Enhanced ability to fight infection. Vitamin C, at doses of 1g or more, increases body temperature slightly (enhancing white blood cell function), and is beneficial in lowering blood histamine. High levels of body histamine are associated with decreased immune response and increased nasal and bronchial congestion in colds and flu. Vitamin C stimulates activity of white blood cells and enhances their ability to destroy bacteria and viruses.
Wound healing. Vitamin C can enhance the healing of wounds and fractures and be effective in burns, trauma, and surgery.
Periodontal disease. Vitamin C reduces inflammation and bleeding of the gums and helps promote healing. Ample vitamin C may reduce susceptibility to periodontal disease.
Peptic ulcer disease. Vitamin C deficiency may increase risk for ulcers and subsequent hemorrhage. Supplementation may improve healing.
Eye disorders. The antioxidant actions of vitamin C may help prevent cataract. High intra-ocular pressure due to glaucoma can be reduced with vitamin C.
Hemorrhoids. Supplemental vitamin C can soften the stool, strengthen the walls of the veins around the anus, and reduce swelling and tenderness.
Allergic disorders. Because of its ability to lower body and blood histamine levels, vitamin C may be beneficial in bronchial asthma, exercise-induced asthma, food allergy, allergic rhinitis (hay fever), and other allergies.
Iron deficiency. Supplemental vitamin C increases iron absorption from meals and supplements and is a valuable adjunct in the treatment of iron deficiency.
Male infertility. A common form of male infertility is caused by abnormal clumping together of sperm, reducing sperm motility. Supplemental vitamin C can reverse this abnormality and potentially increase fertility in this condition.
Smoking and alcohol consumption. Smokers need additional vitamin C to maintain body reserves because of increased breakdown of the vitamin with regular smoking. Vitamin C may help protect the liver from the inflammation, damage, and fat accumulation caused by heavy alcohol consumption.
Heavy metal toxicity. Vitamin C plays an important role in protecting the body from heavy metals. It reduces absorption and speeds up detoxification and excretion of heavy metals.
Diabetes. Vitamin C transport and metabolism is impaired in diabetes due to high blood sugar levels. Supplemental vitamin C can help speed healing of skin ulcers.
Atherosclerosis. Vitamin C increases breakdown and excretion of cholesterol and protects cholesterol in the body from oxidation (oxidation of cholesterol increases its atherogenicity). It can lower blood cholesterol and triglycerides, while raising HDL cholesterol. Large doses decrease platelet aggregation and may reduce risk of blood clots in the legs and lungs after surgery. In addition, vitamin C supports the strength of blood vessel walls. By these mechanisms, vitamin C may be of benefit in coronary heart disease, thrombotic stroke, and peripheral vascular disease.
Cancer. Vitamin C plays a central role in antioxidant and immune defenses against cancer. It helps detoxify carcinogenic food additives (such as nitrates, pesticides, and other chemicals) and heavy metals. Vitamin C may reduce risk of cancer, particularly cancers of the mouth, larynx, esophagus, stomach, rectum, bladder, breast, pancreas, and uterus.