Vitamins to boost immunity for a 3-year-old child. Strengthening immunity in children aged one year and older. Proper nutrition as an alternative to drugs

Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is a water-soluble substance. Another name for the vitamin is ascorbic acid. It performs important functions in the human body: strengthens the immune system, heals wounds, forms red blood cells, participates in the formation of collagen, and helps to absorb iron obtained from plant products. Without vitamin C, the formation of new cells that make up organs and systems is impossible. In addition, ascorbic acid is a powerful antioxidant that protects cells from damage.

First discovered ascorbic acid in lemon juice scientist S.S. Zilva in the first third of the twentieth century. Vitamin C is usually present in foods as compounds with other microelements, but the scientist managed to obtain it in its pure form.

Ascorbic acid comes in several forms in the human body.

Ascorbigen is a plant form of the vitamin. In this form, the substance is in connection with DNA nucleic acids, proteins and flavonoids.
Dehydroascorbic acid is a form of the vitamin that has undergone oxidation. This is a reserve reserve of the body, since this form of the vitamin can be restored to ascorbigen or L-ascorbic acid.
L-ascorbic acid is a reduced form of the vitamin. It has the most pronounced vitamin activity among other forms of the substance.

Ascorbic acid is very strongly destroyed when exposed to high temperatures. Therefore, after cooking (steaming, baking, stewing, frying, boiling), a minimal amount of vitamin C remains in the dish. Therefore, it is worth consuming foods without heat treatment, if possible.

This substance cannot be synthesized independently in the human body. That's why it's so important to get it in the right amount from foods. But most animals can synthesize the vitamin from glucose.

Ascorbic acid cannot accumulate in the body, so it is impossible to eat “for future use” foods with a high concentration of vitamin C. Very quickly, all excess substances will be excreted through urine and feces. For this reason, the microelement must enter the human body every day.

Beneficial properties of vitamin C

Helps accelerate the formation of collagen, the main protein in connective tissues that provides elasticity to various tissues of the body and skin.
Helps to form catecholamines (hormones adrenaline, serotonin, norepinephrine) and steroids (testosterone, estrogens, etc.).
Known for its detoxifying effect (stops the absorption of toxic substances into the body and removes them out).
Regulates the normal functioning of the liver and pancreas.
Takes part in tissue respiration.
Is an antioxidant: protects against harmful effects oxygen nucleic acids, proteins, lipids, phospholipids of cell membranes, fat-soluble microelements and vitamins.
Helps the body absorb iron and folic acid.
Strengthens the immune system.
Ensures normal blood clotting.
Normalizes the permeability of capillary walls.
Participates in the formation of red blood cells.
Has anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effect.
Accelerates wound healing and restores tissue structure after damage.

Since ascorbic acid simultaneously helps the production of adrenaline, norepinephrine, and also protects the body from toxic and harmful substances, it is used as a protective agent during times of strong feelings, depression and stress. Vitamin C, thanks to the activation of adrenaline, helps a person to be resilient, speeds up the body's reaction, and makes it stronger. But adrenaline speeds up metabolism, thereby promoting the accumulation of harmful substances in tissues. At this point, the vitamin will help remove these toxic substances.

Along with ascorbic acid, it is useful to consume foods containing calcium or iron, since vitamin C helps them be better absorbed. And ascorbic acid removes substances such as mercury, copper, and lead from the body.

Since vitamin C is an antioxidant, it is able to block the oxidation of cholesterol and lipoproteins, which helps stop progressive atherosclerosis or prevent its occurrence and development.

It is indispensable for the normal functioning of the brain and adrenal glands, since ascorbic acid is involved in the formation of serotonin, tyrosine and phenylalanine, which these organs need.

Thanks to ascorbic acid, the body can accumulate glucose, which the body will need in case of hunger, stress and other emergencies.

This microelement also eliminates the harmful effects of nitrosamines, which helps prevent stomach and intestinal cancer. IN Lately There have been a lot of studies that have proven that the prophylactic use of vitamin C can prevent the occurrence of cancer.

What does vitamin C contain?

