Re: vitamin C and iron uptake

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

What I have been told is to take vitamin C

BETWEEN meals, and to take calcium WITH meals. The

calcium inhibits iron from being absorbed. This is a

good place for looking up info on vitamins, herbs,

etc.

The Natural Pharmacist http://www.tnp.com/home.asp

Good luck, Claudine

--- Rockenbaugh

<objectivemedicine@...> wrote:

> Hi,

> I would like to read about the issue of vitamin C

> and iron uptake. Does

> you have some information or know of some links

> where I can read about

> this? Does anyone know how much vitamin C causes a

> problem of too much iron

> uptake, and if anything can be done to " balance "

> this out. Are Hep C

> patients advised not to take vitamin C as a

> supplement?

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Thanks, Claudine,

That's some good information.

I appreciate you responding to the question. It's an issue I think is worth

getting the " right " answer to and sharing. If I find out anything else about

this I will let you know.

Re: [ ] vitamin C and iron uptake

> Hi ,

> What I have been told is to take vitamin C

> BETWEEN meals, and to take calcium WITH meals. The

> calcium inhibits iron from being absorbed. This is a

> good place for looking up info on vitamins, herbs,

> etc.

>

> The Natural Pharmacist http://www.tnp.com/home.asp

>

> Good luck, Claudine

>

> --- Rockenbaugh

> <objectivemedicine@...> wrote:

> > Hi,

> > I would like to read about the issue of vitamin C

> > and iron uptake. Does

> > you have some information or know of some links

> > where I can read about

> > this? Does anyone know how much vitamin C causes a

> > problem of too much iron

> > uptake, and if anything can be done to " balance "

> > this out. Are Hep C

> > patients advised not to take vitamin C as a

> > supplement?

>

>

>

> __________________________________________________

>

[Guest guest]

--- En egroups, " Rockenbaugh "

<objectivemedicine@g...> escribió

> Hi,

> I would like to read about the issue of vitamin C and iron uptake.

Does

> you have some information or know of some links where I can read

about

> this?

Hi, :

I have some information about this.

Write english with " copy and paste " is a piece of cake ;o)

Hugs

a

>> " Aid the absorption of iron: Vitamin C increases the

bioavailability of iron by several means. It helps reduce ferric iron

to ferrous iron. Vitamin C may have its greatest effect when taken

with foods containing iron or with iron supplements. In addition

vitamin C blocks the degradation of ferritin to hemosiderin, a form

of iron storage that is a considerably less bioavailable form. "

Vitamin C

http://clinical.caregroup.org/altmed/interactions/Nutrients/Vitamin_C.

htm

>> " Vitamin C can do much to enhance the body's absorption of iron,

especially the " nonheme " variety found in plants and drinking water

( " heme " iron comes from meat). Ordinarily, our absorption of iron is

quite poor, putting us at risk of iron-deficiency anemia. But a

handful of studies have found that 25 to 100 milligrams of ascorbic

acid when taken with a meal, can double or even triple nonheme iron

absorption.36 "

The antioxidant vitamin - vitamin C- by Null, Ph.D.

http://www.garynull.com/Documents/vitaminc.htm

__________________________________________________________________

>> " Vitamin C aids in the body & #8217;s absorption of iron by helping convert=

dietary iron to a soluble form. It helps to reduce the ability of

food components such as phytates to form insoluble complexes with,

and reduce the absorption of, iron. Vitamin C decreases the

absorption of copper. Calcium and manganese supplements may decrease

vitamin C excretion and vitamin C supplements may increase manganese

absorption. Vitamin C also helps to reduce folic acid excretion and

deficiency may lead to increased excretion of vitamin B6. Vitamin C

helps to protect against the toxic effects of cadmium, copper,

vanadium, cobalt, mercury "

Vitamins

http://www.bookman.com.au/vitamins/vitc.html

__________________________________________________________________

Title: High-dose vitamin C: a risk for persons with high iron stores?

Source: Int J Vitam Nutr Res 1999 Mar;69(2):67-82

Author: Gerster H

Institution: Vitamin Research Department, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd,

Basel, Switzerland.

Abstract: The contribution of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) to the

prevention of iron deficiency anemia by promoting the absorption of

dietary non-heme iron-especially in persons with low iron stores--is

well established. But the question has been raised whether high-dose

intakes of vitamin C might unduly enhance the absorption of dietary

iron in persons with high iron stores or in patients with iron

overload, possibly increasing the potential risk of iron toxicity.

