The school health nurse is discussing vitamin supplements with a group of parents at the monthly PTO meeting. What concept would the nurse include in the teaching about vitamin C?

Question

1. Vitamin C increases the absorption of iron when the two are taken together.
2. Vitamin C will prevent the symptoms of the common cold.
3. Vitamin C is synthesized in all mammals and not required as a supplement.
4. Vitamin C should be taken in large doses to reach therapeutic level rapidly.

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 1
Rationale 1: Vitamin C increases the absorption of iron when the two are taken concurrently.
Rationale 2: Vitamin C might only reduce the severity and duration of the common cold.
Rationale 3: Unlike most mammals, humans are unable to synthesize ascorbic acid.
Rationale 4: Large doses of vitamin C should be taken in divided amounts because the body only uses what is needed and the rest is excreted.
Global Rationale: Iron can be supplemented using various pharmacologic preparations, which often have ascorbic acid added to improve the absorption of PO iron. Vitamin C might only reduce the severity and duration of the common cold. Unlike most mammals, humans are unable to synthesize ascorbic acid. Large doses of vitamin C should be taken in divided amounts because the body only uses what is needed and the rest is excreted.