Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin C (Ascorbate)
For the health condition: Anemia

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4

Vitamin C (ascorbate) is scientifically validated as an adjunct in the management of certain forms of anemia, particularly iron deficiency anemia. The primary mechanism by which vitamin C supports the treatment of anemia involves its ability to enhance non-heme iron absorption from the gastrointestinal tract. Ascorbate reduces ferric iron (Fe3+) to the more absorbable ferrous form (Fe2+) and forms soluble iron-ascorbate complexes, both of which increase iron bioavailability. Clinical studies have demonstrated that co-administration of vitamin C with oral iron supplements significantly improves hematologic response compared to iron alone, especially in populations with low dietary iron absorption.

The World Health Organization and various clinical guidelines recommend vitamin C supplementation alongside oral iron therapy for iron deficiency anemia, particularly in individuals with poor dietary intake or malabsorption issues. However, the evidence is strongest for dietary iron deficiency and not for other forms of anemia (e.g., hemolytic anemia or anemia of chronic disease), where vitamin C has limited or no benefit.

In summary, there is robust scientific evidence supporting the adjunctive use of vitamin C with iron in the treatment of iron deficiency anemia, reflected in clinical practice guidelines and systematic reviews. Its use for other types of anemia is not substantiated.

More about Vitamin C (Ascorbate)
More about Anemia

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plum fruit
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Products containing Vitamin C (Ascorbate)

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.