Written by Dr. Hamad Shafqat
Medical Officer (MO)
January 26, 2021
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Ascorbic Acid, widely known as Vitamin C, is the most effective component that our body needs to strengthen our immune system. It is an all-natural nutrient that is easily available in diet and dietary supplements made of 100% standardized extracts.
Vitamin C has strong anti-inflammatory properties as it activates the immune system by boosting the formation of cell that allows the body to fight different infection and inflammatory conditions.
Studies have proved that an adequate intake of around 100-200mg Vitamin C per day is sufficient to maintain an optimized level of immune cells to fight diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, dementia, skin conditions, respiratory infections, etc.
5 Ways Vitamin C Boosts Your Immunity
Though Vitamin C is beneficial in improving our immune system, that’s not all it does. Here is a list of other important benefits of Vitamin C:
1.) Growth and Tissue Repair
Vitamin C not only heals your wounds faster but also helps in maintaining healthy bones, skin, and teeth. It is particularly advantageous for people with osteoarthritis as it promotes cartilage growth and reduces joint pain. A demonstration was carried out in the lab where Vitamin C and magnesium collectively reduced the severity of joint destruction.
2.) Fight A Common Cold
Though Vitamin C does not prevent you from catching a cold, it surely helps you combat the symptoms like a runny nose and congested chest. It has also been demonstrated that vitamin C reduces the duration of the cold.
3.) Control Of High Blood Pressure
Vitamin C is a diuretic and removes the extra salt and water from your body and dilates the blood vessels. This eventually reduces high blood pressure, especially in salt induced-hypertension.
4.) Reduce The Risk Of Heart Attack
Vitamin C has strong anti-oxidizing abilities, which can help fight systemic inflammation. It also reduces the LDL cholesterol level, which is the core reason behind heart diseases that eventually lead to heart attacks.
5.) Treating Iron Deficiency
Vitamin C is typically beneficial for vegetarians as it helps absorb non-heme iron from the vegetables. Treating iron deficiency is important for the normal production of blood cells in the body. An algorithm was developed that showed that intake of 100mg Vitamin C improved Vitamin C absorption by 67%
The Bottom Line
Vitamin C is the most efficient immunity booster with multiple other health benefits, like preventing chronic diseases and aging with minimum diseases. Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin and can easily be consumed in raw fruits and vegetables. In the case of increased metabolic demands, supplements are widely available and even recommended.
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References:
1.) Moore, Marisa. “How Vitamin C Supports a Healthy Immune System.” EatRight www.eatright.org/food/vitamins-and-supplements/.
2.) Raman, Ryan. “7 Impressive Benefits of Vitamin C Supplements.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 19 Feb. 2020. www.healthline.com/nutrition/.
3.) Ströhle A, Hahn A. Vitamin C und Immunfunktion [Vitamin C and immune function]. Med Monatsschr Pharm. 2009;32(2):49-56.
Written by Akeel Salahudeen
Final Year Medical Student