Vitamin C is one of the most amazing vitamins that is known to man.  Vitamin C supplements help us keep the correct amount of the vitamin in our bodies.  There are numerous benefits to taking the vitamin C supplements such as assisting the body in fighting off illnesses and helping the body with repair and growth issues.  Vitamin C helps our bodies produce anti-stress hormones as well as helping us in the metabolism of folic acid, phenylalanine, and tyrosine.  This vitamin is also said to help relieve high blood pressure, so a Vitamin C supplement could be beneficial to those with hypertension. 

Vitamin C supplements have been known to help reduce cholesterol levels in patients with high levels of LDL.  Vitamin C also helps our bodies fight infection, cancer, and enhances our overall immunity.  It increases the body’s ability to absorb iron and is essential in the protection against bruising and blood clotting as well as promoting healing of bruises and wounds.  Vitamin C supplements aid the body in being successful at all of these things. 

There is evidence to show that there are benefits in taking Vitamin C supplements in conjunction with Vitamin E supplements.  These vitamins work together, causing a greater effect on the body than if you took them separately.  If the supplements are taken together, they work synergistically, which means one benefits from the other, somewhat symbiotically.  Vitamin c attracts free radicals in biologic fluids and Vitamin E looks for and finds the dangerous free radical cells. 

There are signs that a Vitamin C supplement is needed.  Susceptibility to infection, especially bronchial infections and colds, as well as joint pains and poor digestion are all signs that the body could benefit from a Vitamin C supplement.  Other signs include lack of energy, easy bruising, continued poor digestion, and tooth loss.  A deficiency in Vitamin C can result in Scurvy.  While it is not common in western civilizations, it is common in many parts of the world.  Scurvy is characterized by soft bleeding gums, extreme weakness and lethargy, poor wound healing, hemorrhages, and edema.

Vitamin C supplements are readily available, but this necessary vitamin can also be found in many foods.  This is a vitamin that cannot be manufactured by the body and must be ingested regularly to keep the body healthy.  Most of the Vitamin C consumed in the human body is excreted through the urine, making it important for many people to regularly take a Vitamin C supplement. 

If an individual is very sick with a disease such as cancer or HIV, it is common for Vitamin C supplements to be administered through intravenous form.  However, it is very easy to acquire Vitamin C supplements at the local pharmacy or discount store, as well as a health food or supplement store. 

Some cause of Vitamin C depletion include smoking, alcohol consumption, antidepressants, anticoagulants, oral contraceptives, steroids, or analgesics.  If a person is on any of these medications, it would be wise to consider a Vitamin C supplement as an added regimen in their daily intake.  

Patients that are afflicted with HIV/AIDS, cancer, and other chronic illnesses have been found to benefit from Ester C, which is a certified Vitamin C supplement.  Ester C is created by causing the vitamin to react with a mineral such as magnesium, calcium, zinc, sodium, or potassium.  This causes the vitamin to become non-acidic, making it easier for the patient to handle in their sensitive state.  This Vitamin C supplement enters the body about four times faster than the standard form of the vitamin and stays in the body tissues longer.  This causes it to move through the bloodstream more efficiently, causing it to have a longer lasting effect on the body.  When this Vitamin C supplement is used, only one third as much is lost through urine, giving it a much higher retention rate in the body.

While Vitamin C supplements are highly beneficial in most cases, it is always wish to follow the doctors orders or the label instructions carefully.  Too much Vitamin C can cause stomach irritation and even ulcers and can be detrimental to a developing fetus.  Follow all label instructions carefully when using a Vitamin C supplement.