C supplement improves endothelial function, as well as ejection fraction. ( Source 6 )

Endothelial function involves the contraction and relaxation of blood vessels, enzymatic release to manage blood clotting, immunity, and platelet adhesion. Ejection fraction defines "the percentage of blood that is pumped (or ejected) out of the ventricles" when the heart contracts on every beat.

Together, these results suggest that vitamin C may play an important part in the prevention of cardiovascular disease and the improvement of heart health.

After a stroke or heart attack, it's important to heal the tissues damaged by the lack of oxygen. Once blood flow is restored, the reoxygenation of previously oxygen-deprived cells leads to dtissue damage called "reperfusion injury" which is accompanied by "excessive generation of free radicals". ( Source 7)

When delivered intravenously, vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that can counteract and neutralize free radicals that cause the oxidative stress caused by reperfusion. ( Source 8 )

In one animal study, liposomal vitamin C prevented brain tissue damage from reperfusion when administered before blood flow was restricted. ( Source 9 )

Although blood levels achieved by IV infused vitamin C are much higher than liposomal vitamin C, one study observed that liposomal vitamin C was nearly as effective as IV vitamin C at preventing tissue damage during reperfusion. The research was conducted in 11 subjects who had temporary obstruction of blood flow to their arms blood flow by tourniquet. ( Source 4 )

3. Cancer

Intravenous vitamin C can be used in high doses to fight cancer in tandem with traditional chemotherapy. It may not eradicate cancer on its own, but it can definitely improve the quality of life, increasing energy and mood for many cancer patients.

On a case by case basis, IV vitamin C can even induce regression of cancer. A 2014 review recounts several reports of remission when using IV vitamin C with chemotherapy. ( Source 10 )

However, one should not rely on IV vitamin C to induce remission or treat cancer on it's own, as these cases are isolated at best. Vitamin C can however be a great adjuvant (helper) to traditional cancer treatment.

Liposomal vitamin C has not been specifically tested in human subjects with cancer. Many cancer patients receiving IV vitamin C, however, also use liposomal vitamin C in high doses between IV treatments. After receiving a high dose of IV vitamin C, it is not uncommon for blood levels to drop below normal in the days after the infusion (trough levels). Therefore, it's highly recommended to increase oral intake levels of vitamin C between IV vitamin C infusions especially to prevent low rebound trough plasma levels of vitamin C.

4. Collagen Production

Collagen is the most abundant protein in our bodies, however our own natural collagen production slows around the age of 25. Vitamin C is a cofactor in the enzymes that produce collagen, meaning it is necessary to the function and health of your bones, blood vessels, and joints where collagen abounds. ( Source 11 ). When vitamin C levels run low, such as in times of stress, infection, chronic illness (i.e. diabetes, autoimmune illness which generate high levels of free radicals and oxidative stress), less of it is available for collagen production. Since collagen is the structural protein that holds us together, this can manifest as weaker joints, tendons, blood vessels and connective tissue. More superficially, weaker collagen can manifest as sagging skin with more wrinkles.

5. Oxidative Stress

In general, some level of oxidative stress occurs within every living thing. As a 2006 review puts it:

"There is increasing evidence connecting oxidative stress with a variety of pathological conditions including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, chronic inflammatory disease, post-ischaemic organ injury, diabetes mellitus, xenobiotic/drug toxicity, and rheumatoid arthritis." ( Source 12 )

Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant and is found in generous quantities within the human body. ( Source 13 )

Is liposomal vitamin C truly effective?

There has been a lot of scrutiny of liposomal vitamin C.

One of the most frequently asked questions about liposomal supplements is: Is liposomal vitamin C a "hoax"?

True liposomal or pro-liposomal supplements are non-toxic and can greatly increase your body's ability to absorb the nutrients they incorporate. Because of extensive equipment and technology needed to manufacture them, liposomal supplements tend to be more expensive than conventional vitamin C but they can deliver superior absorption. However there is great variability between products and a little bit of homework and knowledge helps.

How do we know which products are "true" and effective liposomal vitamin C?

As opposed to the term "liposome", the term "liposomal" is unfortunately not well defined. Many products take advantage of this absence of "liposomal" definition.

A "liposome" is a spherical structure made out of a shell formed by phospholipids and surrounded by water.  At the center of a "liposome" is usually a main ingredient, like vitamin C or glutathione, also suspended in water.

"Liposomal" on the other hand does not mean "liposome" — these terms are not one and the same even though they do sound similar. The term liposomal is (sometimes) loosely used to only mean "containing fat". So products containing just fat (lipid) and vitamin C mixed together can sometimes be called "liposomal".

The usual lipid that forms liposomes is a "phospholipid". Phosphatidylcholine is the most abundant phospholipid and is the main building block of cell walls as well as the main constituent of the outer shell of liposomes. However the lipid form that some supplements use is not a phospholipid, and can be simply be in the form of a fatty acid which is not as effective.

Products using fatty acids may be labelled "liposomal" vitamin C but might never result in formed liposomes, even when exposed to water because the vitamin C is simply covalently bound to a fatty acid.

The "Fat Soluble" Vitamin C Ester Myth

A perfect example of a product taking advantage of the "liposomal" term is a type of vitamin C  a  vitamin C ester . Usually labeled as "fat  soluble" vitamin C, esters like Ascorbyl Palmitate are marketed as a "liposomal" but will never result in forming an actual "liposome".

Here are some important facts about "fat soluble" Ascorbyl Palmitate:

• Ascorbyl palmitate is not found in nature. It is SYNTHETIC, made by combining palmitate (an ester, fat) with vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid).
• Ascorbyl palmitate is used  as a "FOOD PRESERVATIVE" to extend the shelf life of certain foods, medications, and cosmetics.
• Ascorbyl Palmitate is also known as "Cetyl Ascorbate"....(two different names for the same compound)
• Ascorbyl Palmitate is ONLY 42.5% VITAMIN C
• Products that claim "1600 mg Liposomal Vitamin C" using Ascorbyl Palmitate ONLY PROVIDE 680 mg of actual vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)

This last point is very important. Because Ascorbyl Palmitate is made by combining vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) to Palmitate (a fat), less than half of it is true vitamin C ! (source 20, source 21).

Ascorbyl Oleate is another vitamin C ester very similar to the Ascorbyl Palmitate compound, binding Oleate (another fat)  to ascorbic acid.

Ester forms of vitamin C, like Ascorbyl Palmitate, are easily digested after oral ingestion by enzymes in the small intestine which cleave the bond immediately releasing just plain vitamin C (ascorbic acid molecule) and the ester, in this case palmitate, before any absorption can take place.

When this digestion happens, plain vitamin C is released from the ester andno improved absorption occurs when compared to a standard vitamin C supplement. ( source 15, source 16 ). The  bioavailability of fat soluble vitamin C esters is essentially identical to plain vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) alone. ( Source 18 )

The esters used may even have a negative impact, depending on the ingredient itself.

Unlike natural vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid), Ascorbyl Palmitate may actually be toxic to skin cells damaged by UV exposure according to one study. ( Source 17 )

The bottom line is this: These "Fat Soluble" forms of vitamin C (ascorbyl palmitate, alscorbyl oleate, cetyl ascorbate), are rapidly digested before any absorption takes place, releasing plain vitamin C in your small intestine. Adding to the deception, "Fat Soluble" Vitamin C CONTAINS  LESS THAN HALF actual vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)!

Unfortunately few people know this, results in unassuming customers paying top dollar for a product that is not much different than a standard vitamin C capsule or powder but has the term "liposomal" attached to it.

