Proascorb C
Also known as: Vitamin C, ascorbate, Proascorb C, ferrous ascorbate, Ascorbic acid
Overview
Ascorbic acid, commonly known as Vitamin C, is an essential water-soluble vitamin and a potent antioxidant. It is naturally abundant in various fruits and vegetables like citrus, strawberries, and leafy greens. Proascorb C is a branded formulation, typically ferrous ascorbate, which combines vitamin C with iron. This specific combination is primarily utilized to enhance iron absorption and treat iron-deficiency anemia. Beyond its role in iron metabolism, vitamin C is crucial for immune system support, collagen synthesis, and acts as a cofactor in numerous enzymatic reactions. While vitamin C itself is extensively researched, ferrous ascorbate formulations are well-established in clinical practice for anemia, with ongoing research refining understanding of its efficacy.
Benefits
Proascorb C, primarily through its vitamin C component, offers several benefits. Mechanistically, vitamin C enhances non-heme iron absorption by reducing ferric iron (Fe3+) to the more absorbable ferrous iron (Fe2+). This property makes ferrous ascorbate a common treatment for iron-deficiency anemia. However, a recent systematic review and meta-analysis (Riaz et al., 2023) found no statistically significant improvement in hemoglobin or ferritin levels when vitamin C was co-administered with oral iron compared to iron alone, citing very low-quality evidence and highlighting the need for further well-designed trials. Separately, vitamin C has shown significant benefits in immune support; a meta-analysis of 19 trials (Hemilä & Chalker, 2022) indicated a significant reduction in in-hospital mortality (OR = 0.59) in COVID-19 patients receiving vitamin C supplementation, particularly in randomized controlled trials (OR = 0.44). This suggests a strong benefit for hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Additionally, vitamin C provides general antioxidant protection and may reduce the duration and severity of common respiratory infections, though this is a general benefit of vitamin C, not specific to Proascorb C.
How it works
Vitamin C functions primarily as an antioxidant, neutralizing reactive oxygen species and reducing oxidative stress throughout the body. Its key mechanism in the context of Proascorb C is enhancing iron absorption. Vitamin C achieves this by reducing dietary ferric iron (Fe3+), which is poorly absorbed, to ferrous iron (Fe2+), which is more readily transported across the intestinal wall. This facilitates the uptake of non-heme iron. Furthermore, vitamin C is a vital cofactor for several enzymes involved in collagen synthesis, neurotransmitter production, and carnitine metabolism. It also plays a crucial role in supporting immune function by influencing various cellular processes and protecting immune cells from oxidative damage.
Side effects
Ascorbic acid is generally considered safe at recommended doses, with excess amounts typically excreted in the urine. The most common side effects, occurring in more than 5% of individuals, are gastrointestinal discomfort and diarrhea, particularly at higher doses. Less common side effects (1-5%) include nausea and abdominal cramps. Rare side effects (less than 1%) may include kidney stone formation in predisposed individuals, especially with very high doses. Proascorb C, containing iron, may also contribute to gastrointestinal upset. Vitamin C can interact with certain medications; it may increase the absorption of iron-containing drugs and should be used with caution alongside chemotherapy agents and certain anticoagulants. Contraindications include known hypersensitivity to ascorbic acid or iron, and caution is advised in patients with hemochromatosis or other iron overload disorders due to the iron component. While generally safe during pregnancy and lactation, individuals with renal impairment may require dosage adjustments.
Dosage
For general health, the minimum effective dose of vitamin C is typically 75-90 mg/day. When used as ferrous ascorbate (Proascorb C) for anemia treatment, doses vary but commonly provide 50-100 mg of elemental iron, co-administered with vitamin C. To optimize iron absorption, vitamin C doses up to 500 mg may be beneficial. The maximum safe dose for vitamin C is generally considered to be around 2000 mg/day to avoid gastrointestinal side effects. For best absorption, Proascorb C or vitamin C with iron supplements should be taken with meals. It is crucial to take vitamin C concurrently with iron supplements to maximize the reduction of ferric iron to ferrous iron. Ferrous ascorbate is often preferred over ferrous sulfate due to potentially better tolerance and absorption. It's advisable to avoid simultaneous intake with substances like calcium or polyphenols, which can inhibit iron absorption.
FAQs
Is Proascorb C effective for anemia?
While vitamin C mechanistically enhances iron absorption, a recent meta-analysis found no significant improvement in hemoglobin or ferritin levels when vitamin C was co-administered with oral iron compared to iron alone, citing very low-quality evidence.
Is it safe to take high doses of Proascorb C?
Generally safe, but doses of vitamin C above 2000 mg/day may cause gastrointestinal upset. The iron component also needs to be considered for overall iron intake limits.
When is the best time to take Proascorb C?
It is best taken with meals or alongside iron supplements to maximize absorption and minimize potential gastrointestinal discomfort.
How quickly can one expect to see results from Proascorb C?
For anemia treatment, effects typically take several weeks to months to manifest. Immune benefits, particularly in acute illness, may be observed more immediately.
Does Proascorb C prevent COVID-19?
There is no evidence that Proascorb C or vitamin C prevents COVID-19. However, some evidence suggests vitamin C may reduce mortality in hospitalized COVID-19 patients.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36235869/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 19 trials on COVID-19 patients found that vitamin C supplementation significantly reduced in-hospital mortality, especially in randomized controlled trials. It suggests a beneficial role for vitamin C in improving outcomes for hospitalized COVID-19 patients, despite some heterogeneity in trial designs.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37739692/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the co-administration of oral vitamin C and iron for anemia. It concluded that there was no significant improvement in hemoglobin or ferritin levels compared to iron alone, highlighting very low-quality evidence and the need for more robust, well-designed trials to clarify efficacy.
