Modern molecular medical research has discovered a whole range of important effects of vitamin C. Starting from its antioxidant effect, influence on skin elasticity, wound healing, connective tissue integrity and iron absorption, to studies showing its specific role in fighting infections, cancer cells, circulatory system diseases, allergies and many other diseases, such as healing fractures.
What is the role of vitamin C in the body?
Vitamin C acts primarily as an electron donor. This is important for the proper functioning of key enzymes that participate in the synthesis of collagen in the skin and cartilage, blood vessels and wounds, and in enzymes that synthesize carnitine. Vitamin C is also essential for the synthesis of dopamine and other peptide hormones, and its antiproliferative (growth-inhibiting) effect on some types of cancer cells is significant. In recent years, it has been possible to characterize in more detail not only the preventive effect of a sufficient supply of vitamin C, but also the therapeutic potential of high doses of vitamin C (in the order of several grams per day) for many pathological conditions, especially in chronic stress.
Vitamin C is primarily known as a vitamin effective against colds. It strengthens the immune system, but recently other positive effects on the functioning of our body have also been discovered. This would mean that this substance is even more important for our body than we thought! Let’s take a look at five of them!
How Vitamin C Helps Treat Anxiety and Depression.
It helps fight anxiety. It has been shown earlier that large doses of vitamin C can help regulate physiological reactions related to stress (e.g. lower blood pressure), as an addition to medications, it can also support psychotherapy for depression. Experience also shows its role in fighting anxiety.
In one study, high school students were divided into two groups. One group received 500 mg of vitamin C daily, and the other received a placebo. The anxiety scores of these young people were then measured using the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). This measure was developed for this purpose and is administered immediately before an exam and then 2 weeks after. The BAI of the students in the placebo group did not change (stayed moderate), while those in the vitamin C group dropped from “moderate” to a healthier “low” anxiety score.
Why Vitamin C is Important for Seniors.
It can help you stay fit even in old age. Japanese researchers studied 655 women with an average age of 75, divided them into four groups based on their vitamin C levels – from lowest to highest – and then measured their physical fitness. They found that the group with higher levels of vitamin C showed significantly better results, for example, in handgrip strength and one-legged stance. This could mean that women who consume more vitamin C may be able to maintain more muscle mass during menopause, when muscles tend to shrink.
Better eyesight with vitamin C
According to a British study, it can help fight cataracts. British researchers studied 324 identical twins for 10 years and used a questionnaire to track their eating habits and vitamin C intake. They found that the group with a higher vitamin C intake had a 33% lower risk of cataracts, and their lenses were also clearer than the groups with a lower vitamin C intake.
More energy and better fat metabolism.
It promotes physical activity. Studies suggest that obese men aged 18-35 who were previously deficient in vitamin C exercised more when given a vitamin C supplement. Half of the men were given 1,000 mg of vitamin C daily for 8 weeks, while the other group received a placebo. At the end of the study, researchers used a questionnaire to find out how the participants exercised. They concluded that the group supplementing with vitamin C exercised significantly more and therefore burned more energy in the same period of time. Johnston, who led the study, has also focused on this topic in other studies. According to one, higher doses of vitamin C during intense training lead to the burning of more fat.
Vitamin C prevents diseases of the nervous system
A key molecule in the brain. Vitamin C is a well-known antioxidant, but perhaps less talked about is one of the key protectors of the central nervous system. Vitamin C is found in large quantities in the brain. This vitamin binds free radicals that are created during brain activity, thus protecting the nervous system. Its presence in the central nervous system is so important that its deficiency is thought to play a role in the development of various diseases of the nervous system (dementia, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s).
Natural vitamin C 1000 Plus obtained from citrus fruits.
Who and when do we recommend Vitamin C 1000 Plus?
- People susceptible to infections.
- During the winter months, everyone can provide themselves with stronger immune system support.
- For people practicing sports and performing heavy physical work to reduce fatigue.
- For people in a state of intense mental stress, to support the proper functioning of the nervous system.
- For older people and people recovering.
- Increasing iron absorption (especially for women in their fertile period and patients with iron deficiency anemia).
What are the symptoms of vitamin C deficiency?
Symptoms of vitamin C deficiency include: weakened immune system, tendency to infections, slow recovery from illness, prolonged wound healing, bleeding gums, suppuration, muscle pain.
Vitamin C Trivia
Hungarian scientist Albert Szent-Györgyi, who won the Nobel Prize for isolating vitamin C and studying its role, took 1,000 mg of vitamin C daily until his death at age 93, and when he became ill, he increased the dose to 8,000 mg.
