The benefits of Vitamin C

Vitamin C plays an essential role in maintaining overall general health. It is required by almost every system in the body and is commonly utilised for its role in immune support. Research shows vitamin C may shorten the duration of colds. Vitamin C has so many more uses than just immune support; read on to find out more about the benefits of vitamin C.

Why your body needs vitamin C

Vitamin C is water-soluble, so can easily be lost if food is overcooked or poorly stored. Unlike most other mammals, the human body can’t produce vitamin C and it can’t store vitamin C either; excess is excreted from the body through urine. For this reason, we must obtain it from our diets on a regular basis.

Types of vitamin C

There are many different forms on the market: tablets, chewable tablets, powders and liquids. You can also get different types of Vitamin C — ascorbic acid (the major dietary form) or mineral ascorbates such as sodium, magnesium, potassium and calcium ascorbates.

Ascorbic acid is the pure form of vitamin C, and as the name suggests, it’s acidic. Vitamin C is generally well-tolerated, but for some people, pure ascorbic acid may be too acidic and cause some irritation through the digestive system and has the potential to cause an upset stomach or diarrhoea. If this is the case, then a non‐acidic form of vitamin C could be a suitable alternative.

When ascorbic acid is bound with a mineral such as calcium or sodium, it becomes buffered and this changes it to a non-acidic form of vitamin C. Buffered forms of vitamin C may be more gentle on the stomach but still provide all of the benefits of vitamin C.

Benefits of Vitamin C

The maintenance of connective tissue

Vitamin C is essential for the formation of collagen, the major fibrous element of skin, blood vessels, bones, muscles and cartilage: our body’s fundamental structure. Throughout our lives, our body is continuously producing collagen to maintain and repair tissue damage that occurs through wear and tear. It’s also involved in the synthesis of other important substances needed for healthy connective tissue including elastin and proteoglycans. Vitamin C is essential for wound healing. Collagen is also an important structural component of our teeth and gums, and as such, vitamin C may contribute to their health.

Immune health

The impact of vitamin C on immune health has been researched for over half a century. This research highlights the significant role this vitamin plays in immune system function and how it stimulates the production and function of white blood cells (leukocytes), especially neutrophils, lymphocytes and phagocytes. These types of immune cells are responsible for protecting the body from pathogens such as viruses and bacteria.

Research indicates consuming vitamin C regularly may reduce the duration and severity of colds and help relieve cold symptoms.

Antioxidant properties

Vitamin C is one of the most important water‐soluble antioxidants in the body. Antioxidants fight free radicals generated through normal metabolism or exposure to external toxins and pollutants. Vitamin C can also regenerate other antioxidants such as vitamin E and glutathione.

Bone health

Vitamin C helps in maintenance of bones.

Iron absorption

Vitamin C aids in the absorption of iron.

Dietary sources of vitamin C

Fruit and vegetable are particularly good sources of vitamin C. The highest concentrations of vitamin C are found in citrus fruits, strawberries, ripe tomatoes, broccoli, Brussels sprouts and other green leafy vegetables. Other sources of vitamin C include milk and fish, although these foods contain much smaller concentrations than fruits and vegetables. It’s important to note that research shows the amount of vitamin C in foods decreases as food gets old, so be sure to eat your fruits and vegetables while they’re fresh.

How Nature’s Own can help

Some medications or a lack of fruit and vegetables may deplete Vitamin C levels in the body. If you’re low in Vitamin C, a simple supplement can help. Nature’s own has a range of options for vitamin C, including chewable tablets and non-acidic tablets.  Nature’s Own also offers a range of supplements designed specifically to relieve Colds and Support Immunity, many of which contain vitamin C in addition to several other immune-supporting ingredients.

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