VITAMIN C:

FOR SKIN, ENERGY, BRAIN FUNCTION & IMMUNITY 

 

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a vital nutrient for health.

• It helps the body produce collagen for the normal function of skin, cartilage, bones, teeth, gums and blood vessels
• It is an antioxidant that protects against cell damage caused by oxidative stress (e.g. excessive exercise and tissue trauma)
• It helps the body absorb iron, a mineral our body uses to make red blood cells which carry oxygen to all parts of our body.
• It boosts the immune system which protects us from viruses and more.
• It contributes to normal psychological function and normal functioning of the nervous system.
• It supports energy yielding metabolism.
• It helps reduce tiredness and fatigue.
• It plays a significant role in wound healing.

A vitamin C deficiency can lead to scurvy, gum and dental problems, joint and muscle pain, anaemia, tiredness and problems fighting infections.

Good sources of vitamin C include citrus fruit, peppers, strawberries, blackcurrants, broccoli, and potatoes.

Because Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin, it cannot be stored in the body and must be obtained from the diet or supplements. 

 

WHAT DO THE STUDIES SHOW?

 

Vitamin C is involved in many body functions, including formation of collagen, absorption of iron, the proper functioning of the immune system, protection of cells, wound healing, and the maintenance of healthy skin, cartilage, bones, and teeth. Furthermore, scientific studies show that Vitamin C can help reduce dementia risk, support sexual function, guard against chronic disease, manage high blood pressure and prevent anaemia.

Let’s delve into some of the science below:

STIMULATES COLLAGEN PRODUCTION

Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation. Collagen is a protein that is required for the health and repair of various tissues in the body including skin, bone, cartilage, ligaments and tendons, blood vessels, gums and teeth. In fact, the body cannot produce collagen without vitamin C. Studies have shown that taking vitamin C orally increases collagen production. For example:

+ Studies have shown that vitamin C stimulates collagen synthesis and plays a significant role in the maintenance of healthy skin, protection against UV-damage and the healing of wounds. 

+ A systematic review demonstrated that vitamin C has the potential to increase type I collagen synthesis, accelerate bone healing after a fracture, and reduce oxidative stress parameters.

+ A study of 1,785 subjects found that those who consumed the highest levels of vitamin C showed significantly less damage to the cartilage compared to those with lower intakes.

SUPPORTS SKIN HEALTH

One of the most compelling arguments for a vital role for vitamin C in skin health is the association between vitamin C deficiency and the loss of a number of important skin functions. In particular, poor wound healing (associated with collagen formation). Studies have shown when we are deficient in vitamin C, the collagen produced by fibroblasts is unstable, so tissue repair is less efficient, and wounds take longer to heal.

PROTECTS BRAIN FUNCTION

Studies suggest that oxidative stress and inflammation near the brain, spine, and nerves (altogether known as the central nervous system) can increase the risk of dementia. Vitamin C contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress and low vitamin C levels have been linked to an increased risk of memory and thinking disorders like dementia, while a high intake of vitamin C has been shown to have a protective effect on thinking and memory as we age. For example a systematic review found higher vitamin C concentrations in cognitively intact study participants compared with those with the cognitively impaired participants (i.e. those with dementia including Alzheimer’s disease).

INCREASES ENERGY & REDUCES FATIGUE

Vitamin C helps convert the food and drinks we consume into energy. It also contributes to a reduction in feelings of tiredness and fatigue and helps the body absorb iron. Symptoms of iron deficiency include tiredness. Studies have found links between insufficient vitamin C and fatigue. For example:

+ A randomised trial involving 141 office workers aged 20–49 years who received 10g vitamin C or a placebo in one intravenous injection found that fatigue scores 2 h and 1 day after intervention were significantly lower in the vitamin C-treated group and especially in those who had the lowest baseline serum vitamin C.

+ A placebo-controlled study involving 20 adults over 4 weeks found that general fatigue scores and ratings of perceived exertion during moderate exercise were significantly decreased in the subjects receiving 500mg of vitamin C.

+ A UK study involving more than 15,000 adults found that the quartile with the lowest level of vitamin C had significantly increased odds of having a poor physical health score, a poor bodily pain score, poor self-reported general health and poor vitality score.

+ Several recent studies have indicated that intravenous (IV) vitamin C in patients who have cancer and chemotherapy-related symptoms, such as fatigue, insomnia, loss of appetite, nausea, and pain, have led to improvements in physical, cognitive, emotional, and social functioning, as well as an improvement in overall health.

HELPS THE BODY ABSORB IRON

Iron is a mineral essential for making red blood cells that transport oxygen throughout the body. Symptoms of iron deficiency anaemia include tiredness, a lack of energy and pale skin. Vitamin C supplements can help the body absorb iron. For example: a scientific algorithm shows that consuming 100 mg of vitamin C may improve iron absorption by 67%.

SUPPORTS SEXUAL FUNCTION

Oxidative stress reduces testosterone synthesis. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant which protects the body against oxidative stress and can improve hormone profiles. For example a study involving over 300 infertile men found that ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is associated with higher testosterone levels and improved androgenic status in infertile males. 

Research also suggests that vitamin C might play a role in certain biochemical pathways that support erectile function. For example a review noted that vitamin C is one of several vitamins and minerals that support the biochemical pathway that leads to the release of nitric oxide. Nitric oxide (NO) is generally viewed as the principal agent responsible for relaxing the tissue inside the penis and allowing blood to flow in and create an erection.

BOOSTS THE IMMUNE SYSTEM

It’s well established that vitamin C contributes to the normal function of the immune system. For example a meta-analysis found that Vitamin C supplements could help us recover more quickly from a common cold and a review found vitamin C supports the immune system by protecting against oxidative stress, aids in microbial killing and decreases the potential for tissue damage. The review also found that vitamin C deficiency results in impaired immunity and higher susceptibility to infections. 

REDUCES RISK OF DISEASE

Vitamin C contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is caused by an excess of free radicals, which are volatile and harmful substances in the body that cause damage to cells and tissues. Antioxidants, like vitamin C, help reduce oxidative stress by keeping free radical numbers in check to lessen our risk of chronic diseases, including cancer, Alzheimer’s, heart disease and infections. They work by neutralizing excess free radicals and protecting cells from damage caused by oxidative stress. For example:

+ Studies show that low Vitamin C levels may have a role in cancer, diabetes and neurological disorders.

+ A UK study found that the risk of stroke in those with highest intake of vitamin C was only half that of subjects with the lowest intake.

+ An analysis of 9 studies with a combined 293,172 participants found that after 10 years, people who took at least 700 mg of vitamin C daily had a 25% lower risk of heart disease than those who did not take a vitamin C supplement.

+ A meta-analysis of 29 studies found that taking a vitamin C supplement reduced systolic blood pressure (the upper value) by 3.8 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure (the lower value) by 1.5 mmHg, on average, in healthy adults. In adults with high blood pressure, vitamin C supplements reduced systolic blood pressure by 4.9 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure by 1.7 mmHg, on average.

Furthermore, vitamin C, contributes to regenerating the antioxidant capacity of vitamin E.

The bottom line: Vitamin C is a vital to overall health.

HIMMENSE supplements contain Vitamin C. So we've got you covered.

Advice is for information only and should not replace medical care. Consult a healthcare professional if you have any questions or are taking any other medications before you try any remedies or supplements.

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