Ascorbate The Science of Vitamin C

Ascorbate – The Science of Vitamin C – In Depth Book Review

Overview:

Ascorbate: The Science of Vitamin C” by Dr. Steve Hickey and Dr. Hilary Roberts is a comprehensive examination of vitamin C, also known as ascorbate, and its profound impact on human health. The authors, both experts in their fields, challenge conventional views on vitamin C, arguing that its potential in preventing and treating diseases is vastly underestimated. Drawing on a wealth of scientific research, they make a compelling case for higher doses of vitamin C, beyond the standard recommendations, to achieve optimal health.

 

Book Structure and Content
The book is divided into several insightful sections:

 

1. The Role of Vitamin C in Human Health

- Historical Context and Discovery:

The authors begin with the history of vitamin C, from its discovery in the context of scurvy prevention to its recognition as an essential nutrient. They highlight how early research laid the foundation for understanding its vital role in human biology.

 

- Biological Functions of Ascorbate:

Hickey and Roberts delve into the science behind vitamin C, explaining its antioxidant properties, role in collagen synthesis, and involvement in various metabolic processes. They emphasize how vitamin C is crucial for immune function, wound healing, and overall cellular health.

 

2. The Case for High-Dose Vitamin C

- Pharmacokinetics and Absorption:

The authors introduce their unique perspective on vitamin C pharmacokinetics, challenging the notion that the body cannot absorb large doses effectively. They present research showing that high doses of vitamin C, taken frequently, can maintain elevated plasma levels, which is essential for its therapeutic effects.

 

The authors introduce their unique perspective on vitamin C pharmacokinetics, challenging the notion that the body cannot absorb large doses effectively. They present research showing that high doses of vitamin C, taken frequently, can maintain elevated plasma levels, which is essential for its therapeutic effects.

 

- Therapeutic Potential:

This section explores the therapeutic applications of high-dose vitamin C in treating a range of conditions, from the common cold and influenza to more serious diseases like cancer and cardiovascular issues. Hickey and Roberts provide evidence supporting the use of vitamin C as an adjunctive treatment in these conditions.

 

3. Controversies and Criticisms

- Confronting Mainstream Medicine:

The authors address the skepticism and resistance within the medical community regarding high-dose vitamin C therapy. They critique the methodologies of studies that have dismissed vitamin C’s effectiveness, arguing that these studies often used insufficient doses or flawed designs.

 

- Orthomolecular Medicine:

Hickey and Roberts align their approach with orthomolecular medicine, which advocates for the use of high doses of vitamins to prevent and treat diseases. They argue that conventional medicine’s focus on pharmaceuticals overlooks the therapeutic potential of natural compounds like vitamin C.

 

4. Practical Guidance

- Dosage Recommendations:

The authors provide practical advice on how to incorporate high-dose vitamin C into daily routines. They discuss different forms of vitamin C, such as ascorbic acid and sodium ascorbate, and offer dosing strategies for both maintenance and therapeutic purposes.

 

- Safety and Tolerance:

Addressing concerns about safety, the book reassures readers about the low toxicity of vitamin C, even at high doses. Hickey and Roberts discuss potential side effects, such as gastrointestinal discomfort, and how to mitigate them.

 

Key Takeaways

- Underappreciated Nutrient:

The authors argue convincingly that vitamin C’s potential is vastly underappreciated by both the medical community and the general public. They believe that higher intakes could revolutionize health outcomes, especially for chronic diseases.

 

- High-Dose Therapy:

Hickey and Roberts make a strong case for the benefits of high-dose vitamin C, suggesting that it could play a critical role in disease prevention and treatment. Their evidence challenges the traditional view that small, maintenance doses are sufficient for health.

 

- Scientific Rigor:

The book is grounded in scientific research, yet it remains accessible to a broad audience. The authors balance technical detail with clear explanations, making complex concepts understandable.

 

Critiques

- Controversial Stance:

The book’s promotion of high-dose vitamin C is controversial, especially in light of mainstream medical guidelines that caution against such practices. However, Hickey and Roberts provide substantial evidence to back their claims, making their arguments difficult to dismiss.

 

- Accessibility:

While the book is well-written, some readers might find the scientific content dense, particularly in the discussions of pharmacokinetics. Nonetheless, the authors make a concerted effort to break down complex topics.

 

Conclusion

Ascorbate: The Science of Vitamin C” is an eye-opening exploration of the power of vitamin C, offering a compelling argument for its role in optimal health. Dr. Steve Hickey and Dr. Hilary Roberts bring a fresh perspective to the discussion, advocating for higher intakes of vitamin C to harness its full therapeutic potential. Their work challenges conventional wisdom and provides readers with practical insights on how to integrate high-dose vitamin C into their health regimens.

This book is an essential read for anyone interested in nutrition, health, and the potential of vitamins to prevent and treat disease. Adding “Ascorbate: The Science of Vitamin C” to the “nutrition” category on WellnessPursuit will offer readers a deep dive into the science behind one of the most important, yet often underestimated, nutrients.

 

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