Debate: Natural vitamin C vs ascorbic acid

The Natural vitamin C vs ascorbic acid debate has a long history. You listen to one side and you will be convinced that one is telling the truth.I have long heard that ascorbic acid is not the pure vitamin C. In fact, my recent readings has suggested that it is the shell of the whole vitamin C and the lack of the main ingredients will leach those in the body out. This is on the side of ascorbic acid being the exact same as the natural kind...

http://www.oralchelation.com/faq/data/data7.htm

Synthetic Vitamin C Versus "Natural" Vitamin C

It is possible to find vitamin C (ascorbic acid) in many different forms with any number of claims regarding its efficacy or bioavailability. Bioavailability refers to the degree to which a nutrient becomes available to the target tissue after it has been administered. Our conclusions about the various forms of vitamin C based on the available scientific evidence follow. More information and references are posted on the LPI Micronutrient Information Center.

• Natural vs. synthetic ascorbic acid: Natural and synthetic ascorbic acid are chemically identical. As assessed by at least two studies, there appears to be no clinically significant difference in the bioavailability and bioactivity of natural ascorbic acid and synthetic ascorbic acid.

• Different forms of ascorbic acid (powders, tablets, etc.): The gastrointestinal absorption of ascorbic acid occurs through an active transport process, as well as through passive diffusion. At low gastrointestinal concentrations of ascorbic acid active transport predominates, while at high gastrointestinal concentrations active transport becomes saturated, leaving only passive diffusion. In theory, slowing down the rate of gastric emptying (e.g. by taking ascorbic acid with food or taking a slow-release form of ascorbic acid) should increase its absorption. The bioavailability of ascorbic acid appears equivalent whether it is in the form of powder, chewable tablets, or non-chewable tablets. Moreover, bioavailability of ascorbic acid from slow-release preparations has not been found to be greater than that of plain ascorbic acid.

• Mineral ascorbates: Mineral salts of ascorbic acid (mineral ascorbates) are buffered and therefore less acidic. Thus, mineral ascorbates are often recommended to people who experience gastrointestinal problems (abdominal pain or diarrhea) with plain ascorbic acid. There appears to be little scientific research to support or refute the claim that mineral ascorbates are less irritating to the gastrointestinal tract. When mineral salts of ascorbic acid are taken, both the ascorbic acid and the mineral appear to be well-absorbed, so it is important to take into consideration the dose of the mineral accompanying the ascorbic acid when taking large doses of mineral ascorbates.

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http://www.oralchelation.com/faq/data/data7.htm

Vitamin C can cure skin cancer!

I have had several bouts with basal cell skin cancer. One time I had a spot on my eyelid and had it rumoved the day after the 911 attack. Just this September, I had two small growths on my cheek removed and needed stitches (about 26 of them!)

After that, I learned on Cancer Tutor about the use of topic vitamin C to treat skin cancer (not the melanoma skin cancer, which is worse).

I did some research on the topic and have read about a lot of people curing their skin cancer this way, by putting a dab of solution of vitamin C crystals mixed water on the sore. After two weeks, it is supposed to have the scab fall off. This is much better than paying over $2,000 for the surgery and the resulting scars.I go to the Cancer Tutor web site for a lot of my alternative health info.

Here's their article about using vitamin C to cure skin cancer...

Skin cancer and Vitamin C

Vitamin C Treatment

When Vitamin C comes into contact with a skin cancer or external tumor (e.g. basel cell carcinoma), it hardens the tumor and forms a crust, such that the scab falls off in 2 weeks or so depending on how big the tumor is and how aggressive you get with the Vitamin C.

The solution is made by adding 1/8 tsp (teaspoon) of pure Vitamin C crystals to 1 tsp of water (a ratio of 1:8). Add any more and the Vitamin C won't dissolve. This should make enough solution to last all day. If more is made than is needed you should store it in a closed container in the refrigerator.

Even better, put 1 or 2 ounces of water (30-60 ml) in a small glass bottle and add 1 tsp of Vitamin C for each ounce of water (that is a 1:6 ratio). If after mixing you don't see any crystals on the bottom then add more Vitamin C until the water won't dissolve anymore. This insures a saturated solution of Vitamin C. The treatment is to apply the mixture (using a cotton swab or Q-Tip) to the tumor. This should be done 2 or 3 times a day. It is best to put a bandage or other cotton covering over the tumor after each treatment, if possible.

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http://cancertutor.com/Cancer02/VitaminC.html