Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is known for its contribution to the immune system. But did you also know that vitamin C is essential and plays a role in almost 200 other bodily processes? In this blog, we will discuss what vitamin Cdoes and what it is good for:
1. Antioxidant Effect
One of the most well-known and important functions of vitamin C is its powerful antioxidant effect. It protects your body against harmful free radicals, which can lead to cell damage and ageing.
2. Strengthening immunity
Vitamin C contributes to a strong immune system! It promotes the production and activity of white blood cells, which fight infections.
Research shows that taking vitamin C when you have a cold or flu can reduce the severity and symptoms. Reason enough to take some extra vitamin C when you have a cold!
3. Collagen formation
Vitamin C is essential for the formation of collagen, a protein that is necessary for the health of your skin, bones, joints and blood vessels. Looking for remedies for faster wound healing, healthy joints or beautiful skin? Then make sure you get enough vitamin C.
4. Improving iron absorption
This vitamin improves the absorption of non-haem iron from plant-based foods. Are you vegetarian or vegan? Then this absorption is even more important: plant-based sources of iron are less easily absorbed than animal sources.
5. Reduce stress
Did you know that your body uses more vitamin C in times of stress? Extra vitamin C helps prevent a deficiency and supports you in stressful situations.
6. Eye health
Vitamin C can help prevent eye diseases such as cataracts and macular degeneration. It protects your eyes from damage caused by UV rays and free radicals.
When is a supplement useful?
You can get vitamin C from your diet. However, it is often a good idea to consider supplements containing vitamin C. We explain why:
Research from the United States showed a statistical decrease in various nutrients in 43 types of fruit and vegetables between 1950 and 1999, including a decrease in vitamin C (Hemilä & Chalker, 2023). You can probably imagine that this makes it increasingly difficult for us humans to get enough vitamin C every day. To ensure that you get enough vitamin C, a vitamin C supplement can be a good addition to your diet.
But there are other cases where extra vitamin C is beneficial:
- If you have a weakened immune system: as mentioned earlier, vitamin C supports your immune system.
- When smoking: smokers have an increased need for vitamin C, which means they are also more likely to have a deficiency.
- When following a vegetarian or vegan diet: vitamin C improves the absorption of iron from food!
