Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can boost your body’s natural defenses. Antioxidants are molecules that stimulate the immune system. They do this by protecting cells from harmful molecules called free radicals. When free radicals accumulate, they can promote a condition known as oxidative stress, which is linked to many chronic diseases.
Vitamin C
Studies show that consuming more vitamin C can increase blood levels of antioxidants by up to 30%. This helps the body’s natural defenses fight inflammation. It can help control high blood pressure. About a third of American adults have high blood pressure. High blood pressure increases the risk of heart disease, the leading cause of death worldwide.
Studies have shown that vitamin C can help lower blood pressure in both people with and without high blood pressure. One animal study found that taking a vitamin C supplement helped relax the blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart, which was helpful. Additionally, an analysis of 29 human studies found that taking vitamin C reduced systolic blood pressure (highest value) by 3.8 mmHg. And diastolic blood pressure (lowest value) by 1.5 mmHg, on average in healthy adults.
In Adults
In adults with hypertension, vitamin C supplementation lowered systolic blood pressure by an average of 4.9 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure by 1.7 mmHg. While these results are promising, it’s unclear if the effects on blood pressure are long-term. Additionally, people with hypertension should not rely solely on vitamin C for the treatment
May Reduce Risk Of Heart Disease
Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. Many factors increase the risk of heart disease, such as Cholesterol. Vitamin C may help reduce these risk factors, which may reduce the risk of heart disease.
- For example, an analysis of 9 studies involving a total of 293,172 participants found that people who took at least 700 mg of vitamin C per day had a 25% lower risk of heart disease after 10 years than those who did not take a vitamin C supplement.
Dietary Supplement
Interestingly, another analysis of 15 studies found that vitamin C intake from diet rather than supplements was associated with a lower risk of heart disease. However, the scientists weren’t sure whether people who ate foods rich in vitamin C also ate healthier lifestyles.
Lifestyle than people taking a dietary supplement. Therefore, it is unclear whether the differences are due to vitamin C or other aspects of their diet. Another review of 13 studies looked at the effects of taking at least 500 mg of vitamin C daily. It may lower risk factors for heart disease, such as blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels. The analysis found that taking a vitamin C supplement significantly reduced LDL (bad) cholesterol by about 7.0.9 mg/dL and blood triglycerides at 20.1 mg/dL.
Uses Of Vitamin C Supplements
Vitamin C supplements have been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease. These supplements may lower heart disease risk factors, including high blood levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides.
It can lower blood uric acid levels and help prevent gout attacks and sudden, severe pain attacks. Gout symptoms occur when there is too much uric acid in the blood.
Vitamin C Against Uric Acid
Uric acid is a waste product produced by the body. At high concentrations, it can crystallize and deposit in the joints. Interestingly, several studies have shown that vitamin C can help reduce blood uric acid, thereby protecting against gout attacks.
- For example, a study of 1,387 men found that those who consumed the most vitamin C had significantly lower blood uric acid levels than those who consumed the least. Another study followed 46,994 healthy men over the age of 20 to determine if vitamin C intake was linked to the development of gout.
- It was found that people taking a vitamin C supplement had a 44% reduced risk of gout. In addition, an analysis of 13 studies found that taking a vitamin C supplement for 30 days significantly reduced blood uric acid compared to a placebo. There appears to be a strong link between vitamin C intake and uric acid levels, further studies on the effect of vitamin C on gout are needed.
Helps Prevent Iron Deficiency
Iron is an important nutrient that has a variety of functions in the body. It is important for the formation of red blood cells and the transport of oxygen throughout the body.
Vitamin C Supplements Can Help Improve the Absorption Of Dietary Iron
C helps to break down poorly absorbed iron, e.g. from plant sources of iron, into a form that is more easily absorbed. This is especially helpful for people on a meatless diet, as meat is an important source of iron. Simply taking 100 mg of vitamin C can improve iron absorption by 67%. As a result, vitamin C may help reduce the risk of anemia in people who are prone to iron deficiency. In one study, 65 children with mild iron-deficiency anemia were given a vitamin C supplement. Researchers found that the supplement alone helped control the anemia.
If you have low iron levels, eating more foods rich in vitamin C or taking a vitamin C supplement may help improve your blood iron levels. Vitamin C can improve the absorption of poorly absorbed iron, such as iron from meat-free sources. It can also reduce the risk of iron deficiency.
Boosts Immunity
One of the main reasons people take vitamin C supplements is to boost their immunity, as vitamin C is involved in many parts of the immune system.
Protects From Infection
First, vitamin C helps stimulate the production of white blood cells known as lymphocytes and phagocytes, which protect the body from infection. Second, vitamin C helps these white blood cells function more effectively while protecting them from damage from potentially harmful molecules. like free radicals. Third, vitamin C is an essential part of the skin’s defense system. It is actively transported to the skin where it can act as an antioxidant and help strengthen the skin’s barriers. Studies have also shown that taking vitamin C can reduce wound healing time.
Additionally, low vitamin C levels have been linked to poor health outcomes. For example, people with pneumonia tend to have lower levels of vitamin C, and vitamin C supplements have been shown to shorten recovery time
