Vitamin C is a very popular thing among many of us these days. Especially when we talk about immunity, we can't go wrong with talking about vitamin C. Even if you go to the pharmacy, there are many types of vitamin C. So today we are going to talk about a special type of vitamin C, namely extended-release vitamin C tablets. These are a little different from a regular vitamin C tablet. Let's see what the difference is and how to use them.
What is slow-release vitamin C?
Simply put, vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is an essential nutrient for our bodies. Vitamin C helps keep our blood vessels, bones, and skin healthy, helps wounds heal quickly, and helps keep our immune system strong. Not only that, it also acts as a powerful antioxidant, protecting our body's cells from damage.
Okay, so what does "Extended-Release" mean? Think about it, when you take a regular vitamin pill, it dissolves quickly in your stomach, and the vitamins in it are absorbed into your body almost immediately. But these Extended-Release pills are specially formulated . Just like water dripping from a faucet, these pills release vitamin C slowly into your body over a period of hours. This helps maintain a consistent level of vitamin C throughout the day.
Things to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Although vitamin C is generally safe, as with any medication, it's important to talk to your doctor before taking it, especially if you have any of the following conditions:
| Health condition or opportunity | Why is that important? |
|---|---|
| Anemia | Because vitamin C affects iron absorption. |
| Diabetes | Very high doses of vitamin C can affect the results of some urine tests. |
| Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency | This is a rare genetic condition, and high doses of vitamin C can cause problems for some people. |
| Kidney stones | Taking too much vitamin C may increase the risk of kidney stones in some people. |
| Low sodium diet | Some vitamin C products may contain sodium. |
| Other allergies | If you are allergic to vitamin C or any other ingredients in the pill (e.g., coloring agents such as tartrazine). |
| Being pregnant or breastfeeding | During these times, it is essential to seek medical advice before taking any medication or supplement. |
How exactly do you use this medicine?
This is very simple, but very important.
- Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water.
- This is the most important thing: Do not break, crush, or chew these pills. Doing so will destroy the "slow release" effect I mentioned earlier, and the medication can enter the body all at once. This can also increase the risk of side effects.
- You can take it before or after meals. However, if you experience stomach upset or heartburn, it is best to take it with food.
- Take it as directed by your doctor, at the right time. Do not take more than the prescribed dose.
What to do if you take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken too much medicine, don't panic. Go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
Other medications that may interact with vitamin C
Some medications you take may interact with vitamin C. For example:
- Deferoxamine - A medicine given to remove excess iron from the body.
- Iron supplements - Vitamin C increases iron absorption, so if you are taking both, your doctor should be aware of the dosage.
The important thing is, this is not a complete list. Tell your doctor about all the medications you take, not just those prescribed by your doctor, but also over-the-counter medications, vitamins, herbal products, and whether you smoke or drink alcohol.
Things to consider when taking medication
- A good diet: Remember, a vitamin pill is not a substitute for a balanced diet. Include natural foods rich in vitamin C in your diet, such as oranges, tangerines, limes, fish chilies, broccoli, cabbage, and tomatoes.
- Especially for people with diabetes: If you are being treated for diabetes and are testing your urine for sugar, tell your doctor if you are taking high doses of vitamin C. Vitamin C can sometimes cause false results in urine tests.
What are the possible side effects of the medication?
Most people don't experience any major side effects from vitamin C. But it's good to be aware of the possible side effects.
| Type of side effect | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Kidney stones | Blood in the urine, pain or difficulty urinating, pain in the lower abdomen or sides. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Stomach ache | Bloating, stomach pain, nausea. |
| Diarrhea | This can occur especially when taking high doses. |
| Heartburn | It can be caused by increased stomach acidity. |
How do you store your medicine properly?
- Keep it safely out of the reach of children .
- Store at room temperature (between 15-30 degrees Celsius), away from excessive heat and humidity. Not recommended in the bathroom.
- Discard expired medication without using it.
Take-Home Message
- Extended-release vitamin C tablets provide the body with a steady level of vitamin C throughout the day.
- Never break, crush, or chew these tablets. Swallow them whole.
- Before taking this medicine, tell your doctor about all medical conditions you have and all other medicines you are taking.
- Always remember that taking vitamin pills is not a substitute for a balanced, nutritious diet.
- If you experience a severe side effect (allergy, signs of kidney stones) or suspect an overdose, seek medical advice immediately.
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