Six myths and agreements about Vitamin C

You’d think by now a settled knowledge base on Vitamin C would prevail in the nutrition world. But it seems we still don’t fully understand what C does and does not do with regard to immune health, prevention and symptom management.  Not only is the science still evolving, the folklore and wives tales of Vitamin C, plus myriad personal experiences  in taking C during or “before” an illness, all blend together to make for a confusing story.  I won’t try to set any record straight with this post. I’ll just elaborate a bit on what seems credible and suspicious.

Agreements

1. Vitamin C is a vitamin for a reason
   It is an essential antioxidant.  And, if something is agreed upon as having “vitamin” status, that means it is essential for normal cell function, growth and development.
2. Vitamin C does a lot of things in the body.
   Take your pick:  Collagen synthesis, brain function, energy conversion, even possible blood cholesterol regulation.
3. If you lack Vitamin C in your diet, you’re in big trouble.
   Fatigue, depression, and connective tissue defects (eg, gingivitis, petechiae, rash, internal bleeding, impaired wound healing) can all be part of a bad day without C. That’s a lot more misery than just scurvy.
   

Myths

1. You can’t go wrong with mega doses of C.
   Dr. MARVIN LIPMAN (Endocrinologist and Consumers Union’s Chief Medical Advisor): “There’s very little evidence available that shows that vitamin C in mega doses is good for anything.”
2. Vitamin C can cause kidney stones.
   The Council for Responsible Nutrition shoots this myth down well. See pages 2 and 3 of this document.
3. Overloading on C can drive away the common cold.
   See video below:


Watch CBS News Videos Online