Vitamin C is required for the synthesis of collagen (cartilage). Our intercellular glue that keeps skin, lungs, arteries, the digestive tract and all organs intact including the skin in tacked and complete to support better health. It is a potent antioxidant protecting against free radicals, pollution, carcinogens, heavy metals, and other toxins. It is strongly antiviral and mildly anti-bacterial. Energy cannot be made in any cell, brain or muscle without adequate Vitamin C. The adrenal glands have a high concentration of Vitamin C which is essential for stress hormone synthesis. Vitamin C is so central in so many chemical reactions in the body that, without it, life is simply not possible.

The immune system depends on having healthy immune cells and associate molecules such as antibodies. Vitamin C is essential for both and critical to antibody health. Antibody production increases on supplementing 1 gram of Vitamin C supplement. It is also needed for interferon, complement, and prostaglandin production, and is essential for the proper function of immune cells such as lymphocytes and leukocytes. A recent study showed, in the test tube, that vitamin C can even inactivate the HIV virus.

Everyone will benefit from maintaining (consuming) adequate vitamin C levels. For most people this can be achieved by eating more than 5 servings of fruit, vegetables and juices daily. There are many topical vitamin C preparations available that claim to benefit photo-aged (sun light damaged) skin. However, almost all of these claims have no rigorous scientific testing to back them.

A correctly formulated topical vitamin C preparation is a difficult and costly process. Many formulations on the market are manufactured cheaply. The problems lies in the fact that vitamin C is most commonly found in the form L-ascorbic acid. This is highly unstable when exposed to oxygen, making it become useless (because it reacts to oxygen). In addition, many of the currently available topical vitamin C preparations do not penetrate the skin sufficiently to make any difference. Research is currently underway to optimize a stable and effective topical vitamin C formulation.

Vitamin C, as a water-soluble antioxidant, is in a unique position to “scavenge” aqueous peroxyl radicals before these destructive substances have a chance to damage the lipids. It works along with vitamin E, a fat-soluble antioxidant, and the enzyme glutathione peroxidase to stop free radical chain reactions.

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin (quickly absorbed). Unlike most mammals, humans do not have the ability to make their own vitamin C. Therefore, we must obtain vitamin C through our diet.

Vitamin C is required for the synthesis of collagen, an important structural component of blood vessels, tendons, ligaments, and bone. Vitamin C also plays an important role in the synthesis of the neurotransmitter, norepinephrine. Neurotransmitters are critical to brain function and are known to affect mood. In addition, vitamin C is required for the synthesis of carnitine, a small molecule that is essential for the transport of fat to cellular organelles called mitochondria, for conversion to energy. Recent research also suggests that vitamin C is involved in the metabolism of cholesterol to bile acids, which may have implications for blood cholesterol levels and the incidence of gallstones.

Recently, study was published that assessed the relationship between vitamin C intake and risk of gout in almost 47,000 men. All the men had no history of gout when they entered the study. Their intakes of vitamin C (via diet and supplements) were assessed every 4 years over a 20-year period.

Results were that those who consumed regular amounts of vitamin C had no symptoms of gout in their 20 year study, but those who consumed no vitamin C or very little demonstrated some symptoms and therefore this study demonstrated that the regular consumption of vitamin C either by vitamin supplement or by fruits high in C can eliminate vitamin C related scurvy, gout, and deficiency. 

Vitamin C is available at your local or internet health food store at discount prices.  When purchasing vitamin C, always look for name brands to ensure quality and purity of the product you purchase.

*Statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Vitamin C is not intended to diagnose, treat and cure or prevent disease. Always consult with your professional health care provider before changing any medication or adding Vitamins to medications.