Ascorbic acid or vitamin C is a collagen-forming nutrient, which is a substance needed to repair skin, bones, and teeth. Vitamin C can be obtained naturally from fruits and vegetables. Natural vitamin C can be obtained from various types of fruits and vegetables, such as oranges, yuzu, strawberries, raspberries, chilies, broccoli, and potatoes. However, the body can lack vitamin C. This condition is at risk for people who often consume alcoholic beverages, smokers, and drug users.

Lack of vitamin C or scurvy can cause anemia, bleeding gums, and wounds that are difficult to heal. In such conditions, the body requires additional vitamin C intake, apart from food.

Precautions Before Taking Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)

Be careful taking vitamin C if you've got a history of kidney failure, kidney stones, diabetes, G6PD enzyme deficiency, and hemochromatosis.
Talk to your doctor before using vitamin C, especially if you have food or drug allergies.
In some people, the oral form of vitamin C can cause kidney stones, especially if taken more than 2000 mg per day.
If you are going to have a blood sugar test or a stool sample test, tell your doctor that you are taking vitamin C, because vitamin C levels that are too high in the body can affect the results of the test.

How to Use Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) Correctly

Vitamin and mineral supplements are consumed to complement the body's need for vitamins and minerals, especially when the intake of vitamins and minerals from food cannot meet the body's needs. However, supplements are only used as a complement to the body's nutritional needs, not as a substitute for nutrients from food. Vitamin C is also good for increasing endurance. There are several conditions that cause the body to need supplements, such as being stricken with an illness (such as the flu), pregnant, or taking drugs that can interfere with the metabolism of vitamins and minerals.

The dose of vitamin C is given based on the patient's age, condition, and response to the drug. Vitamin C tablets are generally taken 1-2 times a day, can be taken before or after meals. A person's need for vitamin C can increase with age. Consult a nutritionist about your age-appropriate daily vitamin C needs. To prevent side effects, don't exceed the suggested dose. Injectable vitamin C is given by a doctor by injection into a vein, muscle, or under the skin.

Vitamin C cannot cure colds and coughs. However, taking vitamin C regularly, before the onset of the flu, is thought to shorten the recovery time of a mild cold. If you experience complaints of fever, cough, and severe shortness of breath, do not hesitate to consult a doctor. Store packaged vitamin C at room temperature, away from heat and moisture. Do not open the package of vitamin C if you do not want to consume it.

Interaction of Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) with Other Drugs

Vitamin C taken together with other medicines can cause certain reactions, including:

Reduces the effects of chemotherapy drugs, statin drugs, niacin (vitamin B3), and warfarin.
Decreases the effectiveness of birth control pills and fluphenazine.
Decreases the effectiveness of vitamin C when taken with aspirin.
Increases the risk of iron poisoning to the heart, if taken with the drug deferoxamine.

Side Effects and Dangers of Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)

If taken in recommended doses, vitamin C very rarely causes side effects. On the other hand, if taken in high doses or long term, vitamin C can cause the following side effects:

Bloated
Stomach ache
Diarrhea
Nauseous
Gag
Heartburn
Kidney stones

In rare cases, vitamin C can trigger a serious allergic reaction. Immediately consult a doctor if a rash appears on the skin, itching or swelling (especially on the face, tongue and throat), dizziness, and shortness of breath. Examination by a doctor is also necessary if complaints of pain occur when urinating or urine accompanied by blood after consuming high doses of vitamin C for a long time.