Vitamin C is the vitamin everybody knows about or thinks they do!
Also known as ascorbic acid, Vitamin C has been the subject of more study -- and more hype -- than any nutrient in history. It has been credited with being a miracle cure and having magical qualities but how much of all this is true? Unfortunately, not everything you've heard.
Let's find out what we know and what we don't about Vitamin C.
Basically, Vitamin C is a water-soluble compound whose primary function is collagen formation. Collagen is the protein responsible for forming the connective tissue in skin, ligaments, and bones and for the arrangement of blood vessels in our skin and organs.
So, why do many Americans get less Vitamin C in their diet than scientists recommend?
One reason is that the body cannot make Vitamin C it can be obtained only from diet or supplements and the amount we require varies substantially depending on age.
Another is that, while there are plenty of dietary sources for Vitamin C available, Vitamin C is easily depleted by air, water, freezing, and cooking. In fact, a lot of the vitamin content in food can be lost during basic preparation and canning and reheating can negate additional Vitamin C.
- Vitamin C is one of the best antioxidants for fighting free radicals.
- Vitamin C supports heart health.
- Vitamin C supports healthy blood flow through the cardiovascular system.
- Vitamin C plays an important role in supporting immune function.
- Vitamin C is important for the functioning of white blood cells, which are vital components of the immune system.
- Vitamin C is involved in collagen formation which is beneficial for the health of skin, hair and nails.
- Vitamin C promotes iron absorption.
- Vitamin C supports joint health by helping to maintain in their active state enzymes necessary for collagen formation.
- Vitamin C supports healthy gums.
- Vitamin C supports healthy blood vessels.
Functions
- Our cellular strength and immune system probably owes the most to Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) since it maintains our tissue and supports the immune system daily.Vitamin C is required for collagen synthesis and plays a role in bone structure, cartilage and teeth. It makes dopamine and adrenaline, and synthesizes carnitine, which is important in the transfer of energy to cell mitochondria.
- Vitamin C is responsible for the synthesis of collagen the protein substance on which the integrity of cellular structure depends. Collagen is abundant throughout the body and provides a firm but flexible structure to cells. In essence, collagen is a type of hidden glue which strengthens the body, including the muscles and blood vessels. It is the protein which develops and maintains healthy teeth, bones, gums, cartilage, vertebrae discs, joint linings, skin and blood vessels.
- Vitamin C promotes immune health in several ways, including the immunologic activity of leukocytes,the production of interferon, and the integrity of the mucous membranes.
- Vitamin C is sometimes called the antioxidant vitamin, and as such it helps block damage caused by free radicals (those pesky by-products of cellular metabolism).
- As a powerful antioxidant, Vitamin C may help protect healthy cells from free radical damage. Many environmental pollutants can increase free radical levels.
- Individuals with high blood levels of Vitamin C may have improved circulatory function. Vitamin C increases nitric oxide activity, which helps dilate blood vessels.
Sources
The structure function claims made on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These dietary supplement products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
