Ascorbic Acid, commonly known as Vitamin C, is one of the most important nutrients for overall health and wellbeing. This water-soluble vitamin is essential, which means the body cannot produce or store large amounts of it, so it must be obtained regularly through food or supplementations. A study conducted to review the role of Vitamin C supplementation in the treatment of upper respiratory infections suggests that a daily intake of 1000mg is optimal to live healthy and prevent disease (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7655735/).
What does Vitamin C do in the body
While commonly known for supporting your immunity, Vitamin C also plays a role in supporting collagen absorption, skin health, wound healing, the absorption of iron and antioxidant protection.
Vitamin C is vital for a well-functioning immune system. It supports the function of white blood cells which are the body’s primary frontline defenders against pathogens. It also strengthens the skin’s physical barrier making it harder for microbes to enter in the first place. This promotes the body’s natural defence mechanisms. While regular Vitamin C intake won’t necessarily prevent one from catching the common cold, it may help reduce the duration and severity.
Vitamin C is also an essential co-factor in collagen synthesis, and insufficient levels may impair the formation and stability of collagen. A study conducted to evaluate the efficacy of Vitamin C supplementation after musculoskeletal injuries found that it accelerated bone healing after fractures, increased type 1 collagen synthesis, and reduced oxidative stress (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6204628/#section12-2325967118804544). This means that it further helps neutralise free radicals, which are unstable molecules generated by stress, pollution, poor diet and normal metabolism, and as a result, helps to protect cells and supports healthy aging.
Furthermore, Vitamin C aids in managing anaemia by stimulating iron absorption at the intestinal level. This is particularly beneficial for individuals at risk of low iron levels, including menstruating women, vegetarians, and vegans. Vitamin C also plays a role in the transportation of fatty acids into the mitochondria and further contributes to converting cholesterol into bile acids and reducing the risk of gallstone formation (https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/30/3/748).
Sources of Vitamin C
Since our bodies cannot synthesise Vitamin C on its own, dietary intake is important to prevent deficiency. Foods rich in ascorbic acid include fresh fruits and vegetables e.g. citrus fruits, green leafy vegetables, potatoes and berries. Vitamin C is sensitive to heat, light and prolonged storage, so cooking at high temperatures can cause it to decompose and boiling can lead to it leaching into the water. For this reason, supplementation options like our 150g Pure Ascorbic Acid or Natroceutics Vitamin C Complex can serve as a convenient and reliable way to support your daily Vitamin C intake, particularly for those with increased nutritional demands, compromised immunity, or inconsistent dietary intake.
Small daily habits that nourish the body from within can make a meaningful difference over time, and Vitamin C is one of the foundational nutrients that helps support that journey.
Sources:
https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/30/3/748
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0899900725000516
http://ajfand.net/Volume5/No1/Walingo1155.pdf
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6204628/#section12-2325967118804544
https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/epub/10.1161/01.CIR.0000012513.58079.EA
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK493187/