Risks of not absorbing enough Vitamin C?
The mighty vitamin C, in other words, Ascorbic acid is a potent antioxidant and an indispensable nutrient required for various metabolic reactions in both animal and plant kingdoms. As a water-soluble vitamin, it is one of the safest nutrients that rarely causes overdosage. Which means even if you accidently ingest above the daily requirement most of the ascorbic acid will be excreted through urine without the need of any intervention.
Vit C is absorbed by both active transport and simple diffusion and readily excreted via kidneys. The recommended intake according to UK Food Standards Agency is 40 mg day or 280 mg per week. Continuing inadequate intake will result in Scurvy which will affect connective tissue and if untreated can cause death.
Significant sources of Vit C are citrus fruits like strawberries, oranges , raspberries etc. Green leafy vegetables like cauliflower, spinach, and lettuce. Some other vegetables and fruits like broccoli, potatoes, and brussels sprouts are also rich in vitamin C. It is also available as a dietary supplement and there is no difference in chemical formula. Slow Releasae Vit C shines among other due to its sustained releasing quality which releases slowly over an extended time constantly saturating your body with ascorbic acid not like a single high dose that will be excreted rapidly. Vitamin C is also rich in citrus bioflavonoids derived from citrus fruits. Being also called Vitamin P, these will add extra antioxidative power to ascorbic acid and improve the circulatory health of the individual.
Few Cardinal functions are listed below.
FORMIDABLE ANTIOXIDANT
Protects the body from free radicals that stress the body causing ‘cellular rust’. This oxidative stress can later lead to atherosclerosis (fat deposits within vessels) and cause heart diseases and stroke.
COLD/FLU DEFENSE
Vitamin C will lower the histamine level that causes cold and control a runny nose and body ache, minimizing the symptoms and shortening the duration. Those who are getting the required dose daily will be benefitted from the prophylactic effect against cold as well
Boosts Immune system
Vitamin C is well known for its ability to stimulate white blood cells and boost immunity. It’s a component of immune cells, but the mechanism is not yet understood though several hypotheses prevail.
COLLAGEN SYNTHESIS
Vitamin C is required for synthesis of collagen, a structural protein found in connective tissue comprising teeth, bone, cartilage, skin and blood vessels .So it will promote wound healing, protect you from harmful microbes and it will keep the skin glowing and firm. Deficiency will lead to a dry, wrinkled and lifeless skin. Skin will be rejuvenated and will exert an anti-aging effect.
COMBAT HEART DISEASES
One of the immensely studied areas of Vitamin C benefits. Recently British researchers studied antioxidant effect against vascular fat deposition(atherosclerosis) and results were outstanding. After six weeks of supplementation (250 mg /day) the leukocyte aggregation leading to fat build up reduced by 37 %. It is believed that each and every step in the atherosclerotic process can be benefitted by daily intake.
ANTI-CANCER EFFECT
The antioxidative action will protect cells from DNA damage causing mutations which later becomes cancer. Immune boosting action will prevent the development of cancer precursor compounds as well.
Unlike many other supplements containing synthetic ascorbic acid, Vitabiotics and HealthAid supplements contain Bioflavonoids which are a vast array of phytonutrients that will enhance and prolong the action of Vit C. Actually without these, ascorbic acid will be easily oxidized and can be harmful to a certain extent. These are naturally found in citrus fruits like lemon, orange, tangerine, grapefruit etc.
Bioflavonoids will be most potent when they are picked from the tree and with time nutritional value will decrease. Supplements available on SKOT Chemist Online will be particularly beneficial for individuals with ‘high demand’ as athletes, sportsmen, sportswomen, over 50s, those with hectic lifestyles and adolescents who are at developing stages in their life.
Two time noble prize winner Dr. Linus Pauling declared that nearly all diseases can be traced back to a nutritional deficiency. So don’t wait, get a healthy diet rich in Vitamin C.