Because these forms are inexpensive to make they typically have lower prices, yet they tout very high doses per serving such as 1200-1800 mg of vitamin C.

So, to answer the question: Liposomal vitamin C is not a "hoax", but not all products labeled liposomal vitamin C truly offer the same benefits, especially those selling "Fat Soluble" vitamin C esters.

How to Choose the Best Liposomal Vitamin C Supplement

Several brands offer liposomal vitamin C supplements. Which vitamin liposomal vitamin C supplement is the best?

There are two basic types of liposomal supplements that have to do with "liposome" formation. The first is an already formed liposome vitamin C and, while the other is a pro-liposome. A pro-liposome is chemically bound vitamin C and contains phospholipids in a manner which will result in a liposome formation in the presence of water at body temperature.

The simplest way to tell if a product is a formed liposome is if the ingredients include water. If water is in the ingredients, you are likely dealing with formed liposomes. If not, you are looking at a pro-liposome. Make sure however that both contain phospholipids like phosphatidylcholine (derived from lecithin).

A pro-liposome has the potential to become a liposome when exposed to water, forcing the phospholipids to immediately congregate by natural hydrophobic forces into a bi-layer as described above.

In the form of a pro-liposomal powder, the vitamin C is surrounded (conjugated) by a layer of phospholipids and other fats in a special technical process that can greatly vary in effectiveness. How well this proprietary process of binding the lipids to the vitamin C occurs is key, because if the lipids and the vitamin C are only mixed together (not bound), the formation of liposomes with vitamin C inside will be sporadic at best as the vitamin C can just disperse away separately from the lipids.

Liquid pro-liposomes use lipids (fats) and vitamin C. Based on proprietary manufacturing techniques, these lipids will form liposomes around the main ingredient when they are exposed to water and correct temperature conditions, as are found the environment of the small intestine.

The newly formed liposomes can then be absorbed by the intestinal walls, delivered to and processed by the liver, and released into systemic circulation.

To reiterate: all "liposome" formulations (formed liposomes and pro-liposomes) utilize phospholipids, phosphatidylcholine, lecithin as the fatty agent to form liposomes.

Unfortunately, many vitamin C supplements labeled "liposomal" are, in fact, unable to hold the lipid ingredient and vitamin C together when exposed to water in the small intestine.

Make sure the vitamin C is well-sourced. A good liposomal vitamin C supplement should be non-GMO and preferably use phospholipids derived from sunflower lecithin.

Some customers even insist on knowing that the origin of vitamin C is non-Chinese, but this is a personal preference.

If this is important to you, then look for Quali-C brand vitamin C sourced and made in Scotland from non-GMO European origin corn.

Obviously a  liposomal vitamin C that also offers a satisfaction guarantee with a full refund is a major plus.

To summarize: Avoid the gimmicks and purchase a high-quality liposomal supplement by following these steps:

1. Choose a formed liposomal or a well made pro-liposomal supplement that contains vitamin C and a phospholipids like phosphatidylcholine. Avoid vitamin C esters "lipid soluble" vitamin C like include ascorbyl palmitate, ascorbyl oleate, or cetyl ascorbate as they may offer little if any advantage over regular vitamin C
2. Look for the source of vitamin C. While most brand use Chinese vitamin C, Quali-C is a brand of vitamin C manufactured in Scotland using non-GMO European sourced corn
3. Ensure the supplement is non-GMO and soy-, gluten-, and dairy free.

Dosage of Liposomal Vitamin C

The National Institute of Health advises men and women to never take more than 2,000 milligrams of vitamin C dietary supplement each day.

For specific health issues, a higher dose may be warranted. The Linus Pauling Center recommends a dose of 2,000 milligrams per day, which is generally very safe and can account for the poorer absorption capacity in some individuals. People who may benefit most from this high dose include the elderly and smokers, who also have an increased need for vitamin C.

Generally, 1000-2000 mg/day should afford you the general health benefits of vitamin C:

• Immunity
• Brain health
• Collagen production
• Cardiovascular protection
• Energy production
• Increased antioxidant presence

4,000 milligrams of liposomal vitamin C has been used to protect against the oxidative damage that can happen post-heart attack or stroke due to reperfusion.

While these results are very promising, I suggest stying at around the 2,000 milligram threshold as a daily maintenance dose, unless a healthcare practitioner advises you to take a higher amount, or you have increased levels of oxidative stress from chronic illness or acute infection which require higher doses.

Liposomal Vitamin C Side Effects:

Although a high dose of vitamin C may not technically be "toxic", it may cause side effects like nausea or diarrhea.

Drug Interactions

Vitamin C interacts with certain drugs or nutrients.

ADD and ADHD medications utilize amphetamines. Vitamin C may weaken the effect of amphetamine-based drugs by limiting their effect, although this result has not been reproduced in human subjects. ( Source 19 )

In Summary

• Liposomal vitamin C is a revolutionary approach to introducing vitamin C into your system.
• Liposomes use a phospholipid bilayer formed around water and, in this case, vitamin C. The outer casing protects the nutrient inside from damage that might otherwise occur during normal digestion.
• The absorption of liposomal vitamin C is significantly higher than that of a standard vitamin C supplement.
• Benefits of liposomal vitamin C include increased bioavailability, cardiovascular support, skin health, improved collagen production, and reduced oxidative stress throughout the body.
• While many supplements are labeled as "liposomal," some of these use esters of vitamin C (ascorbyl palmitate, ascorbyl oleate, and/or cetyl ascorbate) that do not actually increase the bioavailability of vitamin C and are not going to result in formation of a liposome.
• Standard doses of vitamin C are between 200-1,000 mg/day.  We recommend 2000 mg per day for most adults.

