Vitamin C and why it is important?
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is the most popular vitamin supplement and very essential to human nutrition.
Humans cannot manufacture their own Vitamin C, so daily consumption of Vitamin C is important. The daily recommended intake of Vitamin C is 60-95 mg a day. While citrus fruit contains Vitamin C and is usually the first choice to eat do not forget that vegetables like peppers, broccoli, kale, brussels sprouts contain even higher dosages of Vitamin C than citrus fruit.
The primary function of Vitamin C is to manufacture the protein called collagen. Collagen is important to hold our bodies together namely the connective tissue, cartilage and tendons.
Vitamin C is vital for wound repair, healthy gums and the prevention of easy bruising.
In addition to its role in collagen metabolism, Vitamin C is also critical to immune function, the manufacturing of nerve transmitting substances and hormones, carnitine synthesis and the absorption and utilization of other nutritional factors.
Vitamin C is also a very important antioxidant. We will continue in the next article to talk about Vitamin C and its role in the immune system and why it is important to increase intake of Vitamin C during stressful events.
Remember Footy’s contains a high amount of Vitamin C so drink a glass of Footy’s!!!
Many people have made claims about the role of vitamin c in enhancing the immune system, particularly about the prevention and treatment of the common cold.
Infection rapidly depletes the normal high concentration of vitamin c in white blood cells, particularly lymphocytes and a relative vitamin c deficiency may ensue if vitamin c is not regularly replenished. Vitamin C affects varies immune functions by enhancing white blood cell function and activity and increasing antibody response.
During times of chemical, emotional, psychological or physiological stress, the urinary system excretes vitamin c at a significantly increased rate, thereby elevating the body’s need for vitamin C during these times. Examples of chemical stressors include cigarette smoke, pollutants and allergens. Extra Vitamin C is then often recommended during stressful events.
Vitamin C also works as an antioxidant. It is, in fact, the most important antioxidant for the body and it is very affordable. Principle uses of Vitamin c: reducing cancer rates, boosting immunity, protecting against pollution and cigarette smoke, enhancing wound repair, increasing life expectancy and reducing the risk of cataracts.
Vitamin C is useful as an antioxidant and immune enhancer. Vitamin C is extremely safe in most people, the dosage of 500mg a day provide good antioxidant protection and health benefits. Did you know Footy’s contains high Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid)? In general, the best form for vitamin C is ascorbic acid because it is by far the most economical form and there is substantial data on its effectiveness.
References:
(Murray, 1996) Encyclopaedia of Nutritional supplements