Chemistry, Peace, and Vitamin C: What's the Connection?

Linus Pauling!

The body's need for vitamin and mineral supplementation is nothing new; in 1986, Linus Pauling (1901 - 1994), one of the world's most respected scientists, advocated a regimen so progressive that most modern scientists are just now catching up. In his 1986 book "Live Longer and Feel Better," Pauling, a Nobel Prize recipient in two categories (Chemistry and Peace) offered this advice about vitamin C: "Take vitamin C every day, 6 grams to 18 grams (6,000 to 18,000 milligrams) or more. Do not miss a single day." To read a stellar and current review of Pauling's book,  click here

"The measures that you take to improve your health and prolong your life should not be so burdensome and disagreeable as to interfere seriously with the quality of your life and make it difficult for you to continue with this regimen day after day, year after year." - Linus Pauling, How to Live Longer and Feel Better

VITAMIN C FACT SHEET
Vitamin C plays a widespread role in maintaining and restoring optimum health, from warding off the common cold to fighting cancer and other debilitating diseases.

Functions

• anti-aging vitamin; it helps prevent your body from rusting like an old Chevy
• clears the body of harmful cells; vitamin C bats cleanup
• helps build your immune system
• decreases the symptoms and duration of a cold
• helps the body synthesize and regulate hormones
• accelerates healing and recovery from injury or surgery
• lowers the debilitating effects of physical and mental stress
• helps maintain visual acuity (keeps your eyeballs working)
• helps maintain healthy gums and lungs
• acts as an anti-histamine for allergy sufferers
• increases our ability to convert and absorb other necessary nutrients, including vitamins A and E

Deficiency Signs
Scurvy is the classic deficiency disease for vitamin C; symptoms of scurvy include the following:

• listlessness, extreme fatigue, and weakness
• irritability
• vague muscle and joint pain
• unexplained weight loss
• bleeding gums
• gingivitis
• loosening of the teeth
• chronic lung infections

Factors Contributing to Vitamin C Deficiency

• smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke
• low intake of fresh fruits and vegetables
• excessive exposure to environmental toxins
• excessive alcohol consumption

Toxicity and Adverse Effects

• Mild stomach upset or diarrhea sometimes accompanies high doses; choose buffered vitamin C if you have stomach problems
• chewable or powdered vitamin C can be damaging to tooth enamel
• vitamin C is safe (non-toxic) at any level; you can't die from it, or be sick because of it

Nutrient-Rich Food Sources 
A one cup serving of the following fresh organic fruits and vegetables provide an excellent source of natural vitamin C:

• bell peppers, broccoli, strawberries, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, kale, cantaloupe, cabbage, tomatoes, Swiss chard, collard greens, raspberries, asparagus, celery, spinach, pineapple, green beans, summer squash, and Romaine lettuce (2 cups)
• citrus fruits, kiwifruit, parsley, and papaya are also excellent sources of vitamin C

Average Recommended Daily Dosage Range

• Children age 11 - 14: 150 to 1,200 mg per day
• Teens and young adults 15 - 24: 200 - 2,000 mg per day
• Adults 25 and over: 1,000 - 2,000 mg per day, unless you adopt Linus Pauling's protocol
• Smokers: 6 grams - 18 grams per day (that's GRAMS), at least
• For constipation: take 3 or 4 grams of vitamin C on an empty stomach

Please consult with your Naturopathic Doctor or Holistic Nutrition professional if you suffer from the Vitamin C deficiency signs listed above, or for help determining you or your child's individualized therapeutic dose.

Reference
Lieberman, S. and N. Bruning: The Real Vitamin and Mineral Book, 4th ed. (New York: Penguin , 2007)