The active ingredients of Vitamin C and Vitamin E have been linked with reduced risks of cardiovascular diseases in human. Concurrent intake of Vitamin E and Vitamin C suggests that their action may be synergistic.
Vitamin C : Necessary for collagen formation and tissue repair; plays a role in oxidation/reduction reactions as well as other metabolic pathways including synthesis of catecholamines, carnitine, and steroids; also plays a role in conversion of folic acid to folinic acid. Vitamin E plays a role in protecting red blood cells against hemolysis; has protective effects against free radicals on polyunsaturated fatty acids found in cell membranes; plays a role in preventing oxidation of vitamin A and C.
Vitamin C & E capsule is administered orally. The adult dose is 1 capsule daily or as directed by the registered physician.
Vitamin C is usually well tolerated. Large doses are reported to cause diarrhea and other gastrointestinal disturbances. Vitamin E is usually well tolerated. Large doses may cause diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, and other gastrointestinal disturbances, and have also been reported to cause fatigue and weakness.
Always consult a registered doctor before taking any medicine. This information is for general knowledge only.
Vitamin C in megadoses has been contra-indicated for patients with hyperoxaluria. A pregnant woman taking more than 5 gm daily ascorbate may suffer from fetal abortion. Higher doses of Vitamin C have reported to cause failure of conception. In case of Vitamin E, there is no absolute contra-indication.
Vitamin C is incompatible in solution with Aminophylline, Bleomycin, Erythromycin, Lactobionate, Nafcillin, Nitrofurantoin Sodium, Conjugated oestrogens, Sodium bicarbonate, Salphafurazole diethanolamine, Chloramphenicol sodium succinate, Chlorthiazide sodium and Hydrocortisone sodium succinate. It increases the apparent half life of Paracetamol and enhances iron absorption from the gastrointestinal tract. No potentially useful drug Interaction with Vitamin E has been described. However, high doses of Vitamin E can impair intestinal absorption of Vitamin A and K.
Vitamin C should be given with care to patient with hyperoxaluria. In patients taking oral anticoagulants or oestrogens Vitamin E should be given carefully because it has been found to antagonize the effects of Vitamin K leading to an increase in blood clotting time in these patients.