Sources

1. Yung, S., Mayersohn, M., & Robinson, J. B. (1982). Ascorbic acid absorption in humans: a comparison among several dosage forms. Journal of pharmaceutical sciences, 71 (3), 282-285. Abstract: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7069582
2. National Institutes of Health: Office of Dietary Supplements. (2018). Vitamin C: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. Retrieved from: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminC-HealthProfessional/
3. Rivas, C. I., Zuniga, F. A., Salas-Burgos, A., Mardones, L., Ormazabal, V., & Vera, J. C. (2008). Vitamin C transporters. Journal of physiology and biochemistry, 64 (4), 357-375. Abstract: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19391462
4. Davis, J. L., Paris, H. L., Beals, J. W., Binns, S. E., Giordano, G. R., Scalzo, R. L., ... & Bell, C. (2016). Liposomal-encapsulated ascorbic acid: Influence on vitamin C bioavailability and capacity to protect against ischemia–reperfusion injury. Nutrition and metabolic insights , 9 , NMI-S39764. Full text: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4915787/
5. Knekt, P., Ritz, J., Pereira, M. A., O'Reilly, E. J., Augustsson, K., Fraser, G. E., ... & Pietinen, P. (2004). Antioxidant vitamins and coronary heart disease risk: a pooled analysis of 9 cohorts. The American journal of clinical nutrition , 80 (6), 1508-1520. Abstract: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15585762
6. Ashor, A. W., Lara, J., Mathers, J. C., & Siervo, M. (2014). Effect of vitamin C on endothelial function in health and disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Atherosclerosis , 235 (1), 9-20. Abstract: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24792921
7. Nour, M., Scalzo, F., & Liebeskind, D. S. (2012). Ischemia-reperfusion injury in stroke. Interventional neurology , 1 (3-4), 185-199. Full text: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4031777/
8. Spoelstra-de Man, A. M., Elbers, P. W., & Oudemans-van Straaten, H. M. (2018). Making sense of early high-dose intravenous vitamin C in ischemia/reperfusion injury. Critical Care, 22 (1), 70. Full text: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5861638/
9. Sinha, J., Das, N., & Basu, M. K. (2001). Liposomal antioxidants in combating ischemia-reperfusion injury in rat brain. Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy , 55 (5), 264-271. Abstract: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11428552
10. Fritz, H., Flower, G., Weeks, L., Cooley, K., Callachan, M., McGowan, J., ... & Seely, D. (2014). Intravenous vitamin C and cancer: a systematic review. Integrative cancer therapies , 13 (4), 280-300. Abstract: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24867961
11. Pullar, J., Carr, A., & Vissers, M. (2017). The roles of vitamin C in skin health. Nutrients , 9 (8), 866. Full text: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5579659/
12. Suntres, Z. E., & Omri, A. (2006). The role of liposomal antioxidants in oxidative stress. In Nanocarrier Technologies (pp. 191-205). Springer, Dordrecht. Full text:
13. Figueroa-Méndez, R., & Rivas-Arancibia, S. (2015). Vitamin C in health and disease: its role in the metabolism of cells and redox state in the brain. Frontiers in physiology , 6 , 397. Full text: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4688356/
14. Meves, A., Stock, S. N., Beyerle, A., Pittelkow, M. R., & Peus, D. (2002). Vitamin C derivative ascorbyl palmitate promotes ultraviolet-B-induced lipid peroxidation and cytotoxicity in keratinocytes. Journal of investigative dermatology, 119 (5), 1103-1108. Abstract: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12445199
15. Dr. Weil: Time for a change? https://www.drweil.com/vitamins-supplements-herbs/vitamins/vitamin-c-time-for-a-change/
16. The Linus Pauling Institute: The Bioavailability of Different Forms of Vitamin C: https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/vitamins/vitamin-C/supplemental-forms
17. De Ritter, E., Cohen, N., & Rubin, S. H. (1951). Physiological availability of dehydro-L-ascorbic acid and palmitoyl-L-ascorbic acid. Science, 113 (2944), 628-631. Abstract: https://www.cabdirect.org/cabdirect/abstract/19511402702
18. Cadeau, C., Fournier, A., Mesrine, S., Clavel-Chapelon, F., Fagherazzi, G., & Boutron-Ruault, M.C. (2016). Vitamin C supplement intake and postmenopausal breast cancer risk: interaction with dietary vitamin C. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition , 104 (1), 228-234. Abstract: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27194303
19. Kiely, M.E., Lal, S., & Nair, N.P. (1987). Effect of ascorbic acid on brain amphetamine concentrations in the rat. Progress in neuro-psychopharmacology & biological psychiatry, 11 (2-3), 287-290. Abstract: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3628833
20. Cambridge Commodities - What is the Percentage of Vitamin C in Ascorbyl Palmitate?   https://www.cambridgecommodities.com/ingredients/ingredient-view,ascorbyl-palmitate_2091.htm
21. PubChem - Ascorbyl Palmitate - https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Ascorbyl-palmitate

Liposomal Vitamin C Uses

Source: https://coremedscience.com/blogs/wellness/how-to-pick-the-best-liposomal-vitamin-c

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Kat Burki Vitamin C Cleansing Balm

Kat Burki Vitamin C Cleansing Balm

A Guide to Vitamin C Serums

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For 70 years Vitamin C has been one of the biggest weapons in the skin care industry. It's used to make cleansers, moisturizers, lotions, masks, and serums. So what is this powerful vitamin? How can it benefit you? Why should you use serums that contain Vitamin C? We're here to answer all of those burning questions in this complete guide and reveal the many benefits Vitamin C serums offer for your skin.

What Are Vitamin C Serums?

There are many variations of Vitamin C, but the most popular is ascorbic acid, a common ingredient in skincare products. However, all the variations of Vitamin C have anti-inflammatory benefits.

Vitamin C Serums are products that contain a high level of Vitamin C. They're used to treat wrinkles, sagging skin, lighten dark or red spots, prevent breakouts and even your skin tone. Basically, they battle all of those annoying skin issues. There are loads of products out there that claim they'll save your skin, but some can cause damage. Vitamin C is one of the most revered ingredients and conclusive research has shown how effective it can be.

How Are Vitamin C Serums Made?

Well so far we've talked about how incredible Vitamin C is and it sounds like a dream come true doesn't it? It's not all good. In fact, the mighty vitamin is unstable when it's exposed to air and light. Other ingredients need to be used to stabilize it and allow it to deliver amazing results. The serums are combined with ferulic acid and Vitamin E. According to researchers the perfect mixture is 15% Vitamin C with 1% Vitamin E and 0.5% ferulic acid. This makes Vitamin C perform to the best of its abilities, without damaging your skin.

What Does Vitamin C Serum Do for Your Face?

Boosts Collagen Production: Collagen keeps your skin firm and prevents sagging. Environmental factors such as lifestyle choices and pollution can increase the elasticity of your skin, so it's important you try to increase your collagen production.

Hydrates Your Skin: Dry skin is a common issue, but Vitamin C can help to give your skin that much-needed moisture boost. Remember, it doesn't work immediately so you need to keep applying the serum to see results.

Brightens Your Complexion: Dark spots on your skin are caused by the overproduction of melanin. Vitamin C decreases the production and lightens the dark spots to even out your complexion.

Reduces Redness and Inflammation: Conditions such as Rosacea leave many people searching for a magic cure. Vitamin C helps facial redness and inflammation by reducing the appearance of broken capillaries.

Why Should You Be Using Vitamin C Serum?

Don't think Vitamin C serums are just beneficial for your face. They can also shield you from sun damage and reduce stretch marks.

Saves You From The Sun: Prolonged exposure to UV rays can cause long-term damage to your skin. Luckily, Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that reduces red sports and prevents sunburn from spreading.

Fades Acne Scars: Acne plagues most of us at some point and we look forward to being free. Most of us get stuck with some scars but Vitamin C helps to fade scars and even out any discoloration.

Reduces Stretch Marks: Yes, Vitamin C serum can even help prevent those unsightly stretch marks by tightening your skin.

Are you ready to change your skin? Add a Vitamin C serum to your beauty regimen and enjoy a glowing complexion.

Kat Burki Vitamin C Cleansing Balm

Source: https://www.bloglines.com/article/a-guide-to-vitamin-c-serums?utm_content=params%3Ao%3D740010%26ad%3DdirN%26qo%3DserpIndex

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Inyecciones Para Aumentar Gluteos Vitamina C

Inyecciones Para Aumentar Gluteos Vitamina C

La vitamina C siempre se ha utilizado en el ámbito de la salud para tratar ciertas dolencias o suplir algunas carencias de nuestro organismo. Por su alto contenido en ácido ascórbico, la vitamina C es una excelente cicatrizante, pues tiene un papel fundamental en la reparación de tejidos.

Dicha vitamina también se emplea en el campo de la estética debido a su eficacia en la lucha contra los radicales libres, ya que esta ejerce un efecto antioxidante que ayuda a prevenir el envejecimiento prematuro de la piel. Además, en los últimos años, expertos en el campo de la medicina estética han comprobado su eficacia en los tratamientos empleados para conseguir el aumento de glúteos. En el siguiente artículo de unCOMO te descubrimos todo lo que debes saber sobre la vitamina C en los glúteos: para qué sirve y resultados que puedes obtener tras el uso de este novedoso tratamiento.