This vitamin is found in many foods of plant and animal origin. But it is important not only to know where vitamin C is found, but also to take it correctly to obtain maximum benefits. This element can only be preserved if the product is consumed raw or after minimal heat treatment and proper storage(away from the sun and heat).

Vitamin C content in plant foods

Vitamin C is found in almost any product of plant origin:

berries (watermelon, blueberries, currants, raspberries, lingonberries, rose hips, strawberries, rowan);
fruits (apples, citrus fruits, persimmons, apricots, bananas, grapes);
vegetables (greens, cabbage of all varieties, broccoli, leafy vegetables, peppers, tomatoes, potatoes, eggplants, zucchini, green onions, radishes, carrots, radishes.

Most of all this microelement is found in dried rose hips, freshly picked rose hips, banana, juniper, red sweet pepper, sea buckthorn, green sweet pepper, kiwi, black currant, honeysuckle, parsley.

Animal Source of Vitamin C

Ascorbic acid is found in the milk of goats, mares, and cows.

Daily value of vitamin C

Some scientists believe that this vitamin is necessary for a person every day. large quantities, others are sure that a person should take an increased dose of such a useful element.

Norm for women and men

The World Health Organization believes that men and women need the same dose of vitamin C - 60 to 100 mg per day. The maximum you can take is 700 mg per day. If a woman is pregnant or breastfeeding, she should take at least 70 mg of vitamin C per day.

Vitamin C norm for children

From birth to six months, a child needs from 30 to 40 mg daily, children under one year old - 40-50 mg per day, from one year to fifteen years - 50-60 mg per day.

True, many experts in the field of vitamins believe that this amount of vitamin C is not enough for the body to function normally and prevent disease, so they suggest that adults take 100 to 200 mg of the microelement per day. Then all tissues and cells will be able to receive the required amount of vitamin, and the excess will still be removed from the body by the excretory system.

It should also be remembered that if a person is sick with something, he has stress or fever, he uses drugs, alcohol, or smokes, then his need for vitamin C increases by 2-4 times.

Vitamin C deficiency

Symptoms

Shortage ascorbic acid can be expressed in two forms - hypovitaminosis and vitamin deficiency. True, these two conditions may be different stages of the same process of deterioration of the patient's condition. They develop when there is insufficient intake of foods with vitamin C into the body. First, hypovitaminosis appears, and if for six months the patient has not changed his diet or taken additional vitamins, vitamin deficiency begins.

Hypovitaminosis can last for years. A person consumes foods containing ascorbic acid, but in small quantities, insufficient to obtain the daily requirement of the substance. As a result, the body always lacks the vitamin. Several signs appear that can be confused with symptoms of a cold, fatigue after a hard day at work, stress, and poor nutrition. Hypovitaminosis develops when a person eats little or does not eat fresh fruits and vegetables, berries, or prefers not raw food, but only cooked food.

Vitamin deficiency begins when a person receives almost no of this substance from foods. Signs of vitamin deficiency will not appear soon, but gradually, since first the body will use those microelements that are in organs and tissues. When there is no vitamin C left in the tissues, then scurvy manifests itself clearly - a disease caused by a lack of vitamin C. This entire process will take from four to six months.

Vitamin C deficiency can be recognized by the following symptoms:

gums bleed;
the gum papillae swell;
teeth become loose and fall out;
even with minor injuries, bruises immediately appear;
a hemorrhagic rash appears;
dry, rough areas appear on the skin, on which there are small dense nodules with a red rim (hyperkeratosis);
frequent bleeding from the nose or genitals;
internal hemorrhages;
slow healing wounds;
frequent acute respiratory viral infections, acute respiratory infections;
anemia;
constant low temperature;
bluish dry lips;
severe hair loss;
fatigue, drowsiness, lethargy;
irritability;
low level of performance;
state of stress;
painful sensations in the joints;
inconvenience in different parts bodies.

In children with hypovitaminosis, their legs become crooked and their chest is deformed.

