In many ways vitamin c and skin care are match made in heaven.  Vitamin c has the main function of aiding in collagen production.  Collagen is what gives our skin cells elasticity and youthfulness.  It helps us to renew our skin when we are wounded and to heal our bones.  Caring for our skin internally involves vitamin c, but now medicine and beauty care are trying to include it topically.  There are some hurdles to follow in this marriage of vitamin c in skin care creams and lotions. 

Vitamin c is highly unstable when utilized away from its natural formats.  It oxidizes easily and can become dangerous or ineffective for its purpose.  There is no doubt as to vitamin c skin care effectiveness. 

To remedy the main components problem with instability, ascorbic acid is being picked apart to find more stable useable components of the nutrient.  There are studies which show that vitamin c needs to be concentrated and applied under the appropriate conditions to be absorbed properly into our skin so as to offer us the best skin care benefits.

Products Currently Offering The Best Performance

Any products that offer vitamin c in a form that is absorbed by the skin and is concentrated is one that is going to give the best skin care and deliver the vitamin c the best.  Many products offer different derivatives of vitamin c but one of the most popular is a vitamin c skin care derivative known as Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate or MAP.  This derivative is less oxidizing and more stable than L-ascorbic acid, which is natural source vitamin c.  The caution with any vitamin c skin care product is that they deteriorate in air and light, so they must be kept sealed and in cool dark areas until used up, and many do not have long shelf lives.

Vitamin c skin care products are so popular simply because amongst all the skin care products vitamin c has the most scientific proof of its actual ability to help remove fine lines, wrinkles and other skin imperfections.  It is however very hard to maintain in a product and makes it very expensive to have as a treatment.  Some spas claim that mixing vitamin c powder directly into facial creams immediately before treatment works as well, however ascorbic acid can be irritating to the skin.  Caution when looking into products for your skin make sure you talk to a professional about their process if you go to a spa.  Make sure when sourcing your product you read their ingredients and look into the science they claim is in their product.  An average cost for a small 50ml vial of real vitamin c skin care product known as legitimate concentrate and is used in spas and other skin care facilities is about $60 to $100, so if you buy a large bottle doting vitamin c added and it has a sale sticker of $10, more than likely you are not getting the same benefits.

What do apples, oranges, and limes all have in common?  You can benefit of the vitamin c content in each.  Vitamin c is a nutrient that we are unable to produce physiologically for ourselves.  We do not have the gene for the production of it, and neither do other primates or some bats and few other species of animals.  As for the rest of the animals around they can make their own and never have to worry about this anti-oxidant rich nutrient.  Since the isolation of ascorbic acid as the main compound of this vitamin, there have been many, and are still ongoing studies as to the benefits of vitamin c.  There are debates still ongoing in 2009 as to whether some claims about vitamin c are accurate but there are things that are definite benefits to this fantastic nutrient.  Some of the known benefits of vitamin c are;

Vitamin c is an important part of collagen production making it important when healing wounds and burns of any type.  Many skin care creams offer vitamin c. The Anti-oxidant properties of vitamin c make it a leading fighter in the research on destroying free radicals in our bodies and as research continues, possibly cancer. It has been proven that our eyes store vitamin c in the lens, and it is now being thought that vitamin c may fend of cataracts of the eye.
Cholesterol, heart disease, diabetes, and stroke are other diseases being added to the growing list of diseases and conditions that the benefits of vitamin c can lend their talents to.

When looking at the known benefits of vitamin c, scientists begin looking at the unknown and examining its powers there.  Some new research is being done with vitamin c benefits and effects of it on Parkinson’s disease and periodontal disease.  It is being used in hospitals to treat pregnancy issues and fertility issues in men. 

Miracle Nutrient?

Some call it a miracle vitamin.  Just like anything, the vitamin needs to be taken in moderation and used with some care.  Vitamin c offer many benefits but what of the disadvantages?  There are some drawbacks to massive amounts of vitamin c.  Diarrhoea and gastrointestinal distress have been associated with too much vitamin c, as well as some reports that increased vitamin c may cause kidney stones.  Like anything offering a benefit, appropriate medicinal doses and recommended dosages should be followed.  We can achieve most vitamin c benefits inside of the food we consume as long as we eat a balanced diet.  Green vegetables, fresh meats and citrus fruits offer the best sources.

