Linus Pauling? How Weird Is That?
Linus Pauling was a great scientist, and he singlehandedly won two Nobel prizes in different categories. But that doesn't mean that the medical establishment took him seriously when he said that Vitamin C in massive doses could help people get over heart conditions, strokes, and some other serious conditions.
It interested me because I happened to know that we humans, along with guinea pigs, fruit bats, and monkeys, had very long ago genetically lost the ability to manufacture ascorbic acid in our own bodies. All other mammals can do it.
So Pauling looked at how much vitamin C other mammals actually made. It was a lot. When you calculate for our body weights, he figured we needed about 6 grams or 6000 milligrams a day to have an amount comparable.
So he figured that we needed about that much a day. When people tried that amount or more, heart conditions cleared up, as did other unpleasant health conditions. His estimate is that most humans have low level scurvy, which is the condition of having inadequate ascorbic acid. The official United States RDA is under 100 mg a day, with a recommended maximum of 2 grams or 2000 mg. Pauling took 18 grams.
So once again a maverick comes across something and the establishment ignores or makes fun it.
Me? I have to admit to being a maverick.
Recent Comments
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The best way to know if you've had enough V-C is to take it to bowel tolerance, and then back off by a gram at a time.
That will be how much you need.
When I've been sick, I've take 10 g over the course of a day, but when I'm healthy, my body only allows for 2 g over the course of a day. I'm a skinny, minny though! Lol!
Make sure you listen to what your body is telling you. Different doses work differently for each person.
Now I must go take my V-C! :D
Peace,
Josette
Well said, Rosana! A great post! I guess I better go get some Vitamin C to cure my low level scurvy since I just noticed on my beer can that there apparently is NO vitamin C!🤪
I'm trying to remember now who it was that told me that there was!
🙄
I use a PC, and right click the mouse and at the top of the menu it should say emoji! Click there and you have a whole bunch!
I would have to agree. This is very interesting.
I usually take 2000 mg a day of Vitamin C but not because I knew that our bodies don't manufacture ascorbic acid.
I do because it cuts down on the amount and severity of colds I get.
It is even more important now, with COVID-19. Reducing the chances of getting a cold that could lead to the virus is a priority.
.... yes, good point .... it's vital to boost our immune systems UP! ... especially in preparation for the up-coming season ...
a strong immune system works well to deflect or gobble up 'intruders' ... so to speak .... (kinda like pac-man) ... :)
Keisha,
Because of my previous cancer, my immune system has been compromised, so I do everything I can to build it back up and protect myself from pac-man intruders.
Barbara
Very interesting... I have heard that our bodies will get rid of any Vitamin C that we don't need. Is that true? If it is, then we could take large amounts and it would not harm us, but only benefit us!
Thanks for sharing, Rosana!
With 2020 Vision,
Karin 😎
It sure will, right through your bowels. You'll get diarrhea.
Just back off by a gram at a time to find your ideal dose.
.... well, Vitamin C is a water-soluable vitamin and one needs to ensure adequate water intake to maintain good functioning ....
.... there are varying schools of thought re: vitamin C ... a medical doc once mentioned that some studies have shown an amount greater than 500 mg / day could affect DNA ... so I'd say, everything needs to be in balance ... and go incrementally on supplements ... and better to enjoy a balanced diet with fresh air and regular exercise ....
.... keep well, stay strong ... :)
Thanks, Keisha!... I will keep it in mind. I take a supplement that has 590 mg of Vitamin C. So maybe I will have to lower that. I don't want my DNA messed up!!!
Thanks again.
With 2020 Vision,
Karin 😎
Oooh... Not fun...I will keep it in mind. I take a supplement that is 590 mg.
With 2020 Vision,
Karin 😎
I just want to point out to the other readers that you are making statements that are in total contrast with what Linus Pauling said. Of course, you are entitled to your opinion, but in case others haven't noticed, there is a real difference here.
... it's all ok, Rosana ... Pauling was well known within the scientific world and yet, new advances in information & technology and new knowledge does get discovered and we all keep an open mind to the new ... and then, discern for ourselves ...
... it's vital to keep perspectives in balance as I mentioned earlier...
and it is helpful to have healthy, open discussion from varying perspectives, especially in science ... where the frontiers are forever before us to discover ... :)
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*** yes, we all need a good balance of vitamins, minerals, nutrition for perfect health .... our metabolism is amazing! .... it all works! ...
as for Vitamin C, yes, it's an essential water-soluble vitamin ... so remember to drink sufficient water with it ....
and yes, we do need a daily dose of Vit. C as it does get flushed through our system on a regular basis ...
keep well, stay happy & healthy! .... :) ***