Vitamin C, also called ascorbic acid, is a micronutrient essential to many of the systems in the human body…

It is a water-soluble vitamin that cannot be stored in the body, so we need to consume adequate amounts of Vitamin C each day to support the healthy functioning of these systems.

Vitamin C is important for general good health because it:

  • Helps to maintain the immune system.
  • Is essential for the formation of collagen, the most abundant protein in the connective tissues of the body, which is necessary for the normal formation and functioning of the blood vessels, the bones, teeth and gums, the skin and all cartilage.
  • Contributes to normal psychological function.
  • Needed for the functioning of the nervous system.
  • Supports normal energy-yielding metabolism, the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
  • Helps to protect cells from oxidative stress.
  • Helps to “recycle” vitamin E so it can continue its work.

Vitamin C is an antioxidant

Antioxidants are molecules that boost the immune system and protect your cells from free radical damage. Free radicals, the molecular byproducts of turning food into energy, are constantly being produced by your body’s chemical reactions, and serve important functions that are essential for health. For example, your immune cells use free radicals to fight infection. However, an imbalance between the production of free radicals and the body’s ability to counteract or detoxify their damaging effects through neutralization with antioxidants, can result in a state called oxidative stress. Oxidative stress can lead to cell and tissue damage and has been linked to many diseases including heart disease and cancer. So your body needs to maintain a certain balance of free radicals and antioxidants.

Vitamin C helps iron absorption

Vitamin C increases non- haem (non-meat) iron absorption. Iron has an important role in the body as it contributes to normal oxygen transport in the body and is needed for the formation of red blood cells and haemoglobin.

Vitamin C deficiency

The most common risk factors for Vitamin C deficiency are poor diet, alcoholism, anorexia, smoking and dialysis. Over time, a lack of vitamin C means that new collagen cannot be formed. This causes various tissues in your body to start to break down and the health and repair of your body becomes affected.

Symptoms of Vitamin C deficiency

  • Fatigue/depression
  • Chronic Inflammation
  • Oxidative Stress
  • Weak Immune System
  • Painful, swollen Joints
  • Dry skin
  • Wounds slow to heal
  • Inflamed/bleeding gums
  • Brittle nails
  • Weak bones

Requirements

Adult males should consume 90 milligrams (mg) of vitamin C per day and females should consume 75 mg per day, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). During pregnancy, women should have 85 mg a day, and 120 mg while breastfeeding.

Good food sources of vitamin C

Vitamin C is found in a wide variety of fruit and vegetables including:

  • Oranges and orange juice
  • Red and green peppers
  • Strawberries
  • Blackcurrants
  • Broccoli
  • Brussels sprouts
  • Potato/sweet potato
  • Parsley
  • Papaya
  • Kiwi fruit
  • Kale
  • Spinach

Vitamin C supplements

As the body doesn’t produce it’s own Vitamin C, and because it is involved in many vital processes within the body, Vitamin C is an important supplement, particularly if the diet lacks Vitamin C rich nutrients.

Benefits include:

  • Boosts immune system by improving cell functions
  • May lower the risk of cataracts as well as of age-related macular degeneration.
  • Strong antioxidant that may reduce risk of chronic disease
  • Helps prevent acute respiratory infections
  • May help reduce high blood pressure
  • Can reduce heart disease risk factors
  • Could reduce uric acid levels-helpful in preventing gout
  • Helps prevent iron deficiency by improving absorption

Why is vitamin C especially important for athletes?

Intense activity can impair the ability of the immune system to work normally and can increase the number of free radicals. Vitamin C can help athletes by maintaining the immune system during and after intense exercise and helping to protect cells from oxidative stress.

Why is a time release formula important for vitamin C?

Vitamin C is a water soluble vitamin, meaning you will only absorb so much at a time and is rapidly lost from the body. It’s best taken in regular small amounts so a time-released formula means slower release of Vitamin C over time, which will maximise the amount you absorb from each dose.

Screening and Treatment

BioMed provides a screening service, Bioresonance Screening, which flags up imbalances within the body. Following an in depth consultation and using the data provided by the screening tests, your BioMed Health Practitioner, Claudia, will create a personalized healing protocol. This may include nutritional supplements, individually formulated homeopathic tinctures and lifestyle changes.

Vitamin C injections are also available at BioMed clinics.  BOOK NOW

 

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