What could be the sickness that causes bleeding from the gums and sores and puss, we have been nowhere but at sea?  So many seafaring men and ships doctors wondered what this illness was when they saw it appear.  Scurvy, also known as vitamin c deficiency, is a horrible thing for us to go through physically and centuries ago was fatal if not treated.  Our bodies depend on vitamin c for collagen production and for other anti-oxidant benefits.  As humans we do not have the gene that other animals have to produce our own vitamin c and therefore we need to consume foods as a source to absorb this nutrient.  Vitamin c deficiency or scurvy itself is said to go back as far as 400 BC, but there is definite reports of the disease during the crusades and the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries.  It was most common amongst sailors and seafaring ships and crews, although it did present itself on land during times of severe shortages and crisis, and in third world countries where food is a scarcity.  During World War I for example the soldiers would go weeks without fresh fruit and some suffered vitamin c deficiency while on the fronts.

Symptoms

When suffering from vitamin c deficiency the human body shows these very specific and gruesome signs.

Spots on the skin usually on the legs and thighs
Bleeding gums and mucous membranes
Pale skin
Depression
Pussy open sores
Loss of Teeth
Immobilization and lethargy

Cures

There were many thought up cures for vitamin c deficiency and the scurvy cures were many.  Most of them always involved fresh fruits, juice of fresh fruits, acidic drinks like wine or even sulphuric acid as a medical treatment.  In the end it wasn’t until the middle of the 1930`s that the actual ingredient in foods that we need to stave off vitamin c deficiency was discovered and that was the ingredient ascorbic acid which was chemically synthesized and mass produced a year later, virtually eliminating vitamin c deficiency altogether.  We quickly started studying the benefits of vitamin c soon after the isolation of ascorbic acid and the study goes on even today.

Vitamin c deficiency still arises from time to time in our society and around the world.  The elderly and babies are most susceptible to the deficiency.  Baby formula is fortified with vitamin c to prevent vitamin c deficiency, but occasionally breast milk is not well fortified as the mother may not be well nourished, or the baby is drinking regular cow’s milk.  In regards to the elderly, many elderly are alone and are malnourished, and vitamin c deficiency seems to go hand in hand with malnutrition. So make sure you and your family is getting fresh oranges, lemons and apples and there is some truth to the saying “An apple a day keeps the doctor away”.

Ascorbic acid has another name, Vitamin c.  Vitamin c is very important for our optimum health for many reasons, the more important of which are immune related.  Vitamin c is an anti-oxidant and unlike many animals humans do not have the ability to make vitamin c in our bodies and therefore we must obtain vitamin c from our diet. For centuries our early ancestors saw the importance of a diet which included vitamin c, although at the time they did not know what it was.  There are recorded instances of sailors dying from an unknown disease and native Indians saving them with a concoction made of the arbor vitae or translated it means, “the tree of life”.  The arbor vitae is now known as the Eastern White Cedar tree and the needles of the tree are now known to have a 50mg of the vitamin c for every 100 grams of needles that are boiled and drunk as a tea.

The magic of the vitamin c’ main ingredient wasn’t isolated until 1933.  In 1933 ascorbic acid was isolated and a year later it was synthesized.  Prior to the isolation of ascorbic acid, seafaring men had to deal with many long weeks at sea and in the 18th century sailors began drinking lemon juice or shipping limes with their cargo as to stave off the infamous disease of vitamin c deficiency, scurvy.

Modern Vitamin C

Today we have vitamin c available to us in many forms and in many foods.  It is used as a preservative, anti-oxidant and as a nutritional supplement.  In our processed foods we will see ascorbic acid, vitamin c by its formal name, used often.  It is used to keep colors and flavours and in frozen foods for example it keeps vegetables from turning brown.  It is of course used because it is a vitamin.  Today we can drink our vitamin c, eat our vitamin c, chew our vitamin c, and take a pill once a day to ensure we get all our necessary vitamins.  Scurvy is not a prevalent and fatal disease and we do not refer to trees as arbor vitae in time of need. 

