Question: How does vitamin C contribute to good health?
Dr. Brownstein's Answer:
Vitamin C is helpful for many different health factors, from improving detoxification to helping the body overcome injuries. Now we can add elevated blood pressure to the array of conditions vitamin C supplementation can aid.
A meta-analysis of 29 clinical trials examined the relationship between vitamin C supplementation and blood pressure. In the May 2012 issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the authors reported that vitamin C supplementation resulted in a decline of 5 mmHg in systolic blood pressure and a decline of 2 mmHg in diastolic blood pressure among hypertensive patients.
Furthermore, vitamin C has anti-cancer properties and can help overcome illness.
I prescribe vitamin C both orally and in IV drips. Generally, I recommend taking 3,000 to 5,000 mg per day.