Para qué sirve la vitamina C en los glúteos

Desde hace unos años, los glúteos han tomado protagonismo en el mundo de la moda, convirtiéndose en una de las partes del cuerpo que más se cuidan y que más se someten a tratamientos estéticos. Y es que tonificar y aumentar tus glúteos no es tarea fácil; para ello es necesario, además de cuidar la alimentación, realizar una tabla de ejercicios específica y tener constancia y paciencia para obtener los resultados deseados.

A día de hoy, y con los increíbles avances de la medicina estética, aumentar y tonificar los glúteos es posible gracias a la vitamina C. El aumento de glúteos con vitamina C se ha erigido como una increíble alternativa a la invasiva gluteoplastia, donde se realiza el aumento con el uso de implantes de grasa del paciente o prótesis de silicona.

El uso de vitamina C en los glúteos estimula la acción de los fibroblastos (las células que se encargan de "sostener" nuestra piel), consiguiendo así reducir la flacidez; esto se traduce en glúteos más firmes y elevados y, por lo tanto, más voluminosos.

Vitamina C en los glúteos: resultados

El tratamiento con vitamina C para aumentar los glúteos es, como hemos dicho, menos invasivo que otros tratamientos o intervenciones estéticas. En este caso, la vitamina se inyecta directamente en la zona a tratar.

¿Te preguntas si es un tratamiento doloroso? entonces debes saber que los expertos aseguran que se trata de un tratamiento prácticamente indoloro (sentirás un leve pinchazo) en el que las molestias desaparecen casi de inmediato. En casos excepcionales, el dolor y una posible hinchazón puede perdurar durante unos días más. Esto se debe a que la absorción de la vitamina C por el cuerpo es rápida y no suele requerir más de 48 horas, lo que permite obtener resultados casi de inmediato. Este tratamiento suele durar un mínimo de 4 sesiones aplicadas en un espacio de dos semanas, aunque todo dependerá del estado de tus glúteos y de los objetivos planteados. Si deseas que el tratamiento sea lo más efectivo posible, los especialistas recomiendan someterse a sesiones de masajes que ayuden a preparar el músculo para las futuras inyecciones.

Para obtener los mejores resultados, la inyección de vitamina C se suele complementar con otros tratamientos no invasivos tales como la mesoterapia y la radiofrecuencia (no te pierdas los beneficios de dicha técnica en el siguiente artículo de unCOMO). Además de conseguir unos glúteos más firmes y con mayor volumen, estos tratamientos te ayudarán a conseguir unos glúteos libres de celulitis.

Consecuencias de la vitamina C en los glúteos

La edad recomendada para someterse a este tipo de tratamiento oscila entre los 36 y los 65 años, pues es cuando el cuerpo humano comienza a perder colágeno y, en consecuencia, elasticidad y firmeza. Al no requerir cirugía y no tratarse de un relleno permanente, el uso de vitamina C inyectada es mucho más seguro que cualquier otro tipo de técnica.

¿Cuáles son entonces las contraindicaciones de la vitamina C en los glúteos? A día de hoy, los expertos aseguran que el uso de vitamina C inyectada no puede provocar consecuencias negativas o nocivas para la salud, siempre y cuando las dosis sean las correctas. No obstante, antes de realizar cualquier tratamiento estético, debe tenerse en cuenta la salud del paciente y su estado físico general. En caso de que el paciente sufra algún tipo de problema renal, deberá comentarlo con el especialista que se encargue del tratamiento para evaluar con certeza la seguridad del mismo.

Desde unCOMO queremos recordarte que un cambio drástico en tus rutinas diarias puede ayudarte a mejorar tu cuerpo y tu salud sin tener que recurrir a tratamientos clínicos. Eso sí, debes ser constante a la hora de combinar el entrenamiento adecuado con una correcta alimentación llena de productos ricos en vitamina C. En el siguiente artículo sobre Cómo hacer crecer los glúteos te mostramos una guía paso a paso para que lo logres fácilmente.

Sin embargo, si has agotado todas las vías existentes y has decidido someterte a este tratamiento con vitamina C para aumentar y tonificar tus glúteos, te recomendamos que te pongas en manos de los mejores profesionales en este campo, pues solo ellos podrán ofrecerte un diagnóstico acertado y el mejor tratamiento.

Si deseas leer más artículos parecidos a Vitamina C en los glúteos: para qué sirve y resultados, te recomendamos que entres en nuestra categoría de Belleza y Cuidado Personal.

Inyecciones Para Aumentar Gluteos Vitamina C

Source: https://www.mundodeportivo.com/uncomo/belleza/articulo/vitamina-c-en-los-gluteos-para-que-sirve-y-resultados-49760.html

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How Much Vitamin C Is Needed

How Much Vitamin C Is Needed

Vitamin C is an essential vitamin, meaning your body can't produce it. Yet, it has many roles and has been linked to impressive health benefits.

It's water-soluble and found in many fruits and vegetables, including oranges, strawberries, kiwi fruit, bell peppers, broccoli, kale, and spinach.

The recommended daily intake for vitamin C is 75 mg for women and 90 mg for men (1).

While it's commonly advised to get your vitamin C intake from foods, many people turn to supplements to meet their needs.

Here are 7 scientifically proven benefits of taking a vitamin C supplement.

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can strengthen your body's natural defenses (2).

Antioxidants are molecules that boost the immune system. They do so by protecting cells from harmful molecules called free radicals.

When free radicals accumulate, they can promote a state known as oxidative stress, which has been linked to many chronic diseases (3).

Studies show that consuming more vitamin C can increase your blood antioxidant levels by up to 30%. This helps the body's natural defenses fight inflammation (4, 5).

SUMMARY

Vitamin C is a strong antioxidant that can boost your blood antioxidant levels. This may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease.

Approximately one-third of American adults have high blood pressure (6).

High blood pressure puts you at risk of heart disease, the leading cause of death globally (7).

Studies have shown that vitamin C may help lower blood pressure in both those with and without high blood pressure.

An animal study found that taking a vitamin C supplement helped relax the blood vessels that carry blood from the heart, which helped reduce blood pressure levels (8).

Moreover, an analysis of 29 human studies found that taking a vitamin C supplement reduced systolic blood pressure (the upper value) by 3.8 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure (the lower value) by 1.5 mmHg, on average, in healthy adults.

In adults with high blood pressure, vitamin C supplements reduced systolic blood pressure by 4.9 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure by 1.7 mmHg, on average (9).

While these results are promising, it's not clear whether the effects on blood pressure are long term. Moreover, people with high blood pressure should not rely on vitamin C alone for treatment.

SUMMARY

Vitamin C supplements have been found to lower blood pressure in both healthy adults and those with high blood pressure.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide (7).

Many factors increase the risk of heart disease, including high blood pressure, high triglyceride or LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, and low levels of HDL (good) cholesterol.

Vitamin C may help reduce these risk factors, which may reduce heart disease risk.

For example, an analysis of 9 studies with a combined 293,172 participants found that after 10 years, people who took at least 700 mg of vitamin C daily had a 25% lower risk of heart disease than those who did not take a vitamin C supplement (10).

Interestingly, another analysis of 15 studies found that consuming vitamin C from foods — not supplements — was linked to a lower risk of heart disease.

However, scientists were unsure whether people who consumed vitamin-C-rich foods also followed a healthier lifestyle than people who took a supplement. Thus, it remains unclear whether the differences were due to vitamin C or other aspects of their diet (11).

Another analysis of 13 studies looked at the effects of taking at least 500 mg of vitamin C daily on risk factors for heart disease, such as blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

The analysis found that taking a vitamin C supplement significantly reduced LDL (bad) cholesterol by approximately 7.9 mg/dL and blood triglycerides by 20.1 mg/dL (12).

