This blog is part of the GLIM immunity blog series.
Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that the body utilizes for many processes including immune function and overall health. We have all heard that vitamin C is good for that pesky cold or to “drink orange juice” when you have an extra bit of mucus. But, how does vitamin C actually aid the immune functions of the body, and can it be used to prevent sickness?
The Benefits of Vitamin C
Vitamin C has many benefits for people of all ages and particularly for your immune system. Vitamin C might also be referred to scientifically as ascorbic acid because of its historical significance and the necessity of the nutrient in preventing scurvy.
Vitamin C can provide the following benefits:
Antioxidant Power Vitamin C can help support the removal of dangerous reactive oxygen species (ROS) can harm our body.
Iron Absorption The body can use Vitamin C to help absorb iron, a nutrient in which many people are deficient.
Collagen Production By boosting collagen production, Vitamin C helps vital components of our tissues such as our tendons, ligaments, blood vessels, cartilage and the skin. It is especially important to protect our skin as it is the first line of defense for the immune system.
L-carnitine Production L-carnitine is essential for mitochondrial support which fuels energy production. Vitamin C can help boost L-carnitine production which is especially important if we are not getting enough of it through our food sources.
Immune System Support Although there is no evidence that Vitamin C can cure the common cold, there is evidence that Vitamin C can support the functions of your immune system. Other than supporting the skin, our first line of defense against pathogens, Vitamin C can accumulate in our immune cells to increase the killing of invaders. It also works to get rid of dead cells through a process called apoptosis.
Wound Healing Vitamin C supports the skin and the healing processes that occur when a wound occurs. Deficiency in vitamin C can hinder appropriate wound healing.
Sources of Vitamin C
Vitamin C can come from the foods we eat; vitamin-C rich foods include citrus fruits, kiwi, mango, broccoli, tomatoes, and peppers. But it is important to know that most people do not get enough vitamin C through diet alone. This is especially important to note during cold and Flu season and with our current pandemic. If you are interested in adding additional vitamin C and harnessing all it’s benefits please visit our on-line apothecary for a 25% discount and schedule a Functional Nutrition Assessment to personalize a targeted approach to your vitamin and mineral needs.
GLIM is here to help you navigate how Vitamin C can work for you, so schedule a free introductory call with GLIM today to learn more learn more!