Vitamin C is an essential nutrient in our body. It plays several important roles and has been related to numerous health advantages, one of the most outstanding being a boost in immune functions.
This well-known antioxidant also functions as a cofactor for various enzymes involved in biosynthesis and gene expression control. It cannot be generated by our body but it can be gotten from foods such as oranges, strawberries, kiwi fruit, bell peppers, broccoli, kale, and spinach.
A lack of this essential vitamin can lead to impaired immunity and increased susceptibility to infection. In this article, we will discuss vitamin C as a whole and its effects on our immune function.
Vitamin C
Ascorbic acid is a nutrient needed for the proper functioning of the body. It is well known as a vitamin for the immune system. While poor dieting is the number one cause of lack of vitamin C, the absence of supplements could also influence it.
It is still widely believed that consuming more vitamin C helps strengthen the immune system. Every year, the industry promotes the use of supplements as a wintertime cure for infectious disorders.
Role of vitamin C in immune functions
Vitamin C is known to play a lot of pivotal roles in the immune system. Here are the most important ones;
Vitamin C is an excellent antioxidant
Antioxidants have been proven to improve your body's defence mechanisms. They accomplish this by shielding cells from harm, mostly in the form of free radicals. This free radical accumulation is the leading cause of numerous chronic diseases.
Antioxidants also combat inflammation, making them perfect for boosting the body’s immune system. Up to 30% more antioxidants are produced in your blood when you consume more vitamin C.
Help prevent a gout attack
Gout is a special kind of arthritis common among adults, today. It is excruciatingly painful, resulting in swollen toe joints. It occurs when uric acid levels in the blood are high.
Uric acid is a body waste product, but in high amounts, It may crystallize and accumulate in the joint. Interestingly, vitamin C has been established to cause a lowering of blood uric acid levels, thus, safeguarding us against gout attacks.
Lowers the chance of heart disease
One of the leading causes of death in the world is heart disease. High fats, bad cholesterol, less good cholesterol, and high blood pressure are some causes of heart disease.
Vitamin C lowers these risk factors, hence preventing the risk of heart disease.
Reduces the risk of iron deficiency
Iron is an essential nutrient that plays several roles in the body. From making red blood cells, and circulating oxygen all over the body to a host of others. Consumption of vitamin C alongside iron can help facilitate better dietary iron absorption.
The iron of plant origin is difficult to absorb. Thus, it is converted to forms the body can easily use with the help of vitamin C. It is one of the best vitamins for vegan kids and vegetarians, as meat is a significant source of iron.
If you have low iron levels, increasing your intake of foods high in vitamin C or taking a vitamin C supplement may help.
Recommendations for Daily Allowances
The recommended intake for vitamin C has been put forth over the years to ensure the body gets enough of it. This value might differ between nations and could be influenced by factors like gender, age, smoking, pregnancy, and breastfeeding.
In the United States and Canada, adult men receive 90 mg daily while adult women receive 75 mg daily. While in countries like Italy, it climbs to 105 mg in adult males and 85 mg in adult females.
Men require more vitamin C than women because they often have a higher body mass and fat-free mass than women. The RDAs for vitamin C in children and adolescents are often taken from adult needs and adjusted for their lower body mass.
Conclusion
Vitamin C influences numerous processes of the immune system. A lack of this essential nutrient lowers immunity and increases susceptibility to illnesses. Hence, visit Chewwies right now for your healthy vitamin supplements.