In short, it seems that taking or consuming at least 500 mg of vitamin C daily may reduce the risk of heart disease. However, if you already consume a vitamin-C-rich diet, then supplements may not provide additional heart health benefits.

SUMMARY

Vitamin C supplements have been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease. These supplements may lower heart disease risk factors, including high blood levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides.

Gout is a type of arthritis that affects approximately 4% of American adults (13).

It's incredibly painful and involves inflammation of the joints, especially those of the big toes. People with gout experience swelling and sudden, severe attacks of pain (14).

Gout symptoms appear when there is too much uric acid in the blood. Uric acid is a waste product produced by the body. At high levels, it may crystallize and deposit in the joints.

Interestingly, several studies have shown that vitamin C may help reduce uric acid in the blood and, as a result, protect against gout attacks.

For example, a study including 1,387 men found that those who consumed the most vitamin C had significantly lower blood levels of uric acid than those who consumed the least (15).

Another study followed 46,994 healthy men over 20 years to determine whether vitamin C intake was linked to developing gout. It found that people who took a vitamin C supplement had a 44% lower gout risk (16).

Additionally, an analysis of 13 studies found that taking a vitamin C supplement over 30 days significantly reduced blood uric acid, compared with a placebo (17).

While there appears to be a strong link between vitamin C intake and uric acid levels, more studies on the effects of vitamin C on gout are needed.

SUMMARY

Vitamin-C-rich foods and supplements have been linked to reduced blood uric acid levels and lower risk of gout.

Iron is an important nutrient that has a variety of functions in the body. It's essential for making red blood cells and transporting oxygen throughout the body.

Vitamin C supplements can help improve the absorption of iron from the diet. Vitamin C assists in converting iron that is poorly absorbed, such as plant-based sources of iron, into a form that is easier to absorb (18).

This is especially useful for people on a meat-free diet, as meat is a major source of iron.

In fact, simply consuming 100 mg of vitamin C may improve iron absorption by 67% (19).

As a result, vitamin C may help reduce the risk of anemia among people prone to iron deficiency.

In one study, 65 children with mild iron deficiency anemia were given a vitamin C supplement. Researchers found that the supplement alone helped control their anemia (20).

If you have low iron levels, consuming more vitamin-C-rich foods or taking a vitamin C supplement may help improve your blood iron levels.

SUMMARY

Vitamin C can improve the absorption of iron that is poorly absorbed, such as iron from meat-free sources. It may also reduce the risk of iron deficiency.

One of the main reasons people take vitamin C supplements is to boost their immunity, as vitamin C is involved in many parts of the immune system.

First, vitamin C helps encourage the production of white blood cells known as lymphocytes and phagocytes, which help protect the body against infection (21).

Second, vitamin C helps these white blood cells function more effectively while protecting them from damage by potentially harmful molecules, such as free radicals.

Third, vitamin C is an essential part of the skin's defense system. It's actively transported to the skin, where it can act as an antioxidant and help strengthen the skin's barriers (22).

Studies have also shown that taking vitamin C may shorten wound healing time (23, 24).

What's more, low vitamin C levels have been linked to poor health outcomes.

For example, people who have pneumonia tend to have lower vitamin C levels, and vitamin C supplements have been shown to shorten the recovery time (25, 26).

SUMMARY

Vitamin C may boost immunity by helping white blood cells function more effectively, strengthening your skin's defense system, and helping wounds heal faster.

Dementia is a broad term used to describe symptoms of poor thinking and memory.

It affects over 35 million people worldwide and typically occurs among older adults (27).

Studies suggest that oxidative stress and inflammation near the brain, spine, and nerves (altogether known as the central nervous system) can increase the risk of dementia (28).

Vitamin C is a strong antioxidant. Low levels of this vitamin have been linked to an impaired ability to think and remember (29, 30).

Moreover, several studies have shown that people with dementia may have lower blood levels of vitamin C (31, 32).

Furthermore, high vitamin C intake from food or supplements has been shown to have a protective effect on thinking and memory as you age (33, 34, 35).

Vitamin C supplements may aid against conditions like dementia if you don't get enough vitamin C from your diet. However, additional human studies are needed to understand the effects of vitamin C supplements on nervous system health (36).

SUMMARY

Low vitamin C levels have been linked to an increased risk of memory and thinking disorders like dementia, while a high intake of vitamin C from foods and supplements has been shown to have a protective effect.

While vitamin C has many scientifically proven benefits, it also has many unfounded claims supported by either weak evidence or no evidence at all.

Here are some unproven claims about vitamin C:

• Prevents the common cold. While vitamin C appears to reduce the severity of colds and recovery time by 8% in adults and 14% in children, it does not prevent them (37).
• Reduces cancer risk. A handful of studies have linked vitamin C intake to a lower risk of several cancers. However, most studies have found that vitamin C does not affect the risk of developing cancer (38).
• Protects against eye disease. Vitamin C has been linked to reduced risks of eye diseases like cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. However, vitamin C supplements have no effect or may even cause harm (39, 40, 41).
• May treat lead toxicity. Although people with lead toxicity appear to have low vitamin C levels, there is no strong evidence from human studies that show vitamin C can treat lead toxicity (42).

SUMMARY

Although vitamin C has many proven benefits, it has not been shown to prevent the common cold, reduce cancer risk, protect against eye diseases, or treat lead toxicity.

Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that must be obtained from the diet or supplements.

It has been linked to many impressive health benefits, such as boosting antioxidant levels, lowering blood pressure, protecting against gout attacks, improving iron absorption, boosting immunity, and reducing heart disease and dementia risk.

Overall, vitamin C supplements are a great and simple way to boost your vitamin C intake if you struggle to get enough from your diet.

How Much Vitamin C Is Needed

Source: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/vitamin-c-benefits

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Holland And Barrett Vitamin C And E

Holland And Barrett Vitamin C And E

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Whether in the form of a fizzy drink or flavored lozenges, cold and flu preventative supplements almost always highlight vitamin C as one of their key ingredients. So, what's so magical about vitamin C? Also known as ascorbic acid, vitamin C is critical to living healthily. Since the human body cannot spontaneously generate this nutrient, vitamin C must instead be absorbed from outside sources, such as vitamin supplements or foods that are naturally rich in it.

Commonly found in cold and flu preventative supplements, vitamin C strengthens and speeds up immune system functionality. Though research does not indicate that vitamin C intake alone can prevent the onset of cold or flu, adequate daily intake may shorten the duration of an infection or lessen the severity of symptoms.

Photo Courtesy: Catherine Falls Commercial/Moment/Getty Images

Vitamin C is crucial for the maintenance of well being. For example, it plays a role in wound healing and helps maintain many essential body tissues. It also acts as a potent antioxidant and can repair damage from free radicals, which are linked to aging effects, and disease vulnerability. Additionally, vitamin C can also prevent anemia, since it helps the body increase absorption of dietary iron, another vital mineral that the body cannot spontaneously create.

Foods that contain high concentrations of vitamin C have been linked with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, like heart attack and stroke. Vitamin C can also increase levels of nitric oxide, a compound that widens blood vessels and, in turn, lowers blood pressure. In addition, regular intake of vitamin C, along with other vitamins, has been linked to a decreased risk for developing age-related cataracts, a leading cause of visual impairment in the United States.

