Juci

Indications

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is used to prevent and treat vitamin C deficiency, including scurvy, which causes bleeding and swollen gums, easy bruising, tiredness, joint pain and slow wound healing. It is used when needs are higher, such as during illness, recovery from surgery or burns, and in smokers. It is often given with iron to help the body absorb iron.

How It Works

Vitamin C is needed to make collagen, the protein that holds skin, gums, blood vessels, bones and wounds together. It is an antioxidant, supports the immune system and helps the gut absorb iron from food and supplements.

Dosage and Administration

• Adults, supplement or mild deficiency: usually 100 to 500 mg a day.
• Scurvy and other treatment needs: higher doses, as prescribed.
• Children: as prescribed.
• Injections are given by a doctor or nurse.

Take by mouth with or after food. Chewable tablets should be chewed; effervescent tablets should be fully dissolved in water.

Interactions

• Increases the absorption of iron, which is useful in anaemia but a concern in people with iron overload.
• Increases the absorption of aluminium from antacids that contain it.
• High doses can affect some lab tests, including blood and urine sugar tests; tell the lab or doctor if you take vitamin C.
• High doses may reduce the effect of some medicines, such as Warfarin, in some people.

Contraindications

• Allergy to vitamin C or any ingredient of the product.
• High doses should be avoided in people with a history of oxalate kidney stones, iron overload (haemochromatosis, thalassaemia with iron overload) or severe kidney disease.

Side Effects

Usually well tolerated at normal doses. Doses above about 1 g a day may cause stomach upset, heartburn, diarrhoea or cramps, and over time may increase the risk of kidney stones. Get urgent medical help if you have severe pain in the side or back, blood in the urine, or signs of a serious allergic reaction such as swelling of the face or difficulty breathing.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Safe at normal recommended doses during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Avoid high doses unless a doctor advises them.

Precautions and Warnings

People with G6PD deficiency should avoid very high doses, which can damage red blood cells. Do not take more than the recommended dose for long periods without medical advice. Chewable tablets may contain sugar or sweeteners; check the label if you have diabetes or phenylketonuria.

Overdose

Large doses usually cause diarrhoea, nausea and stomach cramps, which settle after stopping. Seek medical advice if a large amount has been taken, especially by a child or a person with kidney disease.

Therapeutic Class

Vitamin C (water-soluble vitamin).

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children. Keep effervescent tablets tightly closed.