Vitamin C, a water-soluble carbohydrate-like substance started out coined as ignose by Dr. Szent-Györgyi (ignosco meaning "I don't know" in Latin and ose for sugar). Next, it was named hexuronic acid. Today it's known as ascorbic acid. (In 1928, he discovered how to isolate ascorbic acid.)

Ascorbic acid taken in large quantities can be toxic for some people. Side effects include heart-burn, flatulence, nausea, diarrhea, and in a few people it triggers the formation of high amounts of an oxalate excretion which can lead to the formation of oxalate kidney stones (Jonathan V. Wright, M.D.). When Vitamin C is taken in a non-acidic form, as mineral ascorbates, these side effects are avoided.

Working with large doses of Sodium Ascorbate (Vitamin C), Dr. Fred R. Klenner, M.D. of North Carolina found that viral diseases could be cured by intravenous Sodium Ascorbate (Vitamin C) feeding in amounts of up to 200 grams in twenty-four hours. When sufficient amounts of mineral ascorbate are lacking in the diet, it can result in a condition known as hypoascorbemia. His records indicate this is a possible precursor for candida. He found candida to be present in the people he treated for rheumatoid arthritis. (He also noted that taking aspirin for arthritis destroys Vitamin C.)

I've been taking ascorbic acid in one form or another for over fifty years . I still remember reading an article in Readers Digest stating the benefits of Vitamin C back in the early 50's. The article made a lot of sense to me. I decided, at that point, to make Vitamin C a part of my daily diet. The only drawback was the fact it was only available as ascorbic acid. Later, the Alacer brand came on the market in a mineral ascorbate form. Taking it in the mineral ascorbate form allowed me to take larger amounts without getting heartburn.

What I've learned recently is that 99.9 per cent of all mammals have the ability to synthesize Vitamin C in their liver as needed. Dr. Irwin Stone M.D., theorize why dogs are able to live a long time in relation to their age at maturity. It's because they have the ability to synthesize Vitamin C as needed. Ever wonder how they can eat food that is spoiled and not have any side-effects? Mineral ascorbate has the ability to neutralize the harmful bacteria or virus before it can do any damage. He goes on ­ "a dog matures in about two years and their average life span is about fourteen years. Humans mature in about twenty years, if we had the ability to synthesize ascorbate in our liver, our average life span could be about one hundred-forty years." It's an interesting thought. (Formula; Time to maturity ÷ average life span = A. A x time to maturity = life expectancy.)

Capsicum (from cayenne peppers) can be another source of vitamin C. I put a tablespoon full in my smoothie every morning. Mineral Ascorbates in powder/salts form are also available. They're not in a time-release form; however, when taken twice a day can be very effective.

Information on Mineral Ascorbates continued on Page Two