Extensive studies have shown that overall the uptake and storage of

iron in humans is efficiently controlled by a network of regulatory

mechanisms. Even high vitamin C intakes do not cause iron imbalance

in healthy persons and probably in persons who are heterozygous for

hemochromatosis. The uptake, renal tubular reabsorption and storage

of vitamin C itself are also strictly limited after high-dose intake

so that no excessive plasma and tissue concentrations of vitamin C

are produced. The effect of high-dose vitamin C on iron absorption in

patients with iron overload due to homozygous hemochromatosis has not

been studied. Of special importance is the early identification of

hemochromatosis patients, which is assisted by the newly developed

PCR test for hereditary hemochromatosis.

Specific treatment consists of regular phlebotomy and possibly iron-

chelating therapy. These patients should moreover avoid any

possibility of facilitated absorption of iron and need to limit their

intake of iron. Patients with beta-thalassemia major and sickle cell

anemia who suffer from iron overload due to regular blood

transfusions or excessive destruction of red blood cells need

specialized medical treatment with iron chelators and should also

control their intake of iron. The serum of patients with pathological

iron overload can contain non-transferrin-bound iron inducing lipid

peroxidation with subsequent consumption of antioxidants such as

vitamin E and vitamin C. The role of iron in coronary heart disease

and cancer is controversial. Early suggestions that moderately

elevated iron stores are associated with an increased risk of CHD

have not been confirmed by later studies. In vitro, ascorbic acid can

act as a prooxidant in the presence of transition metals such as iron

or copper, but in the living organism its major functions are as an

antioxidant. High intakes of vitamin C have thus not been found to

increase oxidative damage in humans.

Accordingly, the risk of CHD or cancer is not elevated. On the

contrary, most studies have shown that diets rich in vitamin C are

inversely related to the incidence of these diseases.

http://www.hepatitis-c.de/abstract/208.htm

___________________________________________________________________

Factors in Vegetarian Diets Influencing Iron and Zinc Bioavailability

http://www.andrews.edu/NUFS/FeZnbioavail.htm

___________________________________________________________________

http://www.univ-lille1.fr/pfeda/Ngonut/1997/9704k.htm

__________________________________________________________________

The absorption of iron is influenced by other constituents of a meal.

Phytates, oxalates and phosphates present in plant foods can inhibit

absorption, as can tannin in tea. Fibre may also inhibit absorption.

Vitamin C greatly increases the absorption of non-haem iron. Foods

rich in vitamin C include citrus fruits, green peppers, and fresh

leafy green vegetables. Citric acid, sugars, amino acids and alcohol

can also promote iron absorption. Iron absorption can also be

influenced by the amount of iron in the diet. Lowered levels of iron

in the diet result in improved absorption.

http://www.vegsoc.org/info/iron.html

_________________________________________________________________

Calcium-Iron

Dec 23, 2000

There's no doubt that we need calcium to maintain strong bones.

But few of us consume enough broccoli, greens, nuts, tofu and dairy

products to meet the daily requirements.

Calcium supplements can fill the gap, but which kind is the best?

Dr. J. Heller and colleagues at the University of Texas

Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas studied 25 postmenopausal women

in three phases. They were given single doses of Citracal (calcium

citrate), OsCal (calcium carbonate) or a placebo after a standardized

breakfast.

The results suggest that people absorb calcium citrate better than

calcium carbonate by a large margin, affirming results of a study

Heller conducted in 1999.

Most of us would not know how well we're absorbing calcium without

having a urine test to help figure it out, so Heller recommends

taking calcium citrate to be on the safe side.

" If you choose a calcium carbonate supplement it's better absorbed

when taken with food, " Heller said. " If it's citrate, it doesn't seem

to make much difference if you take it with food or without food. "

The benefit of not taking it with food, he said, is that it won't

interfere with absorption of iron. " If a young, menstruating woman

who needs iron is taking calcium, I'd prefer that woman take calcium

citrate (without food), " Heller said.

Heller noted that research he has seen comparing milk and calcium

carbonate indicates that milk tends to be absorbed the same or better

than calcium carbonate.

http://www.americasdoctor.com/news_main.cfm?sparms=WEB%2C00000000%

2C00000%2CFX & dparms=6040

[Guest guest]

a,

You are so way cool! I can't believe all the great stuff you got together

here! I am going to take some time to really " absorb " all this info and

research the sites! Soon I will write an article about this and I will email

it to you!

