An adequate level of Vitamin C is essential for a healthy immune system and tissue and cell damage. Some important benefits of a healthy level of Vitamin C include the following:

• Building collagen for skin elasticity for a more youthful appearance
• Healing cuts and wounds
• Preventing cell damage as a result of environmental elements, toxins, and even age
• Producing neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, adrenaline, and serotonin that aid in overall physical and mental health

Vitamin C is consumed in many healthy foods like citrus fruits, strawberries, and vegetables such as red and green peppers, broccoli, and brussels sprouts. Vitamin C is also available in dietary supplements and as an injection from a medical professional.
Building Vitamin C levels through food or oral supplements requires digestion and absorption into the body. A continued well-balanced diet or ongoing use of oral supplements is necessary to maintain a healthy level of Vitamin C. With Vitamin C injections, an increased level can be detected in a blood test in as little as one week and maintained for several months.

Health issues caused by Vitamin C Deficiency

During cold and flu season, it is not uncommon to see many people taking Vitamin C to boost their immune system in an attempt to stay healthy in the midst of increased illness. However, some also have a Vitamin C deficiency that can lead to other issues like scurvy, which can develop fairly quickly with consumption of less than 10 mg of Vitamin C per day. Scurvy is more common in underdeveloped nations where nutritious food may be scarce; however, any person in any region of the world may develop the condition. At greater risk of scurvy include those who smoke, have a poor diet, or have absorption issues as a result of other health issues or medications being taken.

Some common health issues that may develop from a Vitamin C deficiency include the following:

• Poor oral health, including swollen and bleeding gums, that can result in periodontal disease like gingivitis and even tooth loss
• Fatigue and lack of energy with little exertion
• Difficulty or inability for wounds or burns to properly heal
• Muscle and joint pain
• Discolored, splotchy skin and spots

Getting Vitamin C Injections

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Vitamin C injections for those with a deficiency and for the treatment of serious wounds and burns. Typically, healthcare professionals turn to Vitamin C injections when increased levels are needed quickly or when a person is unable to achieve or maintain proper nutrient levels through oral supplements either due to inadequate absorption or inability to take an oral supplement.

Vitamin C injections can be administered in three ways:
• Intravenously, into a vein
• Intramuscularly, into a muscle
• Subcutaneously, under the skin

The typical dose for a Vitamin C injection prescribed for a nutrient deficiency is 200 mg per day for one week while a dose of 1 gram per day for up to 21 days is prescribed to help heal wounds or burns as a result of injury or trauma. Some physicians prescribe Vitamin C for off-label use, meaning that while the FDA approves drug testing, they do not approve patient treatment so physicians have the freedom to prescribe as they believe is best for patient care. In the case of off-label use, between 10 to 100 grams of Vitamin C may be injected daily or in intervals. Some examples of off-label use include in conjunction with cancer treatment to help improve the treatment results and reduce and alleviate the side effects of chemotherapy and for weight loss to help burn fat more effectively.

Safety of Vitamin C Injections

Vitamin C injections administered at standard dosage levels have been found safe and result in few side effects. Minor discomfort and swelling in the location site area are the most common side effects. While any vitamin or mineral in exceedingly high doses is not recommended, Vitamin C injections at high dosage levels have resulted in few side effects, and nausea is the most common. However, there is the potential for more serious side effects like kidney damage, development of kidney stones, or increased iron absorption as Vitamin C allows the body to absorb more iron from food.
Vitamin C may also have side effects if taken in conjunction with other medications so you should consult with your physician before beginning Vitamin C injections.

Learn More

To learn more about Vitamin C injections and determine if you are a good candidate for this treatment, call 205-352-9141.