Excess Vitamin C

Too much vitamin C can cause the following conditions:

termination of pregnancy;
increased pressure;
indigestion, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
abdominal pain;
redness on the skin of the face;
frequent urination;
headache;
restlessness, anxiety;
sleep disorders;
destruction of red blood cells (in some forms of disease);
the appearance of kidney stones;
decreased insulin production;
irritation of the inner walls of the stomach (if you take the vitamin along with Aspirin);
poisoning (if you take the vitamin together with tablets containing aluminum);
lack of vitamin B12 (vitamin C prevents it from being absorbed).

Use of ascorbic acid for cosmetic purposes

Vitamin C for hair

Anti-hair loss products with vitamins have long proven their effectiveness with positive side and have only positive reviews. Vitamin C, when applied externally, will help hair shine, be smooth, soft and manageable. Vitamin C is also sold in pharmacies in the form of a pure solution in ampoules. This solution is suitable for the scalp and hair. It can be rubbed in either pure or after adding to shampoo, conditioner or hair masks. A five percent solution of ascorbic acid should be added 4 drops for every 5 ml of product. This product can be used to care for your hair every time you wash your hair.

A pure ascorbic acid solution is applied to the hair after a day or two and left for 25 minutes. Then you can wash it off with any shampoo. To make application easier, the liquid from the ampoule can be poured into a syringe and gently applied to the parting between the hair. The distance between the partings is about one and a half centimeters. Having completely wet one parting, you can move on to the next one. After treating the entire head, the hair should be combed with a medium comb - then the solution will be well distributed along the entire length of the hair. After this, you should wrap your head with a towel for half an hour and then rinse with shampoo.

Ascorbic acid for face

Almost any lotion, cream or face mask contains vitamin C. It can slow down the aging process of the skin, whitens it, eliminates pigmentation, accelerates wound healing and restores the skin. It also makes it more elastic and retains moisture, so the skin does not dry out. The skin will not look flabby and dull.

You can choose ready-made products with vitamins, or you can make them yourself. To do this, you will need ampoules with a five percent or ten percent vitamin solution. Five percent solution for faces will suit better. You can wipe the skin with a clean solution or add a few drops to the cream. It is best to apply the product to deeply cleansed skin.

It’s easier to wipe your face with a clean solution once a week before going to bed for 10 days. After this, the procedures can be resumed after 1 - 1.5 months.

The effects of vitamins are amazing. The skin will become lighter, softer, moisturized, and elastic. A healthy complexion and glow will appear.

Once a week you can add the vitamin to any facial product. This way you can use ascorbic acid for a very long time.

Types of release of the drug with ascorbic acid

Vitamin C preparations come in two types:

biologically active food supplements containing vitamin C;
medications with ascorbic acid.

Biological supplements are intended for prevention only. They can be taken by healthy people. Medicines can only be prescribed by a doctor. They are drunk during the complex treatment of the disease or for prevention.

All products with ascorbic acid can be found in pharmacies in the following forms:

solution for injection (“Ascorbic acid”, “Vitamin C-injectopas”, “Ascorbic acid bufus”, “Ascorbic acid Vial”);
dragees (“Setebe 500”, “Cevicap” (drops), “Ascorbic acid UBF”);
chewable tablets (“Asvitol”, “Vitamin C 500”, “Rostvit”, “Ascorbic acid”) for oral administration (orally);
effervescent drug in the form of tablets (“Additiva Vitamin C”, “Ascovit”, “Vitamin C”, “Celascon Vitamin C”, “Citravit”);
powder for preparing a suspension (taken orally) (“Ascorbic acid”, “Vitamin C”).

For normal functioning of the body, a person needs vitamins, minerals and other useful components. Vitamins A, B, C, D affect all human systems and organs. Their deficiency causes the development of diseases, as well as an excess. Each vitamin has its own daily requirement. The source of vitamins can be drugs that are sold in pharmacies, but it is still better to get them from nature, that is, from food.

Vitamin C

One of the most necessary and important vitamins for human health is also known as ascorbic acid, “ascorbic acid”. A drug with the same name can be found in any pharmacy, but you can also replenish its reserves with fruits, vegetables and other foods.

Vitamin C is an organic substance and an important component healthy eating person. It has the ability to influence almost all vital functions of the body. During the first two months of life, the human body synthesizes vitamin C on its own. Ascorbic acid strengthens the immune system, fights viruses and bacteria, helps prevent various kinds of diseases, prolongs the youth of the body, and this is not the whole list of its effects.