Thanks,

[ ] Re: vitamin C and iron uptake

--- En egroups, " Rockenbaugh "

<objectivemedicine@g...> escribió

> Hi,

> I would like to read about the issue of vitamin C and iron uptake.

Does

> you have some information or know of some links where I can read

about

> this?

Hi, :

I have some information about this.

Write english with " copy and paste " is a piece of cake ;o)

Hugs

a

>> " Aid the absorption of iron: Vitamin C increases the

bioavailability of iron by several means. It helps reduce ferric iron

to ferrous iron. Vitamin C may have its greatest effect when taken

with foods containing iron or with iron supplements. In addition

vitamin C blocks the degradation of ferritin to hemosiderin, a form

of iron storage that is a considerably less bioavailable form. "

Vitamin C

http://clinical.caregroup.org/altmed/interactions/Nutrients/Vitamin_C.

htm

>> " Vitamin C can do much to enhance the body's absorption of iron,

especially the " nonheme " variety found in plants and drinking water

( " heme " iron comes from meat). Ordinarily, our absorption of iron is

quite poor, putting us at risk of iron-deficiency anemia. But a

handful of studies have found that 25 to 100 milligrams of ascorbic

acid when taken with a meal, can double or even triple nonheme iron

absorption.36 "

The antioxidant vitamin - vitamin C- by Null, Ph.D.

http://www.garynull.com/Documents/vitaminc.htm

__________________________________________________________________

>> " Vitamin C aids in the body & #8217;s absorption of iron by helping convert=

dietary iron to a soluble form. It helps to reduce the ability of

food components such as phytates to form insoluble complexes with,

and reduce the absorption of, iron. Vitamin C decreases the

absorption of copper. Calcium and manganese supplements may decrease

vitamin C excretion and vitamin C supplements may increase manganese

absorption. Vitamin C also helps to reduce folic acid excretion and

deficiency may lead to increased excretion of vitamin B6. Vitamin C

helps to protect against the toxic effects of cadmium, copper,

vanadium, cobalt, mercury "

Vitamins

http://www.bookman.com.au/vitamins/vitc.html

__________________________________________________________________

Title: High-dose vitamin C: a risk for persons with high iron stores?

Source: Int J Vitam Nutr Res 1999 Mar;69(2):67-82

Author: Gerster H

Institution: Vitamin Research Department, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd,

Basel, Switzerland.

Abstract: The contribution of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) to the

prevention of iron deficiency anemia by promoting the absorption of

dietary non-heme iron-especially in persons with low iron stores--is

well established. But the question has been raised whether high-dose

intakes of vitamin C might unduly enhance the absorption of dietary

iron in persons with high iron stores or in patients with iron

overload, possibly increasing the potential risk of iron toxicity.

Extensive studies have shown that overall the uptake and storage of

iron in humans is efficiently controlled by a network of regulatory

mechanisms. Even high vitamin C intakes do not cause iron imbalance

in healthy persons and probably in persons who are heterozygous for

hemochromatosis. The uptake, renal tubular reabsorption and storage

of vitamin C itself are also strictly limited after high-dose intake

so that no excessive plasma and tissue concentrations of vitamin C

are produced. The effect of high-dose vitamin C on iron absorption in

patients with iron overload due to homozygous hemochromatosis has not

been studied. Of special importance is the early identification of

hemochromatosis patients, which is assisted by the newly developed

PCR test for hereditary hemochromatosis.

Specific treatment consists of regular phlebotomy and possibly iron-

chelating therapy. These patients should moreover avoid any

possibility of facilitated absorption of iron and need to limit their

intake of iron. Patients with beta-thalassemia major and sickle cell

anemia who suffer from iron overload due to regular blood

transfusions or excessive destruction of red blood cells need

specialized medical treatment with iron chelators and should also

control their intake of iron. The serum of patients with pathological

iron overload can contain non-transferrin-bound iron inducing lipid

peroxidation with subsequent consumption of antioxidants such as

vitamin E and vitamin C. The role of iron in coronary heart disease

and cancer is controversial. Early suggestions that moderately

elevated iron stores are associated with an increased risk of CHD

have not been confirmed by later studies. In vitro, ascorbic acid can

act as a prooxidant in the presence of transition metals such as iron

or copper, but in the living organism its major functions are as an

antioxidant. High intakes of vitamin C have thus not been found to

increase oxidative damage in humans.