Controversy

There is a long controversy behind this vitamin which has followed it since its real scientific isolation in 1933.  Today there is still a strong following behind the vitamin c craze.  Many people have studied and tested this nutrient and come to conclusions, some of which are; Vitamin c is a cure or at least a defence against the common cold.  Vitamin c can ward off and prevent heart attack.  Vitamin c can prevent cataracts from forming.  Vitamin c can extend your life.  Some have even claimed that this scurvy fighting nutrient can cure cancer.  Whatever you think, trust that a relatively moderate consumption of this vitamin is important to your overall health and will continue to be as long as human beings cannot produce this nutrient on their own.

Bones, Bones, Bones

When your mother or family member said that milk does the body good, they weren’t kidding. One of the best benefits of vitamin D is that it strengthens the bones. Not only does it make the bones that much stronger, but it can help children grow. Strong bones means that you won’t have to worry about a fall or trip: you should be more than fine. Additionally, if your bones are strong, it means that you will have to worry less about developing bone disease when you grow older. A great benefit of vitamin D is that it not only makes the bones stronger but ensures that if you experience a break or fracture, that the bones will be able to heal in no time at all.

Similarly, another benefit of vitamin D is that it results in a brighter smile. For folks who are concerned with their teeth – either the appearance of just with keeping them through old age – this is an invaluable benefit.

Digestion

A great benefit of vitamin D is that your body will be able to handle nearly any food you ingest. This is because the body will know how to identify, process, and absorb or use the vitamins you consume. Thus, the effect is a great one: it ensures the body will be in great condition and that you will receive the necessary nutrients to keep you in fighting form.

Immune System

Another invaluable benefit of vitamin D is that improves a person’s overall immune system. This means that your body will be able to ward off the common cold and serious illnesses. Additionally, it means that the body will be able to heal itself in no time at all in the event of an accident or sickness. Really, vitamins are the fuel of the body. If you receive enough vitamin D, you can be sure that your body will work in tip-top condition and that you will have to worry less and less about illness.

Rickets or Osteomalacia

If you or someone you love has developed a serious medical condition, then you should definitely consult with a doctor to decide how and when to take a vitamin D supplement. If you wait too long, you really could do irreversible damage to your mind and body. And of course, no one should have to be in pain because they forgot to eat their vegetables or take their vitamin D supplement. Once diagnosed with a condition related to this deficiency, you need to take the steps to remedy the situation so that you can get your health back.

Digestive Diseases and Parasites

There are times when the body may not be able to process or absorb the vitamins you ingest. Thus, it won’t matter if eat a lot of fish or drink a lot of milk: the body won’t be able to handle it. One of the most common reasons for this is are parasites in the body and digestive diseases. These items kill important cells and disrupt the body’s ability to deal with vitamins of all shapes and sizes. Thus, it is important to talk to a doctor before you start taking vitamin D supplements. You may need to treat and deal with a digestive disease or parasites before you can even begin to replenish your body with the necessary nutrients and vitamins. However, all is not lost: doctors do know how the body works and how to deal with such medical conditions. With their help, you will not only know when to take vitamin D supplements but will be able to get your health back on track so that you may not need them for too long.

Calcification

One of the most common effects of a vitamin D overdose is calcification. When this happens, calcium deposits form on the soft tissue. With time and with enough vitamin D, the deposits harden and can be quite painful. This is because the body can not absorb or handle all of the vitamins you are ingesting. Thus, the excess results in calcification. This vitamin D overdose symptom can occur pretty much anywhere in the body. For example, the deposits could pop up in the breast tissue and could mimic the look and feel of a tumor.

Urinary Stones

Because the body can not handle excess vitamin D, an overdose can result in something called urinary stones. These stones are actually hard and sometimes fairly large mineral masses that literally get stuck in the urinary tract. Generally, these masses have their start in the kidneys and then travel to such areas as the bladder. Urinary stones are nothing to laugh at: they can be incredibly painful. In fact, if you have a serious enough case of them, you may even have to have surgery to have them removed.