Common Sources of Vitamin C

Vitamin C can be easily obtained through the many different foods, including:

Photo Courtesy: Akaradech Pramoonsin/Moment/Getty Images

• Citrus fruits and juices (orange, grapefruit, lemon, lime and tangerine)
• Berries
• Melons
• Mangoes
• Kiwi
• Tomato
• Broccoli
• Red peppers
• Spinach
• Squash
• Potatoes

Cooking these foods may result in the loss of some of the vitamin content, so it is ideal to ingest them raw, either whole or juiced. Nowadays, there are also numerous packaged food products, like cereals, that have been enriched and fortified with vitamin C, so that the nutrient can be easily obtained.

Vitamin C may also be labeled as "L-ascorbic acid" in supplement form, and most over-the-counter multivitamins contain the recommended daily amount of the vitamin. While it is a good source when an individual is in need of a vitamin C boost, supplements are not meant to replace a diet rich in naturally derived vitamin C.

What Happens When You Have Too Much — or Too Little — Vitamin C?

Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that can be easily flushed out of the body via urination when it is not needed. Therefore, if the main source of vitamin C is from naturally occurring foods, it is near-impossible for excess vitamin C to produce side effects. However, taking excessive concentrated vitamin C supplements may lead to diarrhea or stomach upset.

Photo Courtesy: Violeta Stoimenova/E+/Getty Images

Since vitamin C-rich foods are so readily available nowadays, symptoms of inadequate vitamin C intake are also rare in the United States. However, malnourished individuals can experience symptoms of vitamin C deficiency over time, including:

• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Anemia
• Easy bruising
• Joint pain
• Skin breakdown
• Weakened tooth enamel
• Gum inflammation

Severe vitamin C deficiency is referred to as scurvy. Scurvy can be easily treated with increased dietary or supplemental vitamin C. Since vitamin C is crucial in the detoxification of the body, a lack of vitamin C can compromise the immune system and make an individual more susceptible to diseases and infections. Individuals with insufficient vitamin C may find that it takes longer than usual to recover from a cold or a physical wound.

Daily Dosage Recommendations:

The daily dosage recommendation for vitamin C is different for everyone, depending on factors such as gender, age, lifestyle and current health condition. The recommended daily dosage for vitamin C is at least 75 mg daily for women and 90 mg for men. Since people who are pregnant, breast feeding, smoking or using oral contraceptives have a lower blood level of vitamin C than others, larger doses of vitamin C may be needed to achieve optimal results in these individuals. Those who have prior or current medical conditions may also require bigger or smaller dosage levels, as recommended by their healthcare providers.

Resource Links:

• "Vitamin C" via MedlinePlus
• "Vitamin C and Infections" via MDPI
• "Extra Dose of Vitamin C Based on a Daily Supplementation Shortens the Common Cold: A Meta-Analysis of 9 Randomized Controlled Trials" via Hindawi, BioMed Research International
• "Vitamin C" via National Institutes of Health
• "Scurvy" via U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, National Institutes of Health
• "Dietary intake and blood concentrations of antioxidants and the risk of cardiovascular disease, total cancer, and all-cause mortality: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of prospective studies" via The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
• "Dietary vitamin and carotenoid intake and risk of age-related cataract" via The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
• "Cardiovascular System" via Department of Anatomy, Seoul National University College of Medicine (via Springer)

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Holland And Barrett Vitamin C And E

Source: https://www.symptomfind.com/health/vitamin-c-everything-you-need-to-know?utm_content=params%3Ao%3D740013%26ad%3DdirN%26qo%3DserpIndex

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Gastritis Vitamin C

Gastritis Vitamin C

The relation between gastric vitamin C concentrations, mucosal histology, and CagA seropositivity in the human stomach

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1. Z W Zhanga,
2. S E Patchetta,
3. D Perrettb,
4. P H Katelarisa,
5. P Domizioc,
6. M J G Farthinga

1. ^aDigestive Diseases Research Centre, ^bDepartment of Medicine, ^cDepartment of Histopathology, St Bartholomew's and the Royal London School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, UK

1. Dr Z W Zhang, Digestive Diseases Research Centre, St Bartholomew's and the Royal London School of Medicine and Dentistry, 3rd Floor, 2 Newark Street, London E1 2AT, UK.

Abstract

Background—Vitamin C may be protective against gastric cancer though infection withHelicobacter pylori is associated with a reduction in intragastric concentrations of vitamin C.

Aims—To examine the effects ofH pylori infection, gastric juice pH, the severity and extent of gastric inflammation, and CagA antibody status of the individual on gastric juice and mucosal vitamin C concentrations.

Patients—One hundred and fifteen patients undergoing routine gastroscopy for investigation of dyspepsia.

Methods—High performance liquid chromatography was used to determine vitamin C concentrations. CagA antibody was detected by western blot analysis.

Results—Gastric juice ascorbic acid concentration was significantly lower in patients infected withH pylori compared with those uninfected (19.3 μmol/l (interquartile range (IQR) 10.7–44.5) versus 66.9 μmol/l (IQR 24.4–94.2), p=0.003). The reduction in gastric juice ascorbic acid concentration was inversely related to the severity of gastritis (p=0.01). CagA positive patients had significantly lower gastric juice ascorbic acid concentrations than CagA negative ones (14.8 μmol/l (IQR 7.9–52.2) versus 39 μmol/l (IQR 19.9–142.2), p=0.05). Decreased gastric juice dehydroascorbic acid concentrations were observed in patients with gastric atrophy and intestinal metaplasia. Mucosal ascorbic acid concentrations were also significantly lower in infected patients than uninfected patients (p=0.04).

Conclusions—The reduction in gastric vitamin C concentrations is related to gastric juice pH, the severity and extent of gastritis, the presence of H pylori, and the CagA antibody status of the individual. These findings may have implications in H pyloriassociated carcinogenesis.

• ascorbic acid
• Helicobacter pylori
• gastric juice
• gastric mucosa
• premalignancy

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• ascorbic acid
• Helicobacter pylori
• gastric juice
• gastric mucosa
• premalignancy

There is compelling evidence suggesting an inverse relation between vitamin C intake and gastric cancer risk.1 2Vitamin C is an important antioxidant and can react with nitrite, preventing the formation of N-nitroso compounds.3 4 During this process, ascorbic acid, the reduced form of vitamin C, is oxidised to dehydroascorbic acid (DHA). Though DHA differs functionally from ascorbic acid,5 it alone, or in combination with vitamin B₁₂, can specifically inhibit tumour cell mitotic activity without affecting normal cell growth.6-8 Thus, both ascorbic acid and DHA may have protective effects on gastric carcinogenesis.

Ascorbic acid is actively secreted into the gastric lumen9-11 and the concentrations in gastric juice and mucosa may be particularly important for effectively converting nitrites and nitrite derived mutagens. Helicobacter pylori infection, the main cause of chronic gastritis, increases gastric cancer risk.12-14 However, its precise role in gastric carcinogenesis is as yet unknown. It has been suggested that ascorbic acid concentration is decreased in H pylori infected patients and returns to normal afterH pylori eradication.15-18This suggests that patients infected with H pylori lack the protection of gastric juice ascorbic acid. However, the importance of DHA concentrations in the stomach has not been adequately addressed in previous studies.9 11 17 18

CagA seropositivity has been related to H pylori associated gastric cancer risk.19 Patients infected with cagA⁺H pylori strains have higher degrees of gastric inflammation and enhanced expression of proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin 1 (IL-1) and IL-8.20-22Previous studies have shown that gastric juice vitamin C concentration is related to the severity of gastric inflammation. However, whether infection with cagA⁺ strains contributes to the reduction in gastric vitamin C concentrations is unknown.