Accordingly, the risk of CHD or cancer is not elevated. On the

contrary, most studies have shown that diets rich in vitamin C are

inversely related to the incidence of these diseases.

http://www.hepatitis-c.de/abstract/208.htm

___________________________________________________________________

Factors in Vegetarian Diets Influencing Iron and Zinc Bioavailability

http://www.andrews.edu/NUFS/FeZnbioavail.htm

___________________________________________________________________

http://www.univ-lille1.fr/pfeda/Ngonut/1997/9704k.htm

__________________________________________________________________

The absorption of iron is influenced by other constituents of a meal.

Phytates, oxalates and phosphates present in plant foods can inhibit

absorption, as can tannin in tea. Fibre may also inhibit absorption.

Vitamin C greatly increases the absorption of non-haem iron. Foods

rich in vitamin C include citrus fruits, green peppers, and fresh

leafy green vegetables. Citric acid, sugars, amino acids and alcohol

can also promote iron absorption. Iron absorption can also be

influenced by the amount of iron in the diet. Lowered levels of iron

in the diet result in improved absorption.

http://www.vegsoc.org/info/iron.html

_________________________________________________________________

Calcium-Iron

Dec 23, 2000

There's no doubt that we need calcium to maintain strong bones.

But few of us consume enough broccoli, greens, nuts, tofu and dairy

products to meet the daily requirements.

Calcium supplements can fill the gap, but which kind is the best?

Dr. J. Heller and colleagues at the University of Texas

Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas studied 25 postmenopausal women

in three phases. They were given single doses of Citracal (calcium

citrate), OsCal (calcium carbonate) or a placebo after a standardized

breakfast.

The results suggest that people absorb calcium citrate better than

calcium carbonate by a large margin, affirming results of a study

Heller conducted in 1999.

Most of us would not know how well we're absorbing calcium without

having a urine test to help figure it out, so Heller recommends

taking calcium citrate to be on the safe side.

" If you choose a calcium carbonate supplement it's better absorbed

when taken with food, " Heller said. " If it's citrate, it doesn't seem

to make much difference if you take it with food or without food. "

The benefit of not taking it with food, he said, is that it won't

interfere with absorption of iron. " If a young, menstruating woman

who needs iron is taking calcium, I'd prefer that woman take calcium

citrate (without food), " Heller said.

Heller noted that research he has seen comparing milk and calcium

carbonate indicates that milk tends to be absorbed the same or better

than calcium carbonate.

http://www.americasdoctor.com/news_main.cfm?sparms=WEB%2C00000000%

2C00000%2CFX & dparms=6040

[Guest guest]

Hi :

I have also been interested in Vit C.

For years it was thought that Vit C in large quantities was helpful for

just about everything including normal health. Currently, there seems

to be a reverse on this thought. A couple of studies were done and it

was found that doses in excess of 500 mg per day was a waste, as the

body did not use it. I am not so sure about this.

Have you gone to Dr. Weil's site? He used to take large doses per day

and now only uses 500 mg per day because of these studies. It would be

a good question to put to him on whether doses higher than 500 mg would

be good for those with Hep C.

> Rockenbaugh wrote:

>

> Hi,

> I would like to read about the issue of vitamin C and iron uptake.

> Does

> you have some information or know of some links where I can read about

> this? Does anyone know how much vitamin C causes a problem of too much

> iron

> uptake, and if anything can be done to " balance " this out. Are Hep C

> patients advised not to take vitamin C as a supplement?

>

> I want to find out as much as I can? Thank you for any help you might

> have

> to offer.

>

>

>

>

> eGroups Sponsor

> [Click Here!]

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi :

I just wrote a reply to your question on Vit C and Dr. Weil. I forgot

to include my name.

Merilee

> Rockenbaugh wrote:

>

> Hi,

> I would like to read about the issue of vitamin C and iron uptake.

> Does

> you have some information or know of some links where I can read about

> this? Does anyone know how much vitamin C causes a problem of too much

> iron

> uptake, and if anything can be done to " balance " this out. Are Hep C

> patients advised not to take vitamin C as a supplement?

>

> I want to find out as much as I can? Thank you for any help you might

> have

> to offer.

>

>

>

>

> eGroups Sponsor

> [Click Here!]

