Nutritional supplement (Vitamin) - Ascorbic acid is necessary for collagen formation and tissue repair in the body and may be involved in some oxidation - reduction reactions. It is also involved in metabolism of phenylalanine, tyrosine, folic acid, norepinephrine, histamine, iron, and some drug enzyme systems; utilization of carbohydrates; synthesis of lipids, proteins, and carnitine; immune function; hydroxylation of serotonin; and preservation of blood vessel integrity. In addition, ascorbic acid enhances the absorption of nonheme iron.

- Vitamin C deficiency (prophylaxis and treatment) - ascorbic acid is indicated for prevention and treatment of ascorbic acid deficiency states. Ascorbic acid deficiency may occur as a result of inadequate nutrition but does not occur in healthy individuals receiving an adequate balanced diet. For prophylaxis of ascorbic acid deficiency, dietary improvement rather than supplementation is advisable. For treatment of vitamin C deficiency, supplementation is preferred.
- Deficiency of ascOrbic acid may lead to scurvy.
- Requirements may be increased and / or supplementation may be necessary in the following persons or conditions (based on documented ascorbic acid deficiency):
AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) - alcoholism - burns - cancer - exposure to cold temperatures, prolonged - fever, prolonged - gastrectomy - hemodialysis, chronic - hyperthyroidism - infants receiving unfortified formulas - infection, continuing - intestinal diseases: diarrhea, prolonged; ileal resection - peptic ulcer - smokers - stress, continuing - surgery - trauma, continuing - tuberculosis.
- Some unusual diets may not supply minimum daily requirements for ascorbic acid. Supplementation is necessary in patients receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN) or undergoing rapid weight loss or in those with malnutrition, because of inadequate dietary intake.
- Recommended intakes for all vitamins and most mineraIs are increased during pregnancy and breast - feeding.
- Toxicity, iron, chronic (treatment adjunct) - ascorbic acid has been used to increase iron excretion by improving chelation during deferoxamine therapy.
- Ascorbic acid has been used as treatment adjunct for idiopathic methemoglobinemia; however, its use has generally been replaced by more effective agents.

Risk benefit should be considered when the following medical problems exist:
Diabetes mellitus; Glucose - 6 - phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency (high doses of ascorbic acid may cause hemolytic anemia); hemochromatosis; sideroblastic anemia; thalassemia (high doses of ascorbic acid may increase iron absorption); hyperoxaluria or oxalosis; renal stones; sensitivity to ascorbic acid.

Studies have not been done in humans. Problems in humans have not been documented with intake of normal daily recommended amounts. Ascorbic acid crosses the placenta.
Ingestion of large quantities of ascorbic acid daily throughout pregnancy may possibly harm the fetus.

Problems in humans have not been documented with intake of normal daily recommended amounts. Ascorbic acid is distributed into breast milk.

Combinations containing any of the following medications, depending on the amount present, may also interact with this medication.
Anticoagulants, cumarine - or indandione - derivative ; Cellulose sodium phosphate; Deferoxamine; Disulfiram.

Those indicating need for medical attention:
Kideny stones, oxalate (side or lower back pain).
Note: Withdrawal scurvy may occur after prolonged administration of 2 to 3 grams per day.

Usual adult, adolescent and pediatric dose:
Deficiency (prophylaxis) - Oral, amount based on normal daily recommended intakes:

Persons	mg
Adolescent and adult males and females	50 - 60
Pregnant females	70
Breast - feeding females	90 - 95
Smokers	100
Infants and children
Birth to 3 years of age	30 - 40
4 to 6 years of age	45
7 to 10 years of age	45

Deficiency (treatment); Treatment dose depends on severity of defeciency:
Adult and adolescent dose; Scurvy, oral, 500 mg a day for at least 2 weeks.
Pediatric dose; Scurvy, oral, 100 to 300 mg a day for at least 2 weeks.