Effect of vitamin C on the body

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) has a wide spectrum of effects on the body. It improves immunity, takes part in the formation of antibodies and in normalizing the metabolism of fats, proteins, carbohydrates, and increasing the supply of glycogen in the liver. Ascorbic acid helps increase blood flow and heart rate, reducing blood pressure, expansion of capillaries and arterioles.

Vitamin C is involved in a large number of biological processes. Thus, it affects the synthesis of collagen, a protein that forms connective tissue that cements the intercellular space. The main functions of collagen include protecting blood vessels, organs, muscles, joints, bones, forming skin, bones, ligaments, teeth. It acts as a protective barrier against infections, diseases, and promotes the healing of bruises, fractures, and wounds.

Vitamin C is very important for the immune system, as it supports the functioning of white blood cells and the production of antibodies. It also promotes the formation of interferon (a substance with anticancer and antiviral effects). Vitamin C, due to its antioxidant properties, protects against negative impact antioxidants, helps prevent symptoms of aging, heart disease and cancer. In addition, ascorbic acid has a positive effect on the functioning of the cardiovascular, nervous, endocrine and other systems.

Vitamin C and hair

The lack of ascorbic acid in the body affects not only the condition, but also the appearance person. Vitamin C has been found to be very beneficial for hair. Since it is responsible for blood circulation in the scalp, it ensures proper nutrition to the hair follicles. Vitamin C is recommended for those who suffer from dandruff, split ends, dry hair, thinness and brittleness.

If you find a problem with your hair, do not rush to immediately run to the pharmacy or cosmetic store for a super mask or balm, but include in your daily diet more fresh vegetables, citrus fruits, berries, which contain a sufficient amount of vitamin C. They will bring much more benefits to the body and for hair than chemical products.

Vitamin C for children

The taste of sweet “ascorbic acid” has been familiar to us since childhood. After all, it is children who need vitamins the most. Their body is forming, growing, developing, so you need to provide your child with everything necessary for him to grow up healthy. Proper nutrition in childhood - the key to the health of the body in the future. Every parent should ensure that their child gives preference to vegetables and fruits over chips, crackers and buns.

One of the most important components children's diet must have C-vitamin. It helps to increase the body's protective functions and improves immunity, which is so necessary for children. A lack of this vitamin in the body can lead to bleeding gums, general weakness of the body and poor wound healing.

Daily value of vitamin C

The daily requirement of the human body for vitamin C is not the same for everyone and depends on several factors: the presence of bad habits, breastfeeding or pregnancy, work performed, gender, age. Experts provide average figures for the statistical average healthy person: 500-1500 mg per day - therapeutic norm and 60-100 mg daily - physiological need body.

The need for vitamin C is increased by toxic effects, fever, stress, illness, hot climate, Daily requirement Vitamin C increases contraception. The norm depends on age - the older the person, the higher it is. For example, the requirement for an infant is 30 mg, and for an elderly person - 60 mg. The daily intake increases during pregnancy (70 mg) and lactation (95 mg).

Signs of vitamin C deficiency in the body

Statistics show that it is children of preschool and school age who suffer from a lack of vitamins, which are necessary for their normal growth and development. A lack of vitamin C was found in 90% of children (the study was conducted). In the bodies of those children who were in the hospital, a deficiency of ascorbic acid was found in 60-70%.

Vitamin C deficiency increases in the winter-spring period, which entails a decrease in immunity and an increased possibility of developing gastrointestinal or respiratory diseases. Deficiency can be exogenous or endogenous. In the first case, there is little vitamin in food, in the second, the vitamin is poorly absorbed. Long-term vitamin deficiency can lead to the development of hypovitaminosis. Vitamin C deficiency in the body can manifest itself as the following symptoms: depression, joint pain, irritability, dry skin, hair loss, lethargy, tooth loss and bleeding gums, poor wound healing.

