vit c

[jessiejames1973]

why do a lot of people and web sites recommend vit c? vit c aids the absorbtion of iron, so surely excess vit c is a bad thing??

[Bill1954]

Iron isn’t necessarily bad, unless your doctor tells you that you have iron storage problems. In fact, iron is essential for the transport of oxygen in hemoglobin. If you don’t have specific information suggesting you need to reduce iron, don’t worry about it—

Bill

[nygirl7]

Yes you don't want to take extra iron but certainly, from those of us who have had the anemia badly, you sure don't want to live without it!

I would not advise taking ANY supplement to excess - they can all be dangerous.

[Mr Liver]

You are 100% correct. Anyone who does mega-doses of vitamin C are doing much more harm than good by doing so. I have written on this forum about this topic before. This doesn't have to do with excess iron storage either. It simply has to do as you stated with vitamin C leading to greater absorption of iron.

The iron stimulates stellate cells in our livers. Stellate cells form collagen which is what fibrotic strands are made of. The last thing someone would want to do with a liver disease is aid in the formation of fibrosis.

Not to mention it has never been proven to be a clear benefit to our immune system when large doses of vitamin C are taken. The RDA is 65 mg. Some ppl on here take vit C into the 1000's of mg which is not wise when you have liver disease. Take care.
ML

[Willy50]

The post presumes that we know our iron stores and that they may be high.  That may be a reasonable assumption, particularly for guys.... or for post menopausal women over 50-60.  

Deal is.... it is a presumption.  Any doctor who would treat on that presumption would not be worth their salt.  Best in my opinion to find out..... get an iron panel along with ones LFT's and go from there.  

To the best of my knowledge the vitamin C aids in iron pickup when taken with food.  One can also take Vit C well before or after meals.  One can also monitor the type of food one eats to limit ones exposure to iron.... like red meat.

Did you know that some drinks like tea or coffee and inhibit iron absorption when taken with the meal?

Willy

[Mr Liver]

"The post presumes that we know our iron stores and that they may be high."

I'm not sure where you are getting this from. It doesn't matter how high or how low your iron is. The fact remains that vitamin C , esp in high doses aids the absorption of iron, this stimulates the stellate cells and collagen is produced in greater amounts than it would have been without megadosing. It matters not if you have naturally high or low iron.---ML

[jessiejames1973]

can we consider high iron level to be inline with high B12 levels, the reason i ask is that i have low haemoglobin and wish to raise levels ( iam not on tx) but i am concerned about increasing iron levels in the process, my haemoglobin is 12 and has been for every blood test i ve had in the last three years

thanks
Jessie

[Willy50]

Sorry, many hepper seem to avoid iron..... and for the same reason avoid vitamin C due to the iron uptake issue.
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The originating poster wrote;
"vit c aids the absorbtion of iron, so surely excess vit c is a bad thing?? "
_-------------------------------------------------

I was replying to that notion.  Most heppers merely assume they shouldn't take iron.  The better course is to see (via testing) if you do need it..... or don't need any....or even need to get rid of some.

My post was just a call to get tested with ones other tests.  That seemed prudent since they were asking in essence if they should or shouldn't take the vitamin.  

It seems a common presumption that we can't have iron.  In actuality, we need it in certain quantities in our blood so that we can live, or treat successfully.  Even rescue drugs won't help your anemia if your iron is too low, for instance.  

I would think that since excess iron is detrimental to our liver.....as you indicate..... that you would agree.  ; )

best,
Willy

[Magnum]

The way it was explained to me by my Hepatologist is that iron in it's natural food form (cereals, vegetables, etc..) is okay, but iron supplements in pill form is not...

Magnum

[Bali05]

just get tested.see if you have any deficiencies for Vit C , D ,Folic Acid ect.....

than you can supplement accordingly if need be. If you have high ferritin and or

serum iron and at the same time low vit c I would supplement vit c and watch

iron in diet.

[jessiejames1973]

thanks for your reply

Jessie

[Lindaz]

My Iron is low at the best of times due to thalassemia.  Whilst on treatment, I had an orange every day because I thought it just might help my iron etc and my immune system...........  It probally didn't but I still ate one daily.......lol.
All the best to you
Lindax