Nerve and Muscle Effects

If you have a vitamin D overdose, you may experience some nerve symptoms. For example, you may have some pain, numbness, and temperature sensitivity as a result of the vitamin D overdose. Some folks even experience reflex issues as the result of this condition. The muscles could also be affected: common effects include tingling, stiffness, and even the loss of muscle control. If these things happen, you should speak to a doctor as soon as possible. You don’t want the muscles and nerves of the body to become irreparably damaged!

Fish

If you need vitamin D, then you have to eat your fish. These are some of the best foods with vitamin D. Everything from oily fish to salmon and tuna comes with rich amounts of vitamin D that can make your life that much better. The flesh of fish is one of the most highly recommended foods for those who need or are deficit in vitamin D. The best thing about fish is that it’s healthy in other ways too. Thus, if you want to live a truly healthy life, you need to take the time to incorporate fish into your diet. This will improve your immune system, energy levels, and digestive system.

Similarly, fish liver oils are a great thing to incorporate into your diet and into your cooking. These items are great sources of vitamin D and can make all the difference. This doesn’t mean you have to eat cod liver oil for every meal. Simply incorporating it on a week to week basis can give the body what it needs.

Milk and Eggs

If you are looking for foods with vitamin D, you need to drink your milk and eat your eggs. Egg yolks, cheese, and milk are some of the best places to turn if you want foods with vitamin D. These items are not only great sources of nutrients, but they are also great foods to consume if you want to strengthen your teeth and your other bones.

You Have an Ache You Can’t Shake

If you have a vitamin D deficiency, then your bones are going to be affected. This could mean that you feel as if your bones are stretching or bruised a lot of the time, or it could mean that a simple fall could result in a serious break or fracture. You need to deal with this situation right away or you could end up with serious bone diseases. If you have a bone disease, it not only makes the bones that much more fragile, but it means that they will be less likely to heal. This could really end up making your life hard to live. A lot of people who have a vitamin D deficiency and a bone disease end up in the hospital or even in wheelchairs because their bones just won’t heal and keep on breaking.

Weakness and Insomnia

If you have a vitamin D deficiency, you can expect that your energy levels and sleep cycle will definitely be affected. For example, no matter how much you sleep, you will feel exhausted. This can result in everything from lethargy – not wanting to do things – to not even being able to get out of bed. A lot of people with a vitamin D deficiency describe it by saying it’s like feeling as if you have weights tired to your appendages all of the time. However, the terrible thing is that those who are weak and tired may not be able to sleep. This is because another sign of a vitamin D deficiency is insomnia. You may feel incredibly tired but may not be able to sleep. When you do fall sleep, it may only be for limited amounts of time.

Burning

One of the most common symptoms that you need more vitamin D is if you have a burning feeling in your mouth or even in your stomach. This means that your body is trying to tell you that it needs more of this nutrient. This burning means that your body is not receiving the nutrients it needs to not only digest food but to keep the teeth and other bones of the body secure. A body is a machine: without fuel, it can not work. Thus, the burning is a lot like a machine sputtering: it’s a sign that something is missing.

Bone Pan

If your bones ache, then you may need more vitamin D in your life. This vitamin is what keeps the bones strong and healthy. If you are lacking in this, then your bones will become more fragile. In fact, a simple trip or fall could result in a fracture or even a break. It is important to remedy the situation as soon as possible so that you do not develop a bone disease. Thus, the first sign to look for is if your bones seem to ache all of the time. If so, it’s time to talk to a doctor and figure out how to get more vitamin D into your system.

Diarrhea and Other Digestion Issues

If your body needs more vitamin D, you will most likely experience increased bouts with diarrhea and constipation. This is because the body is not digesting, absorbing, or processing food in normal, healthy ways. If the body is unable to process food, then the body will deal with it in other ways. Thus, diarrhea and constipation are signs that something is not quite right with your body. One of the most likely culprits is that you need more vitamin D.