My Review of Health Labs Nutra Extra-Strength Vitamin C 1,000mg

What is Vitamin C and Why is it Important?

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a water-soluble nutrient. The body does not store it and excretes excess amounts in urine daily. Therefore it must be consumed on a consistent basis. It acts as an antioxidant in the body, protecting it from cell damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are formed when we convert food into energy, and we are also exposed by air pollution, cigarette smoke and UV light from the sun.

Vitamin C is necessary for collagen production, a protein necessary in wound healing. Without adequate amounts of collagen, we are more susceptible to infection and poor healing. Protein is necessary for healthy skin, nails and hair. Deficiencies in vitamins and minerals including ascorbic acid can lead to dry, brittle nails and hair, itchy and scaly skin, as well as nosebleeds and easy bruising. It improves the absorption of iron and aids the immune system in functioning properly.

Chemical makeup of Calcium

Dietary Sources of Vitamin C

In order to obtain an adequate amount of Vitamin C through dietary means, one must eat a healthy and varied diet. Listed below are some good dietary sources of ascorbic acid.

Fruits:

• Citrus Fruits: oranges, grapefruit
• Kiwi
• Cantaloupe
• Mango
• Papaya
• Pineapple
• Berries: strawberries, blueberries, cranberries, raspberries

Vegetables:

• Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower
• Red and green peppers
• Tomato and tomoato juice
• Sweet and white potatoes
• Spinach, cabbage, turnip and other leafy greens

Some foods are fortified with added Vitamin C to supplement poor diets, such as cereal and beverages.

Cooking processes can reduce the Vitamin C amount in foods. Eating raw fruits and vegetables provide the highest Vitamin C content. Cooking via steam or microwaving causes the least loss of nutritional content. Cooking methods that take a longer time, such as boiling, further reduce the nutritional benefit available in the foods.

In today's world of eating fast food meals on the go, many people find that they simply do not consume an adequate amount of fruits and vegetables on a daily basis. This lifestyle leads to them becoming deficient in Vitamin C, among other nutrients. In these circumstances, it is often helpful to supplement one's diet with OTC vitamins to ensure adequate amounts are available for the body' processes.

Dietary Sources of Vitamin C

Recommended Daily Intake of Vitamin C

Age	Amount of Vitamin C Daily
Men over 19	90mg
Women over 19	75mg
Pregnant women	85mg
Breastfeeding women	120mg
Smokers	Additional 35mg

Signs of Deficiency

Signs of Ascorbic Acid Deficiency include:

• Anemia
• Decreased wound healing
• Bleeding gums
• Weight gain
• Swollen, painful joints
• Rough, scaly skin and brittle hair
• Easy bruising
• Scurvy - severe deficiency most often seen in malnourished individuals

What Happens if I Get Too Much Vitamin C?

Since it is water-soluble, excess vitamin C is mostly eliminated in the urine. This prevents most people from experiencing adverse side effects. High doses can cause headaches, frequent urination, diarrhea, and/or nausea. These side effects can be reduced or eliminated by simply reducing one's Vitamin C intake.

According to the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements, the upper limits of ascorbic acid for adults is 2000mg/day. Therefore, a supplement of 1000mg daily should cause no adverse effects for most individuals. Because some vitamins can affect absorption of prescribed medications, it is important to discuss supplements you are taking with your health care provider.

My Experience With Health Labs Nutra Extra-Strength Vitamin C

I received a bottle of 100 tablets of Health Labs Nutra Extra-Strength Vitamin C 1000mg with Rose Hips in exchange for trying it and providing my honest opinion of the product. All views and opinions expressed are my actual unbiased experience with the product. I am sharing my opinion in order to aid consumers in making future purchasing decisions.

I like that the bottle contains 100 tablets, so taking one tablet a day provides me with over 3 months worth of the supplement. There is no strong odor, as I have found with other vitamin supplements. There is no aftertaste. I have not observed any side effects from taking 1000mg daily. The only improvement that I could suggest for the product, would be if they could make a smaller tablet or possibly a chewable version for those who have difficulty swallowing larger tablets. You can order this product here : https://www.amazon.com/health-labs-nutra-extra-strength-vitamin/dp/b01mayoffn #HealthLabsNutraVitC