Linus Pauling, a leading chemist and a humanitarian claimed that high doses of Vitamin C can cure heart disease, cancer and infections. He was met with ridicule frm the medical community for years up until his death in 1994 at the age of 93. Now, years after his death, his revolutionary ideas on nutrition and health are finally being proven and accepted by the medical world.
Most animals produce their own Vitamin C in large amounts; but humans are having difficulty manufacturing Vitamin C in our bodies because the gene in us has mutated and no longer works properly.
He explains his findings in his books, “Vitamin C and The Common Cold” and “How to Live Longer and Feel Better”. There is no scientific evidence that large amounts of Vitamin C (up to 10 gm/day for adults) exerts any adverse or toxic effects on the body.
Vitamin C is a primary water soluble, non-enzymatic antioxidant in plasma and tissues. Vitamin C can protect indispensable molecules in the body, such as proteins, lipids (fats), carbohydrates, and nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) from damage by free radicals and reactive bodily harm through exposure to toxins and pollutants.
There is some research that states that too much Vitamin C can cause a minor laxative effect and or some abdominal discomfort; yet the benefits once absorbed into the gut will proportionally out-weigh the negative effects if an infection, cold, flu and other disorders are eliminated.
Is it possible that those of us that have religiously been taking 1000-2000 mg of Vitamin C daily to avoid colds and flu have not been taking enough?? When an infection or injury enters the body, the need for an anti-oxidant increases and lowers Vitamin C in the blood. What should one do to stay healthy and avoid an illness? How much should a person take?
It is important to do your own investigative research and discuss with your health practitioners before making any decisions.
I know for me, I will be increasing my daily intake of Vitamin C.
For additional information on this topic, check out the article by Robert G. Smith, PhD: http://orthomolecular.org/resources/omns/v05n07.shtml