vitamin c and reflux/gastritis

[anxious09]

hi does anyone know if Vitamin C will relapse conditions such as erosive gastritis/reflux ?

i was told i have iron deficiency so now i have to take supplements . can i take vitamin c as well ?

tks

[Sunlovinmom]

Oops--looks like we posted the same time. :)

[Sunlovinmom]

This is a question I have been meaning to ask, since I took vitamin C up until I found I had gastritis.  Hope we get an answer soon!

[Kaneda2112]

From an article online -

"Vitamin C and Acid Reflux Syndrome Reason for Moderation

By Kathryn Whittaker

Vitamin C affects acid reflux in two different manners. One way is direct, and the other is in a very roundabout way. Many things that are well known for having vitamin C in them are trigger foods for acid flare-ups and the subsequent heartburn. These include many citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, pineapple, and lemons. They are highly acidic, and they also trigger the stomach to produce more acid. Vitamin C is vital for good health, but when the acid production is stimulated by these foods, you have to find alternatives, or you have to take a supplement.

Vitamin C is essential for many reasons. The most well known benefit of vitamin C is that it helps the body fight off colds. It is also a key part of collagen production. Collagen is an essential part of healthy skin, blood vessels, and joint tissues. It is also needed for repair. When you suffer a wound of any type, vitamin C races to the site to help heal. It is also important for the strength and growth of bones and teeth. However, many who find that citrus and vitamin C aggravates or stimulates stomach acid production will avoid the foods, and thus, problems start to appear.

When you notice that you are not getting enough vitamin C, you might be tempted to take a supplement. This is something you should discuss with your doctor before you begin. Though you can get some from supplements, they can cause problems. If you are taking too much, your body must work overtime to get rid of the excess. This can lead to liver damage over time. It might also contribute to joint pain in some people. If it is used excessively, it can produce softening of the bones. Also, these supplements can trigger excess acid production and irritation in the stomach in the very same ways that citrus fruits will. It is far safer to find your vitamin C in food sources that will not trigger your acid reflux.

There is some food sources for vitamin C that you can include in your diet to make up for what you are not getting from the more obvious sources. If you find that citrus does not bother you very much in regards to your acid reflux syndrome, then you can eat those and be done with it.

However, if it does bother you, as it does many others, you should try to have some of the following each day and even each meal. You can try papaya, strawberries, bell peppers, brussel sprouts, broccoli, kale, cantaloupe, and kiwi. Some may exacerbate symptoms but you may find you can get what you need from some of them. Tomatoes are a great source, but they tend to aggravate acid reflux.

If you are concerned about your vitamin C intake, you can talk to your doctor. Remember that a supplement might actually do more harm than good if you have acid reflux syndrome, and many doctors will not suggest taking vitamin C as a supplement. If your doctor recommends the supplement, taking them in small doses in the middle of meals might help reduce excess acid production. Keep track of what foods you are eating and how many supplements you might be taking. Remember that the body does not store vitamin C, so you should find out what your body needs each day, and make sure you are getting it from the foods that are easily tolerated by your system."