We have therefore examined the effect of H pylori infection, gastric juice pH, the severity and extent of gastric inflammation, and CagA antibody status of the individual on gastric juice and mucosal vitamin C concentrations.

Materials and methods

One hundred and fifteen consecutive patients attending for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy were studied. Patients with serious underlying diseases, gastrointestinal bleeding, previous gastric surgery, or those known to have taken non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, antibiotics, bismuth preparations, proton pump inhibitors, or vitamin supplements within a month of endoscopy were excluded. The study was approved by the ethics committee and informed consent was obtained from all patients. Ten ml of blood was taken from each patient before endoscopy. Immediately on entry of the endoscope into the stomach, gastric juice was collected through a trap inserted into the suction line, taking care to avoid contamination with blood. Six biopsy specimens were obtained from within 2 cm of the pylorus. One was used for H pylori culture, one for the urease test, two for histological assessment, and two for vitamin C measurement. A further two biopsy specimens were taken from the corpus for histological assessment. H pyloriinfection was assessed by histology, culture, rapid urease test, and serology. Patients were considered positive if two or more of these tests were positive. CagA seropositivity was determined by western blot analysis using a previously reported technique,23 with the following modifications. A whole cell preparation of thecagA⁺ strain H pylori NCTC 11637 was used. Approximately 25 μg of total protein (determined by a modified Lowry technique) was loaded in each lane. Patient sera were diluted and tested at dilutions of 1/25 and 1/50. Fifty four patients were tested for CagA antibody status: 23 were CagA positive, seven were CagA negative, and 24 were withoutH pylori infection.

histopathology

Two antral and two corpus biopsy specimens were fixed in formalin, processed routinely, and embedded in paraffin wax. The 4 μm sections were cut from each specimen and then stained with haematoxylin and eosin, a combined Alcian blue/periodic acid-Schiff stain, and a modified Giemsa method. All sections were assessed "blind" by the same histopathologist according to the Sydney System.24The degree of chronic inflammatory cell and polymorphonuclear leucocyte infiltration was graded for each variable on a four point scale from 0 (absent) to 3 (severe). The scores from both antrum and body were added to give a total "gastritis score" for each patient. Similarly, figures from gastric antrum were calculated to give a total "antral gastritis score" for each patient.25

vitamin c measurement

The concentrations of ascorbic acid and total vitamin C were measured in gastric juice and gastric antral mucosal biopsy specimens using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).26 The concentration of DHA was determined by subtraction of ascorbic acid from total vitamin C. Immediately after sampling, gastric juice pH was measured. The gastric juice was then mixed with an equal volume of 2% (wt/vol) metaphosphoric acid, containing 0.5% (wt/vol) sulphamic acid, and was kept at −70°C until analysis. Two antral biopsy specimens were frozen in liquid nitrogen and stored at −70°C prior to analysis. The specimens were thawed, weighed, and homogenised in 1 ml of 2% metaphosphoric acid. Before analysis, both gastric juice and gastric mucosal homogenates were centrifuged and the supernatants were divided into two aliquots. To determine total vitamin C content, the supernatant was incubated with dithiothreitol (6 mg/ml) at 45°C for 120 minutes prior to analysis. The HPLC system was equipped with an HPLC pump (Model 351, ACS, UK) and an ultraviolet detector (Cecil Instruments, UK) for gastric juice vitamin C measurement and an electrochemical detector (LCA-15 with electrochemical cell and glass carbon electrode, EDT, UK) for gastric mucosal vitamin C measurement. A Hypersil, 5 μm, ODS, 100×4.6 mm HPLC analysis column (Phenomenex Ltd, UK) was used. The mobile phase consisted of 0.1 M sodium acetate/acetonitrile (85/15 vol/vol) containing 10 mM octylamine. The final pH was adjusted to 4.3 with glacial acetic acid. The flow rate was 2 ml/min and the retention time of ascorbic acid was three minutes. Gastric juice vitamin C concentrations were measured in 62 patients, gastric mucosal vitamin C concentrations in 87 patients, and both gastric juice and mucosal vitamin C concentrations in 34 patients. The intra-assay and interassay coefficients of variation in both gastric juice and mucosal vitamin C measurements were <5% and <10%, respectively.

statistical analysis

Data were analysed using SPSS software (Version 6.1) and are presented as group medians with interquartile ranges (IQR). Differences in non-parametric data were analysed using Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis one way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Cuzick's trend tests.27 The correlations between the severity of gastritis, gastric juice pH, and vitamin C concentrations were tested using Spearman correlation coefficient. Values of p<0.05 were considered significant in all analyses.

Results

gastric juice vitamin c

Gastric juice vitamin C concentration was measured in 62 patients (36 males, 26 females) with mean age 55.4 (range 19–87) years. The median gastric juice ascorbic acid and DHA concentrations were 34.3 μmol/l (IQR 13.8–79) and 13.3 μmol/l (IQR 7.4–30.7), respectively. Gastric juice ascorbic acid concentration was significantly lower in 38 patients infected with H pylori compared with those without H pylori infection (19.3 μmol/l (IQR 10.7–44.5) versus 66.9 μmol/l (IQR 24.4–94.2), p=0.003). However, there was no significant difference in gastric juice DHA concentration between patients with and without H pylori infection (11.6 μmol/l (IQR 5.8–28.9) versus 23 μmol/l (IQR 9–40.2)) (fig 1).

When related to topography of gastritis, gastric juice ascorbic acid concentrations were decreased in a stepwise fashion as the extent of inflammation progressed from normal to diffuse antral gastritis and finally to pangastritis (table 1). The total gastritis score was also negatively correlated with gastric juice ascorbic acid concentration (Spearman correlation coefficient, r=−0.3, p=0.01). However, gastric juice DHA concentrations were associated with neither the extent nor the severity of gastritis. These findings indicate that both extent and severity of gastritis are important in determination of gastric juice ascorbic acid, but not of DHA concentration.

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Table 1

Extent of gastritis related to gastric juice vitamin C concentration

Atrophy and intestinal metaplasia were also associated with a significant reduction in gastric juice vitamin C concentration. As the histological changes progressed from normal to chronic gastritis, atrophy, and finally to intestinal metaplasia, there was a stepwise decrease both in gastric juice ascorbic acid and DHA concentrations (table 2). No attempt was made to subtype intestinal metaplasia due to the relatively small number of intestinal metaplasia samples in the study. Gastric juice pH values were inversely associated with gastric juice ascorbic acid concentrations (Spearman correlation coefficient,r=−0.4, p=0.001). Patients (n=23) with gastric juice pH⩾4 had significantly lower gastric juice ascorbic acid concentrations compared with those with gastric juice pH<4 (p<0.003). This suggests that gastric juice pH is another important determinant of gastric juice ascorbic acid concentrations.

