Gout in men Vitamin C lowers risk and may prevent gout

Gout is a type of arthritis that occurs when excess uric acid – a natural compound in the body – builds up in the blood. In a 20-year study of about 47,000 men, those who consumed over 1,500 mg of vitamin C per day from all sources were nearly half as likely to have gout as were men who got less than 250 mg per day.

In gout, excess uric acid forms sharp, needle-like crystalline deposits in the joints, causing inflammation and pain. Doctors believe vitamin C may help the kidneys excrete excess uric acid and may keep excess uric acid from forming.

Source: Archives of Internal Medicine

Age Spots

Flat brown spots that appear on the skin as the body ages are called age spots. They are a by-product of a waste build-up caused by free radical damage to the skin. Age spots are generally considered harmless, but in reality they are telling you that your body is toxic.

The cause of age spots are: excess sun exposure, poor diet, lack of exercise and poor liver function. B-complex vitamins, Vitamin C, Lactobacillus, and lecithin have been found to slow down the aging process. The herbs licorice, ginseng, and sarsaparilla have also been used to combat age spots.

Vitamin C

This vitamin has been helping people stay healthy for many years.

1. Vitamin C can slow the aging process, and delays chronic degenerative disease.

2. Research has proven that C increases the immune system’s ability to attack invaders.

3. Vitamin C can also reduce the risk of heart attacks.

4. Studies have shown that C can help lower cholesterol levels.

Vitamin C can be found in oranges, cantaloupe, broccoli, pineapple, strawberries and raw vegetables.

Recommended dosage is 500mg daily.

Health Bulletin 1: Fibromyalgia

Health Bulletin 1: Fibromyalgia

Vitamin C and Muscle Pain

Patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia use many different complementary and alternative treatments. Since medications and surgery are rarely indicated, the use of safer (less toxic) alternatives has become widespread. Many patients will report trying different treatments, such as exercise programs, prayer, chiropractic and vitamin supplements.

Vitamins may offer an integral link to muscle pain and fibromyalgia symptoms in some patients. Long used by athletes to speed wound healing and recovery from work-outs, vitamin C has now caught the attention of researchers, who are trying to see how this vitamin works, and whether it is effective as a supplement for individuals with fibromyalgia.


Many times patients will take individual nutrients for particular symptoms, or because that was what was recommended by a doctor. Other times the nutrient is part of a larger regimen, including food and weight loss advice, other vitamins, minerals and herbs. Most patients take a variety of supplements.

One study of twelve fibromyalgia patients showed supplementing with vitamin C (500 mg daily) showed a 17-20% decrease in symptoms. Because Vitamin C, in particular, has little known toxic effects at high doses, a few to several grams can be recommended daily. The vitamin should be buffered to minimize stomach irritation. Bowel tolerance (loose stools) occurs when the body is saturated with the vitamin. One way to ingest buffered vitamin C, is to take one gram each hour until your tolerance is reached. That amount would then be the maximum dose for the patient. The dose should then be spread throughout the day. Taking vitamins with foods may also aid in their absorption.

Ask your health care provider about the different supplements you may be taking and your general diet. Getting your nutrition from whole foods is the best source for vitamins and minerals. Supplements should really be used to supplement a diet naturally rich in antioxidants, such as one with many daily servings of vegetables and fruits.

Sources: Mayo Clin Proc2005, 80(1) 55; Altern Med Rev. 2002, 7 (5) 389; Neurosurgery 1984; 14(2): 142; Altern Med Rev 2000, 5 (5): 455; Altern Med Rev 2001, 6(1):46