There are many reports on vitamin C s ability as an immune stimulant and as an anti-viral agent. The claim is the vitamin C helps the macrophage. In addition to its role as an anti-oxidant, vitamin c detoxifies many harmful substances and plays a key role in immunity. It increases the synthesis of interferon, a natural antiviral substance produced by the body, and stimulates the activity of certain key immune cells. E. Some sources believe that magnesium ascorbate or calcium ascorbate, rather than ascorbic acid, are advisable because these forms are more easily assimilated and that chelated forms are better absorbed.
Many experts also believe that it is best taken in a buffered pH neutral form with bioflavanoids.
High doses of vitamin C may result in increased iron uptake from the bowel, and may therefore be hazardous for patients with high levels of iron in liver cells. Bowel tolerance is referred to often when you read about suggested dosages. It means that the patient takes as much vitamin C as he or she can before developing diarrhea. Dr. Cathcart suggested that the higher the tolerance the greater the need. If you have been taking high doses of vitamin C, reduce your dosage gradually.