INFORMATION ON VITAMIN C
Vitamin C, also known as Ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble, essential nutrient that has to be ingested as the body doesn't store it.
Regarded as the most popular supplement in the world, it is widely used as an antioxidant and for its potential benefits against the common cold.
As an antioxidant, it helps to protect cells from the damage caused by free radicals, which may contribute to the aging process and the progress of conditions such as cancer, heart disease, and arthritis. Vitamin C has the ability to act as an antioxidant in some cases, and as an oxidant in others, depending on what the body needs.
Adequate levels of vitamin C are thought to support fighting off infections, and evidence shows it could reduce the severity of cold symptoms, minimise the risk for getting a cold, as well as reduce the duration of a cold, especially in physically stressed or malnourished conditions.
Athletes report using vitamin C for potential immune support in addition to its antioxidant properties.
Vitamin C is vital to the production of collagen, the most abundant protein in the human body and mostly found in the skin, bones and connective tissue. It provides structural support, strength, elasticity and flexibility to tissues and organs.
Vitamin C is said to be friendly to the heart and arteries. This is partly due to its antioxidant effects preventing damage to artery walls and decreasing cholesterol buildup, but also by reportedly reducing blood clotting and keeping arteries flexible. High blood pressure and cholesterol levels could improve, helping to lower the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Many chemical reactions in the body require Vitamin C, from carnitine- and neurotransmitter synthesis to sperm production. It helps protect the fat-soluble vitamin A and vitamin E, as well as fatty acids from oxidation, cures the disease scurvy, can be beneficial in the treatment of iron deficiency anemia and lowers the risk of eye cataracts.
Vit C and Vit B5 are the main constituents of cortisone and adrenaline production, impair histamine- and allergic reactions, and as a result, is used to help control asthma, hay fever, and ease stress.
Recent findings suggest it may also guard against H.pylori, a bacteria linked to both stomach cancer and ulcers. It appears that Vitamin C inhibits bacterial growth.
How it works:
Vitamin C appears to act as a reducing agent, an oxidizing agent, an anti-clotting agent, an antihistamine, and as an anti-infective agent.
As a reducing agent, it works by donating or receiving extra oxygen to stabilise other molecules, and by making it more soluble, it increases absorption. Because of the presence of ene-diol in its molecule, it has generally been assumed that Vitamin C intervenes at some point in the oxidation-reduction reactions in the body.
Vitamin C can function as a coenzyme or cofactor, and seems to be necessary for normal functioning of cells.
It is a catalyst in the synthesis of neurotransmitters and the production of collagen.
POPULAR USE & PUBLISHED BENEFITS bbbb
- Antioxidant properties
- Symptoms and duration of colds and infections
- Immune support
- Collagen production
- Cardiovascular health / Heart disease
- CNS health / Neurotransmitter synthesis
- Allergic reactions / Hay fever
- Eye health
WHOLE FOODS
- Dark leafy greens, broccoli, tomatoes, peas, bell peppers, kale, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cantaloupe, cabbage, onion, potato, radishes, spinach, squash, sweet potato, yellow snap beans, collard greens, artichoke, asparagus, carrot, celery, cucumber
- Kiwis, berries, citrus fruits, papayas, guavas, pineapple, melon, pears, watermelon, bananas, mangos, peaches, plums
RECOMMENDED USE
- Range: 100 - 1000mg daily
- Popular use: 1000mg daily
- Once or twice daily dosing
- Can be taken in fasted state