Vitamin C: Why is it important?
Vitamin C is water soluble, and the body does not store it. To maintain adequate levels of vitamin C, people need to consume food that contains it every day.
The body needs vitamin C for various functions. Here are some of them:
- It helps the body produce collagen, L-carnitine, and some neurotransmitters.
- As an antioxidant, it helps remove unwanted substances known as reactive oxidative species (ROS) from the body.
- It helps the body absorb iron.
- It boosts the immune system.
- It enhances wound healing.
ROS are substances such as free radicals that result from natural bodily processes, exposure to pollution, and other factors. They can lead to oxidative stress, which can, in turn, cause cell damage.
Vitamin C’s antioxidant activity may help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of developing various conditions, including some cancers.
The body needs vitamin C to produce collagen. This is the main component of connective tissue and makes up 1–2% of muscle tissue.
Collagen is a vital component in fibrous tissues such as: Tendons, ligaments, skin, the cornea, cartilage, bones, the gut & blood vessels
Low levels of vitamin C in the body can lead to scurvy. Symptoms of scurvy include swollen joints, bleeding gums and loose teeth, anemia, and tiredness
The benefits of vitamin C may include the following.
Wound healing
Cardiovascular health
Cataracts and age-related macular degeneration
Diabetes
Anemia
Pollution
Allergies
Motion sickness
Can vitamin C help treat the common cold?
Many people believe that vitamin C can cure a common cold, However, taking dosages of 200 milligrams (mg) or more per day may benefit people who:
- participate in extreme physical activity
- have exposure to cold temperatures
- have low vitamin C levels due to smoking
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