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Table 2

Gastric histology related to gastric juice vitamin C concentration

gastric antral mucosal vitamin c

Gastric antral mucosal vitamin C concentration was measured in 87 patients (51 males, 36 females) with mean age of 56.2 (range 19–96) years. Median gastric mucosal ascorbic acid and DHA concentrations were 397 μg/g wet weight (IQR 263–764) and 46.7 μg/g wet weight (IQR 5.4–178), respectively. Ascorbic acid concentration in antral mucosa was lower in H pylori positive patients (352 μg/g wet weight (IQR 224–684)) than in H pylori negative patients (476 μg/g wet weight (IQR 322–827)) (p=0.04). However, there was no statistical difference in gastric antral mucosal DHA concentration between patients with and withoutH pylori infection (43.0 μg/g wet weight (IQR 4.7–178) versus 67.2 μg/g wet weight (IQR 9.4–169, NS). No significant association was found between antral mucosal vitamin C concentration and the severity of antral gastritis (the antral gastritis score) or with the presence of atrophy or intestinal metaplasia.

the relation between h pyloricaga seropositivity and gastric vitamin c concentrations

Gastric juice ascorbic acid concentrations were significantly lower in CagA positive patients (14.8 μmol/l (IQR 7.9–52.2)), compared with those who were CagA negative (39.0 μmol/l (IQR 19.9–142)) and to those without H pyloriinfection (66.9 μmol/l (IQR 24.4–94.2)) (fig 2). There was no significant association between gastric juice DHA concentrations and CagA status of the individual. Further analysis suggests that CagA positive patients had a significantly higher gastritis score (p=0.03) and more gastric atrophy/intestinal metaplasia compared with CagA negative patients (p=0.04). However, there was no significant association between CagA seropositivity and antral mucosal vitamin C concentrations.

Discussion

Ascorbic acid is actively secreted into the normal stomach leading to gastric juice concentrations greater than those in plasma. This secretion is impaired in the presence of chronic gastritis.26 28 Gastric juice ascorbic acid concentrations in patients with H pyloriassociated gastritis are reduced significantly, eventually leading to a loss of both ascorbic acid and DHA.28 This reduction in gastric juice vitamin C concentration could be caused by a combination of decreased excretion, instability of the vitamin at neutral pH, oxidation by nitrite, and H pylori per se.29 In common with previous studies,17 25we have confirmed that the reduction in gastric juice ascorbic acid concentration was associated with gastric juice pH andH pylori infection. Furthermore, the changes in gastric juice ascorbic acid concentrations were also related to the severity and the extent of gastritis. Gastric juice ascorbic acid concentrations were significantly reduced when gastritis extended from the antrum to the gastric body.

H pylori is strongly associated with both duodenal ulcer and gastric cancer.30 Paradoxically, duodenal ulcer disease has been inversely associated with gastric cancer. Although the underlying mechanism is unknown, it has been suggested that patients with duodenal ulcer disease have high ascorbic acid concentrations in gastric juice.17 Similarly, our study found that patients with diffuse antral gastritis, a pattern associated with duodenal ulcer, had similar ascorbic acid concentrations to normal subjects. By contrast, patients with pangastritis and precancerous lesions, such as atrophy or intestinal metaplasia, had significantly lower concentrations of both ascorbic acid and DHA. It has been reported that DHA alone, or in combination with hydroxycobalamin (vitamin B₁₂), can greatly inhibit tumour mitotic activity without inhibiting the activity of normal fibroblasts.6 7 31 32 These findings, therefore, suggest that patients with duodenal ulcer may be still under the protection of both ascorbic acid and DHA. Those with atrophy or intestinal metaplasia, however, lack such protection.

We have also found that the CagA seropositivity of the individual is associated with a remarkable reduction in gastric juice ascorbic acid concentrations. This may be due to the higher degree of gastric inflammation found in patients infected withcagA⁺ strains.33 Our data show that CagA positive patients were more likely to have severe gastric inflammation, atrophy, and intestinal metaplasia in the gastric mucosa than CagA negative patients. The further reduction in gastric juice vitamin C concentrations may contribute to the increased gastric cancer risk associated with cagA⁺ strain infection.

The determinants for gastric antral mucosal vitamin C concentrations are more difficult to determine. We found that mucosal ascorbic acid concentrations were decreased in H pyloriinfected patients compared with those without the infection. However, there was no significant association between antral mucosal vitamin C concentrations and inflammation in the antrum. One potential explanation for this finding is that vitamin C in the gastric mucosa may be more stable than in the gastric juice. Furthermore, leucocytes have a very high ascorbic acid content34 and infiltration of leucocytes into the mucosa in active gastritis may affect mucosal ascorbic acid concentration.

In summary, we have confirmed that H pylori infection is associated with reduced gastric juice ascorbic acid concentrations and this reduction is related to the severity and topography of inflammation, gastric juice pH, and CagA antibody status of the individual. H pyloriinfection was also associated with decreased mucosal ascorbic acid concentration. In addition, gastric juice DHA concentration was reduced in patients with atrophy and intestinal metaplasia. The reduction in vitamin C concentrations in the stomach may have implications inH pylori associated carcinogenesis.

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Gastritis Vitamin C

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Endocare Vitamin C

Endocare Vitamin C

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Hepatitis is a condition that causes inflammation of your liver. Currently, there are an estimated 6 million people living with hepatitis in the United States, and more than 50,000 people are diagnosed with this disease every year. There are three primary types of hepatitis, and while their symptoms can be similar, they vary largely in the ways they're transmitted. Learning more about each type of hepatitis can help you better understand the condition as a whole.

Hepatitis A is the most easily transmitted of the three viruses. It affects approximately 2,500 people every year in the United States. It typically spreads through feces-contaminated food or water and is found in the feces of people who have the virus. Hepatitis A causes a short-term, acute sickness that most people heal from without treatment. However, it can cause serious illness in some people. This virus is more common in places with underdeveloped sanitation systems.

While doctors can't treat hepatitis A with medication, people who get this virus can manage its symptoms with fluids, rest and good nutrition. There's also a safe and effective vaccine available to protect you against hepatitis A.

What Is Hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B can occur both acutely (meaning it develops quickly and lasts a short time) and chronically (meaning it develops slowly over time and worsens over months or years). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, up to 2 million people in the United States are chronically affected with hepatitis B. Hepatitis B can be transmitted through sexual activity and exposure to infected blood. It can also be passed from a parent to their newborn child during birth.

Hepatitis B usually causes short-term discomfort that many people recover from completely after about four to eight weeks. However, it can turn into a chronic condition that lasts for years; this is more likely in older adults. Doctors can treat severe chronic hepatitis B with antiviral medications. However, in most cases, treatments focus on proper hydration and nutrition. There's a safe vaccine available to protect you against hepatitis B, too.

What Is Hepatitis C?

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Approximately 4 million people in the United States are affected with hepatitis C. This form of hepatitis causes a chronic illness in over 50% of people who get this type of the virus. It's the least transmissible of the three viruses and can spread through contact with infected blood.

Hepatitis C occurs more commonly in people who engage in intravenous drug use. If you received a blood transfusion before 1992, you should also get tested for hepatitis C if you haven't previously. Hepatitis C can spread through unprotected sexual intercourse, but this is a less common way to transmit it. While there's no vaccine for chronic hepatitis C, treatments that are available today offer a 95% cure rate.

Chronic hepatitis C can significantly affect how your liver works. It can cause cirrhosis, which means that your normal liver tissue is replaced with scar tissue. It can also cause liver cancer. However, there are medications that can help keep this disease in check. Making lifestyle changes, such as reducing or eliminating alcohol from your diet, can also decrease your chances of experiencing complications. In severe cases, hepatitis C may require a liver transplant.

The varying forms of viral hepatitis affect millions of people in the United States. Chronic hepatitis often has few symptoms in its early stages, so recognizing the associated dangers and getting tested if you've been exposed may save your life. Although there are five types of viral hepatitis, only A, B and C are the forms commonly found in the United States.

Resource Links:

"Hepatitis A, B, and C: Learn the Differences," Immunization Action Coalition

"What's the Difference Between Hepatitis A, B and C?," UNC Health Talk

"The ABCs of Hepatitis," Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

"What's the Difference: Hepatitis B vs Hepatitis C?," Hepatitis B Foundation

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