Vitamin C is a nutrient that serves various and vital roles within our body.
Normal growth and development of the body is linked to Vitamin C. Given the important role vitamin C plays in our body, its benefits and effects are manifold.
The Benefits and Effects of Vitamin C
(Chambial, S., Dwivedi, S., Shukla, K. K., John, P. J., & Sharma, P. (2013). Vitamin C in disease prevention and cure: an overview. Indian journal of clinical biochemistry, 28, 314-328.)
1. Vitamin C and Common Cold
It impacts the duration and treatment efficacy of common cold symptoms.
- Methods
A 5-year study was conducted on the correlation between vitamin intake (50mg, 500mg) and the common cold in patients with gastrointestinal disorders.
- Results
A decrease in the incidence of colds was observed in the group with high vitamin C intake.
* Vitamin C’s ability to keep away the common cold is debatable. However, there is proof that people who regularly take Vitamin C in higher doses shave off at least a day of a cold. The key is to take it every single day, not just when you believe you’re coming down with something.
2. Vitamin C and Tissue Healing
Promoting collagen synthesis contributes to wound healing and tissue regeneration.
3. Vitamin C and Iron
Enhances iron absorption and utilization. It functions in stimulating erythropoietin receptors, mediating the differentiation and proliferation of erythrocyte precursor cells.
4. Vitamin C and Fertility
It is involved in maintaining the structure and function of male reproductive organs, and also plays a role in the normal morphology and function of sperm. It increases progesterone levels in infertile women.
5. Vitamin C and Atherosclerosis
Prevents endothelial dysfunction. Strengthens arterial walls. Prevents leukocyte adhesion defects.
6. Vitamin C and Cancer
Intravenous administration of high-dose Vitamin C improves health-related quality of life in cancer stages.
7. Vitamin C and Diabetes
Regulates oxidative stress induced by hyperglycemia in diabetic patients.
8. Vitamin C and Immunity
Improves immune system activity. Promotes the differentiation of helper T cells, which activate NK cells and other immune cells that represent the primary defense action (innate immunity) within the body.
9. Vitamin C and Heavy Metal Toxicity
Helps reduce oxidative damage and symptoms of toxicity from heavy metals such as lead, arsenic, cadmium, mercury, and nickel, which have high reactive oxygen production.
10. Vitamin C and Neurodegenerative Disorders
Although not as extensively studied as other conditions, recent positive results have been reported in neurodegenerative disorders, including schizophrenia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Even without considering its various effects and efficacies for prevention or treatment, Vitamin C is an essential nutrient with triple functionality (necessary for the formation and maintenance of connective tissue, essential for the absorption of iron, and required for antioxidant actions to protect cells from harmful oxidants), making its regular intake important.
Being a vitamin not synthesized by the body, it requires consumption through food or pharmaceuticals. To get the full recommended daily allowance, you need 9 servings of fruit and vegetables. It’s not always easy to accomplish, which is why so many people add a daily supplement.
