Back to Basics: Vitamin C
A friend to all Ascorbic Acid, or ‘Good old vitamin C’ was first identified in 1928 by the Hungarian Biochemist Albert Szent-Györgyi, who discovered the components and reactions of the citric acid cycle.
There are a lot of myths about Vitamin C, one of which is that our bodies can produce it but, this is not the case and so the only sources of Vitamin C are from our food or via supplementation. Some foods that are high in Vitamin C are Citrus fruits like Oranges, other fruits like Strawberries & Blackberries as well as Peppers, Broccoli, Brussel Sprouts and Potatoes.
It’s rarely known that the body cannot store Vitamin C in the body either, so, you can never have too much in your body, because your body will remove any excess Vitamin C that is not required, via your normal digestion process. This means that even if you eat foods that are high in Vitamin C and you take a Vitamin C supplement, you will only absorb what your body needs, and not “overdose” on Vitamin C.
Vitamin C is involved in hundreds of processes throughout the body. It is key to the production of collagen – a key component to maintaining connective tissue, it is fundamental to the absorption of iron which helps to keep bones strong, and it has powerful antioxidant properties associated with anti-ageing, disease prevention and immune system strengthening.
A lack of Vitamin C also causes Scurvy, probably one of the most widely known conditions, which has a long association with pre-20th century mariners who experienced long periods at sea without any fresh fruit or vegetables. Unfortunately, Scurvy is also present in today’s society, both in developed and developing countries with people that have a poor diet.
Other conditions that can be affected by low levels of Vitamin C are low immune systems, certain eye health conditions like macular degeneration & cataracts as well as a low metabolism & low energy levels. So, ensuring you have the optimum level of Vitamin C is vitally important.
In fact, our in-house therapist swears by Vitamin C for low immune systems, particularly because it’s helped his elderly father (in his 90s) who has asthma and the serious breathing condition of COPD. They are both convinced that his father is still around today as a direct result of having high strength Vitamin C doses when he picks up a cold or virus, as it always reduces the length of time any infection takes to get better and it seems to complement any antibiotics that are prescribed by the GP.
Now, as we head into winter, with a new flu season about to start, could it be time to review your Vitamin C intake and think about a supplement as a preventative measure? It’s something we recommend for our staff but, we’ll leave it to you.
Also in Natural Health World Articles
D-Mannose FAQ
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D-mannose is commonly discussed in relation to urinary health, particularly by people who experience recurring urinary discomfort or infections.
It is typically used as a supplement that may support urinary tract health, not as a treatment for an active infection.
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D-mannose is thought to interact with certain types of bacteria, including Escherichia coli, which are commonly associated with urinary tract infections.
It may help reduce the ability of these bacteria to attach to the lining of the urinary tract, allowing them to be flushed out through normal urination.
This is a proposed mechanism and does not apply to all types of urinary issues.
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Some people choose to take D-mannose daily, particularly when managing ongoing or recurring urinary issues.
However, there is no single standard approach, and usage can vary depending on the product and individual circumstances.
If you are considering regular use, it’s a good idea to speak to a healthcare professional to ensure it is appropriate for you.
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D-mannose is generally considered well tolerated for most people when taken as directed. Some individuals may experience mild digestive discomfort, particularly at higher intakes.
If you are pregnant, recovering from surgery, managing a health condition, or taking medication, it’s best to speak to your GP or healthcare professional before use.
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No — D-mannose is not a replacement for antibiotics or medical treatment.
If you have symptoms of a urinary tract infection, it’s important to speak to a GP, as antibiotics may be required.
D-mannose is typically discussed as a self-care option, not a treatment.
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The NHS includes D-mannose as one of several options that people may consider if they experience recurrent urinary tract infections.
It is generally described as a self-care approach rather than a medical treatment, and evidence is still considered limited.
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D-mannose is commonly available in both tablet and powder form.
- Powder can allow more flexible dosing but usually needs mixing
- Tablets are more convenient and easier to take on the go
The best option often depends on personal preference and what fits most easily into your routine.
- Powder can allow more flexible dosing but usually needs mixing
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There is no single agreed dose for D-mannose.
Different products provide different guidance, and some are designed to be taken in smaller amounts throughout the day rather than all at once.
It’s best to follow the instructions on the product you are using and speak to a healthcare professional if you are unsure.
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Recurring urinary tract infections can happen for a variety of reasons, including anatomy, hormonal changes, life stage, sexual activity, and individual susceptibility.
In many cases, there isn’t a single clear cause.
If you experience frequent UTIs, speaking to your GP can help identify any patterns, possible triggers, and appropriate ways to manage them.
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If you are experiencing symptoms such as:
- Burning or pain when urinating
- Frequent or urgent need to urinate
- Lower abdominal discomfort
- Cloudy or strong-smelling urine
It’s important to seek advice from a healthcare professional.
In many cases, you do not always need to wait for a GP appointment. According to NHS guidance:
- A pharmacist can often provide advice and, in some cases, treatment for uncomplicated UTIs
- If you cannot access your GP, you can also use NHS 111 for urgent advice, either online or by phone
You should seek more urgent advice if:
- Symptoms are new, severe, or getting worse
- You have a high or very low temperature, or feel shivery
- You have pain in your lower back or sides
- You notice blood in your urine
- Symptoms are not improving within a couple of days
If you experience recurrent urinary issues, it can also be helpful to speak to your GP about patterns, possible triggers, and whether there are any preventative or supportive approaches that may be appropriate for you. You may also wish to ask whether options like D-mannose are suitable within your overall care.
While most urinary tract infections are straightforward to treat, they can occasionally lead to more serious complications if left unmanaged. In some cases, UTIs can develop into more serious infections, including sepsis, particularly if the infection spreads to the kidneys or bloodstream
This is one of the reasons why it’s important not to ignore ongoing or recurring symptoms, and to seek medical advice where needed.
For more information, you can also visit the NHS guidance here: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/urinary-tract-infections-utis/
D-mannose is not a substitute for medical care or prescribed treatment.
- Burning or pain when urinating
