The Importance of Vitamin C

The importance of Vitamin C: essential for health and resistance

Discover the importance of vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, which is crucial to human health.

Unlike many other animals, we cannot produce it ourselves, making this vitamin all the more important for various bodily processes.

Functions and Importance of Vitamin C:

1. Antioxidant protection:
   • Vitamin C acts as a powerful water-soluble antioxidant that protects cells from oxidative damage caused by free radicals. It also supports vitamin E and folic acid.
2. Carnitine synthesis:
   • Together with niacin and vitamin B6, vitamin C plays a role in the production of Carnitine, essential for the conversion of fat into energy.
3. Cholesterol breakdown:
   • Vitamin C is involved in the breakdown of cholesterol, making it crucial in maintaining healthy cholesterol levels.
4. Collagen production:
   • Essential for the formation of collagen and connective tissue, vitamin C helps prevent weak connective tissue in skin, joints, muscles, bones and blood vessels.
5. Check histamine levels:
   • Vitamin C plays an important role in maintaining stable histamine levels, which is relevant for preventing allergies, asthma and other conditions.
6. Endothelial protection:
   • Protects the endothelium, a layer of cells that lines the inside of the heart, blood vessels and lymphatic vessels, thereby reducing arteriosclerosis.
7. Hormone and neurotransmitter production:
   • Essential for the production of thyroid hormones, adrenaline, noradrenaline and neurotransmitters such as noradrenaline and serotonin.
8. Detoxification for the liver:
   • Stimulates the liver’s enzyme system, which is beneficial in removing harmful substances from the blood.
9. Iron absorption:
   • Significantly promotes the absorption of iron from foods and supplements.

Foods rich in Vitamin C:

• Papaya: 195 mg per medium
• Peppers: 190 mg per medium
• Broccoli: 115 mg per 100 grams
• Cauliflower: 115 mg per 100 grams
• Orange: 70 mg per medium
• Strawberries: 65 mg per 100 grams
• Grapefruit: 60 mg per ½ medium
• Potatoes: 28 mg per medium

Causes of deficiencies:

• Old age
• Chronic diseases and stress
• Rapid growth (children, pregnancy, breastfeeding)
• Medications (aspirin, the pill)
• Smoking

Uses of Vitamin C:

• Hemorrhoids
• Protection against alcohol
• Allergies
• Atherosclerosis
• Diabetes
• Iron deficiency
• Psychological complaints
• Smoking
• Cataracts
• Gum problems
• Immunity
• Wound healing
• Ulcers

Consequences of a deficiency:

• Rough skin
• Inflamed and bleeding gums
• Depression and personality changes
• Reduced resistance
• Stress
• Increased risk of heart problems, cancer, stroke, arthritis and cataracts

Daily amount:

• Men: 75 mg
• Women: 75 mg

Discover how to reach your daily vitamin C intake and enjoy a healthier, more balanced life.