For the normal functioning of the body, a person needs to eat properly, balanced. Daily ration a person should include vitamin C. What foods contain it and how much should you eat to replenish the norm? Firstly, plant-based foods contain significant amounts of vitamin C. These are berries (strawberries, sea buckthorn, rowan, rose hips), fruits (citrus fruits, persimmons, peaches, apples, apricots), vegetables (Brussels sprouts, bell peppers, broccoli, jacket potatoes). Animal products contain vitamin C in small quantities. These are mainly the kidneys, adrenal glands, and liver of animals.

There are a number of herbs that contain vitamin C in sufficient doses. Foods should be eaten every day and preferably in unprocessed form. After all, biochemical processing, storage and heat treatment contribute to the destruction of a large part of the vitamin. Every person who cares about their health needs to know what benefits vitamin C brings, what foods contain it and how to prevent its deficiency.

Ascorbic acid. A drug

Vitamin C is found in many medications. These are tablets "Vitamin C", "Citravit", "Tselascon", "Vitamin C" in ampoules. One of the most common is “Ascorbic acid” in tablets. In addition to being healthy, it is also very tasty, so children happily take the pills. The drug promotes the formation of intracellular collagen, strengthening the structure of the walls of capillaries, bones and teeth. The drug "Ascorbic acid" is vitamin C itself. Products cannot always fully provide the body with it.

The tool takes part in the processes cellular respiration, iron metabolism, protein and lipid synthesis, carbohydrate metabolism, tyrosine metabolism, redox reactions. The use of "Ascorbic acid" reduces the body's need for pantothenic vitamins A, E, B. The content of vitamin C in the preparation is close to 100%.

Indications

People who long time suffer from a lack of vitamin C in the body, certain medications may be prescribed. As a rule, tablets are available containing 250 mg of ascorbic acid or 1000 mg (indicated only for the treatment of hypovitaminosis).

Tablets 250 mg are indicated for increased mental and physical activity, during pregnancy (especially multiple pregnancy, against the background of drug or nicotine addiction), after illness, to strengthen the immune system, and for colds. A large number of people take vitamin C to prevent or treat vitamin deficiency or hypovitaminosis.

Side effects

Vitamin C is essential for the normal functioning of the body, but some patients may experience problems when taking it. side effects, which is due to the individual characteristics of the body, joint use with others medicines, the presence of certain diseases.

Vitamin C, reviews of which are mostly positive, can cause negative reactions if abused. Long-term use of the drug in large doses can cause insomnia, increased excitability of the central nervous system, headache. The digestive system may respond with vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, ulceration of the gastrointestinal mucosa, hyperacid gastritis, and irritation of the gastrointestinal mucosa.

The patient may develop glycosuria, hyperglycemia, moderate pollakiuria, nephrolithiasis, decreased capillary permeability, skin hyperemia, skin rash, leukocytosis, thrombocytosis, impaired copper and zinc metabolism.

Overdose

The human body can suffer not only from vitamin C deficiency, but also from its excess. This condition is usually called hypervitaminosis; it occurs when the patient has a great desire to improve his health through excessive consumption of this vitamin. There are often situations when a person, unaware of the danger, combines products containing a sufficient amount of the vitamin with the drug “Ascorbic acid”.

The maximum daily intake should not exceed 90 mg for an adult. In order to circumvent the consequences, you need to become familiar with the symptoms of hypervitaminosis. The first thing that occurs is constant dizziness and nausea, vomiting, and cramps in the abdominal area. Further, problems with the heart, kidneys, gallbladder. Consuming large amounts of vitamin C is accompanied by heartburn, indigestion, fatigue, and allergic reactions.

Everything is good in moderation. Vitamin C, the price of which starts from 100 rubles, is beneficial for the body only if taken correctly. Before starting treatment, it is recommended to visit the clinic; the doctor will prescribe the correct drug and dosage for each specific case.

It is a water-soluble nutrient. It is not stored in the body in large quantities; excess is excreted in the urine. Therefore, it is important to include ascorbic acid in your diet daily.

Vitamin C is important for growth and repair of bones, teeth, skin and other tissues. In addition, it performs many other functions in the body:

Increases iron absorption from plant foods.
Helps prevent cell damage, reduce the risk of developing cancer and other chronic diseases.
Protects the body from infections by improving the functioning of the immune system.

