Vitamin C
Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, has a lot to offer the body. Be it glowing skin or healthy bones, having sufficient amounts of this vitamin is essential. It is a water-soluble vitamin that acts as an antioxidant. This implies that vitamin C dissolves in water and gets delivered to the body’s tissues. However, it is not well stored. So, people have to consume vitamin C daily through food or supplements.
What are common sources of vitamin C?
Variety of fruits and vegetables are good source of vitamin C which includes:
- Citrus fruit, such as oranges and orange juice
- Peppers
- Strawberries
- Blackcurrants
- Broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
- Potatoes
Inadequate consumption of fruits and vegetables for vitamin C may cause continuous bodily fatigue. The severe deficiency, called scurvy, may lead to bruising, gum and dental problems, dry hair & skin, and anemia.
What is the recommended dietary allowance of Vitamin C?
Because of its multiple benefits, like controlling infections, healing wounds, and neutralizing harmful free radicals, many people take vitamin C supplements.
The recommended dietary allowance is 90 mg per day and 75 mg per for men and women respectively. To generalize, adults aged between 19- 64 require 40 mg of vitamin C per day.
What does Vitamin C consist of?
Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is a hydrophilic molecule with six carbons. Vitamin C can be found in either reduced or oxidised organisms.
Because humans lack the enzyme lactone oxidase necessary for its creation, it can only be obtained through diet or supplements. It has vital physiological and metabolic functions in humans.
What are the benefits of Vitamin C?
- Boosts immunity: It stimulates the activity of leukocytes present in the body and thus enhances immunity. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant (molecules that boost immunity by protecting cells from free radicals) that enhances the body’s natural defenses.
- Prevents gout: Intake of vitamin C reduces blood levels of uric acid, thereby preventing gout.
- Hydrates skin: A high intake of vitamin C helps to hydrate your skin and reduce dryness. It helps the skin retain water, preventing dryness and oiliness.
- Promotes healthy hair growth: Vitamin C increases hair growth, stops hair loss, and supports healthy hair.
- Reduces risk to cardiovascular disease: Free radicals, the body’s primary cause of stroke, are eliminated by consuming Vitamin C.
- Prevents scurvy: Scurvy can result from a diet that is deficient in vitamins or lacking altogether. It causes tight muscles, curled hair, weakness, and weariness.
- Reduces urinary tract infections: Vitamin C prevents the germs that are the root cause of an UTI from growing.
What are the top 5 selling Vitamin C supplements?
NOW C-1000: Maintain your fitness levels with NOW’s vitamin C tablets.
Asitis Vitamin C: Vitamin C tablets from Asitis have been clinically tested and tried by many.
Scitron’s Vitamin C Effervescent Tablets: Made purely from vitamin C, this one will fulfil all vitamin C requirements.
Redcon1: Gift yourself a healthy lifestyle with Redcon1’s vitamin C tablets.
GNC vitamin C: These are chewable tablets that are of superior quality.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vitamin C
How often do I need to take vitamin C?
It is advised that you take an adequate amount daily.
When do I need to take vitamin C tablets?
The best time to take your supplements is after a meal.
What will happen to my body if I don’t receive enough vitamin C?
Increased bleeding, poor skin health, UTI-related bleeding gums, weariness, and proneness to scurvy are some of the symptoms of vitamin C insufficiency.
How quickly does vitamin C begin to function?
The body quickly assimilates vitamin C. Vitamin C is not stored in human bodies for long periods since it needs a storage mechanism.
Can I take vitamin C supplements in excess?
No, everything in excess is counterproductive. It can lead to vitamin C toxicity if you overdose.
Which are the best natural sources of vitamin C?
Good source of vitamin C includes food items like citrus fruit
(such as oranges and lemons), peppers, strawberries, blackcurrants, broccoli, brussels sprouts and potatoes
How vitamin C supplement intake benefits me?
With vitamin C supplements, you can boost your vitamin C intake and provide benefits like increased antioxidants and lowered blood pressure levels, protection against gout attacks, improved iron absorption, higher immunity, and a reduced risk of heart disease and dementia.
Is vitamin C supplement safe for pregnant women?
Vitamin C supplements are safe and beneficial for pregnant women and babies. But follow the recommended dose levels.
What is the recommended dietary allowance of vitamin C for women?
A healthy woman requires 75 mg of vitamin C daily, pregnant women need 85 mg, and breastfeeding women need 120 mg daily.
Is vitamin C supplement beneficial for sperm count increase in men?
Vitamin C supplementation has shown to increase sperm count, motility, and morphology in men.