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

News Articles from the Linus ing Institute

http://osu.orst.edu/dept/lpi/new/new.html

a

[Guest guest]

Hi, Merilee,

I did go to Dr. Weil's site, but I must confess I got a little frustrated

tring to figure out how to submit a question and how to search questions

that have been posted with answers. The way you phrased the question is a

good and would make a good question to ask him. But since he can't answer

them personally and I was having trouble looking up previous questions on

the topic (search) I just gave up and moved on. Not to say it's not work

pursuing. Sometimes, I'm a bit impulsive!

Re: [ ] vitamin C and iron uptake

> Hi :

>

> I have also been interested in Vit C.

>

> For years it was thought that Vit C in large quantities was helpful for

> just about everything including normal health. Currently, there seems

> to be a reverse on this thought. A couple of studies were done and it

> was found that doses in excess of 500 mg per day was a waste, as the

> body did not use it. I am not so sure about this.

>

> Have you gone to Dr. Weil's site? He used to take large doses per day

> and now only uses 500 mg per day because of these studies. It would be

> a good question to put to him on whether doses higher than 500 mg would

> be good for those with Hep C.

>

> > Rockenbaugh wrote:

> >

> > Hi,

> > I would like to read about the issue of vitamin C and iron uptake.

> > Does

> > you have some information or know of some links where I can read about

> > this? Does anyone know how much vitamin C causes a problem of too much

> > iron

> > uptake, and if anything can be done to " balance " this out. Are Hep C

> > patients advised not to take vitamin C as a supplement?

> >

> > I want to find out as much as I can? Thank you for any help you might

> > have

> > to offer.

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > eGroups Sponsor

> > [Click Here!]

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Hello , I wish I could help you and give you a more decisive account

and understandable description on the subject of Vitamin c. However what

I know for sure and in laymen terms instead of some of the wordings that

are posted on these subjects that would require a medical degree to

understand. I can tell you this, Iron is something that a person with

hepatitis c needs to stay away from for sure. With a compensated liver

iron will do more damage to our already compromised livers. Having great

doctors (whom are friends and family members) one of the first things

they made very clear and that was not even to take a vitamin that contain

iron. As far as vitamin C 500 mg is all I take and I have been kind a

listening to some professionals now saying things like to much is not

good and for many reasons. However I have not really paid attention. My

site is mostly directed to what I do best and that is tell it like it is

as far as what I have encountered in mine and thousands of people I have

made friends with over the past 6 years now. Because we all share hep c.

I am going to take on the government and I will report about the good and

bad and ugly doctors and the way patients should be treated. Before I was

diagnosed with hep c 7 years ago I worked in the political arena for 10

years. Up till November this past year I was under contract for 5 years

that did not allow me to speak out or contact any officials in the united

states or I would have been in breech of contract and in big trouble. But

this Thanksgiving I was as they say free at last. So I will be working in

a different direction now without fear. Just know if I find any info for

you on the c that is understandable I will be happy to send that and

anything to you to help you. I usually like to respond to things I know

first hand. So I am sorry I can not help on this one ( the c). But the

iron stay clear of is all I can tell you and I know that for sure. I even

had to give up my best veggie spinach. With Love And Respect ,

" hepcandme " http://www.Hepatitis Candme.com

[Guest guest]

Hi, ,

Thanks for your response. Regarding iron derived from vegetables, I have

heard that iron from vegetables is not nearly as destructive as iron from

meat. (This again is not as scientific and medical as I would like it to

be). I have heard that if you take calcium with your meal you can minimize

the uptake of iron, some people drink green tea with the meal.

Then, also I have heard only take vitamin C inbetween meals because it

facilitates the uptake of iron (so don't take when you eat).

Also, that magnesium supplement, in general, helps balance the vitamin C, to

keep from uptaking more iron.

Since, it is pretty much understood that vitamin C enhances uptake of iron,

what I am trying to find answers to are these questions:

1. Do all Hep C patients have a tendency to have iron " overload " ?

2. Should Hep C patients avoid vitamin C supplements? And just get vitamin C

from fresh food?

3. Is vitamin C safe to take for Hep C patients, under a certain dose?

4. What supplements can help minimize the uptake of iron?To be taken with or

between meals?

5. Is there a diference between iron from veggies and iron from meat?

6. What are the basic guidllines for Hep C patients to follow to mimimize

uptake of iron?

These are the questions I am working on. I am gathering all the info I can.

Then to the best of my ability (and certainly with a disclaimer) I am going

to write a " report " and pass that along to all my friends and people in

myE-groups etc.

Something I always wanted to know for my every day living.

Stay tuned. And thanks for your input.