It’s very important for you to consider adding vitamin C supplements to your diet. The current RDA is 60 milligrams, and while it may be justified for disease prevention, it is far from optimal for a healthy life. This was proved in a study from the National Institutes of Health, which delved into the varying dosages to determine which was the most effective. The men taking part in the research were first fed a vitamin C-deficient diet. Then they were given it sequentially, in six specific dosages: 30, 60, 200, 400, 1,000, and 2,500 milligrams daily. The results showed that:
• On 30 milligrams the subjects were irritable and fatigued due to vitamin insufficiency.
• On 200 milligrams blood plasma levels were almost totally saturated with vitamin C.
• At 1,000 and 2,500 milligrams the blood plasma was completely
The NIH researchers now believe that an intake of up to 1,000 milligrams a day of vitamin C is safe (and doesn’t cause diarrhea), but that dosages above 400 milligrams have “no evident value.” But while food is the best source of this vitamin—citrus fruits are superior suppliers, and most other fruits and vegetables contain it—most Americans don’t eat enough every day to get the amount they need.
For optimal antioxidant power, I recommend a supplement of at least 200 milligrams of vitamin C daily. When taking this supplement, it’s best if you divide your dose in two, taking half in the morning and the other half in the evening. Since the body eliminates vitamin C in the urine in about twelve hours, taking both doses will ensure steady antioxidant protection throughout the day and night.
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