Exercise 1.2 -Vitamin C Research

Using the internet I have located information that Vitamin C can prevent and protect you from many ailments and the list keeps growing as research is ongoing.  Most of these web sites are from companies that have a link to sell you a product such as http://www.vitamincfoundation.org/ which is supposed to be a non-profit devoted to preserving the "lost knowledge" about ascorbic acid and its role in life. It is dedicated to the memory of Linus C. Pauling a doctor whose controversy findings have not been replicated; a percentage of every sale is donated to the non-profit.    At the same time they have the disclaimer “These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease”.  

I went to http://www.webmd.com/diet/guide/the-benefits-of-vitamin-c a web-site designed and written for the average person to answer medical questions.  It explained where current research was and what the RDA is.  Their article quoted American Dietetic Association spokeswoman Dee Sandquist, RD, who said you could get the RDA from eating fresh fruits and vegetables.

Next, I checked with the experts at the Mayo Clinic: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/vitamin-c/NS_patient-vitaminc. They explain the one documented known illness from the deficiency is scurvy. A list based on tradition or scientific theories each disease or condition that it has been suggested that it is a cure for is ranked on a scientific grading system: A-Strong scientific evidence for this use, B-Good scientific evidence for this use, C-Unclear scientific evidence for this use, D-Fair scientific evidence against this use (it may not work), F-Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likely does not work).  The grades only use scientific evidence to support or disprove the usefulness of it.

If I was to write a paper on this vitamin I would start with the known uses of it from a reliable source. I would include what the RDA (recommended daily allowance) was with the safe limits based on known scientific sources; use the ranking system to promote the advantages of supplement, within the limits, for disease prevention and general good health.  I would inform on the disadvantages and potentially life threatening affects of taking this vitamin instead of getting known medical treatments for controversial uses. 

This vitamin is generally regarded as a safe supplement within the RDA limits but included in my paper would be the side effects and warnings regarding interaction with other medication such as blood thinners, the potentially deadly consequences for people with kidney issues, and what side effects mega doses could produce in a normal healthy adult.