Most people get enough ascorbic acid through a healthy diet. Men need to consume 75 mg per day, women - 65 mg, you can find out more in the article.

What foods contain vitamin C?

There are two products with the highest concentrations - kakadu plum (Australia) and myrciaria (camu camu berry) (Amazon basin) - however, they are extremely rare outside these areas.

Since vitamin C is very abundant in flora, it is impossible to list all the products containing it. But we can identify the most famous and important sources of ascorbic acid.

Citrus:

oranges;
lemons;
lime;
grapefruit;
tangerines.

Tropical Fruits:

kiwi;
a pineapple;
mango;
papaya;
passion fruit.

Melon crops:

melons, including cantaloupe;
watermelons.

Goji berries;
loganberry;
gooseberry;
strawberry;
elder;
blueberry;
raspberries.

Onion family:

onion;
garlic;
leek;
shallot.

Other vegetables and fruits:

Seaweed:

spirulina;
chlorella.

Some animal organs:

beef, veal, pork, chicken and lamb liver;
heart, tongue and brain of lamb.

Seafood:

oysters;
cod caviar.

Dairy

camel milk;
goat milk;
cow's milk

Ascorbic acid in products - table

The table below will provide information on the vitamin C content of foods and help you choose foods rich in this nutrient. The serving size corresponds to the daily dosage of ascorbic acid intake.

Products	Serving Size	Vitamin C in mg
VEGETABLES
Chilli
Parsley
Pepper (red, yellow), raw	125 ml (1/2 cup)
Peppers (red, green), cooked	125 ml (1/2 cup)
Broccoli, raw	125 ml (1/2 cup)
Brussels sprouts, raw	125 ml (1/2 cup)
Green pepper, raw	125 ml (1/2 cup)
Broccoli, cooked	125 ml (1/2 cup)
Red cabbage, raw	250 ml (1 cup)
Brussels sprouts, cooked	125 ml (4 sprouts)
Kohlrabi, cooked	125 ml (1/2 cup)
Snow peas, cooked	125 ml (1/2 cup)
	125 ml (1/2 cup)
Green onions	125 ml (1/2 cup)
White cabbage, cooked	125 ml (1/2 cup)
Cauliflower, raw or cooked	125 ml (1/2 cup)
Kale	125 ml (1/2 cup)
Rapini (leaf broccoli)	125 ml (1/2 cup)
Potatoes with skin, cooked	1 medium potato
Chinese collard greens (bok choy)	125 ml (1/2 cup)
Sweet potatoes with skin, cooked	1 medium potato
Asparagus, frozen, cooked
Mamordica (balsamic pear)	125 ml (1/2 cup)
turnip leaves	125 ml (1/2 cup)
Snow peas, raw	125 ml (1/2 cup)
Collard greens, cooked	125 ml (1/2 cup)
Raw tomatoes	1 medium tomato
Tomato sauce, canned	125 ml (1/2 cup)
Stewed, canned tomatoes	125 ml (1/2 cup)
FRUITS
Acerola (Barbados cherry)

	1/2 fruit
	1 large fruit
Orange	1 medium orange
Lychee fruit	10 fruits
Strawberry	125 ml (1/2 cup)
	125 ml (1/2 cup)
Grapefruit, pink or red	125 ml (1/2 cup)

Clementine fruit
Cantaloupe	125 ml (1/2 cup)
	1/2 fruit
Anon fruit	125 ml (1/2 cup)
Mandarin	1 medium tangerine
	125 ml (1/2 cup)
Berries (raspberries, blueberries, blackberries)	125 ml (1/2 cup)
JUICES
Juice (orange, grapefruit, apple, pineapple, grape) with added vitamin C	125 ml (1/2 cup)
Fruit or vegetable smoothie	125 ml (1/2 cup)
Guava nectar	125 ml (1/2 cup)
MEAT
Veal liver
Beef liver
Pork liver

Foods rich in ascorbic acid (vitamin C) - practical recommendations for your diet

1. Rosehip

This product is mainly used for making jams, jellies, syrups, herbal teas, wines, and marmalade. The vitamin C content in 100 grams of rose hips is 426 mg, this is one of the best products, rich in this nutrient.