In the prior post, Dr. Thomas E. Levy discussed his opinion that people with low vitamin C levels may experience health problems after some common dental procedures.
In this post, we’ll look at obtaining vitamin C from food sources and the intake of additional vitamin C through supplementation. The goal being for you to develop a plan that’s right for you and your health objectives.
Have You Had Your Fruits and Vegetables Today?
According to the website The World’s Healthiest Foods, there are a variety of fruits and vegetables containing significant amounts of vitamin C. Here’s a few of top fruits and vegetables featuring this important vitamin:
- Bell Peppers;
- Broccoli;
- Lemons and Limes;
- Strawberries;
- Mustard Greens;
- Papaya; and
- Kale.
Their article regarding food sources of vitamin C, also has a “Nutrient Rating Chart” with information for various nutrient values for many of your favorite fruits and vegetables. I’ll provide a link later in this post.
There’s general agreement among health experts, that it’s impossible to obtain a toxic effect from eating these natural sources of vitamin C.
However, the major issue is that the vast majority of Americans don’t come close to eating the minimum recommended 5 servings of fruits and vegetables each day. Survey after survey has borne out this tragic fact.
So, when I hear a health expert say all you need to do is eat a “balanced diet”, I shake my head in disbelief. The sad fact is most Americans don’t even come close to this minimum intake.
What’s The Role of Vitamin C Supplements?
The National Academy of Sciences established Recommended Daily Allowances (RDA) for the many vitamins and minerals required for your body to properly function. The current RDA for vitamin C are:
- Females 19 years of age and older: 75mg daily;
- Males 19 years of age and older: 90mg daily; and
- A Tolerable Upper Intake Level for all Adults 19+ of: 2000mg daily.
Sounds simple enough doesn’t it? The problem is that these RDA amounts were established in 1943 and haven’t been updated in many years. How do figure out the right amount of daily vitamin C intake for you?
In the following video, Dr Levy discusses his experiences with patients receiving larger doses of vitamin C, both before and after dental procedures. This video is provided courtesy of ihealthtube.com:
Health Videos – Supplementation Fights Disease
An important consideration of Dr. Levy’s opinion, is that he’s in favor of mega-doses of vitamin C. For example, he advocates a daily dosage of 6 grams, which far exceeds the daily needs of health adults. Remember the UL intake of 2000 mg mentioned earlier? His higher amount may be acceptable for some people, with specific medical conditions under a doctor’s care. However, don’t exceed the UL unless your doctor approves it.
My current daily intake of vitamin C is approximately 70 – 110 mg from food sources, and 180 mg from a multivitamin.
For more information on food sources of vitamin C, check this link to WH Foods.com. Additional information on vitamin C supplements can be found at this link to the Linus Pauling Institute.
The Bottom Line: It’s very easy to assume a glass of orange juice or consuming foods fortified with vitamin C, are enough to meet your daily requirement. But are you sure? Take a look at the sources I’ve provided you. Talk it over with your doctor or other health professional. Then develop your course of action.
It’s your life, live well!
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