Vitamins are essential to our health and the everyday functioning of our bodies. Other than Vitamin D, which is synthesized when our skin is exposed to sunlight, we cannot produce them ourselves, meaning we must ingest them in our diet.
There are a total of 13 known vitamins, and while we do not need any of them in vast quantities (in fact, just a relatively small amount each day), a lack of vitamins can very quickly have considerable consequences on our general wellbeing. It can lead to a number of health concerns, including diseases, inflammations, bone problems, and psychological disorders.
What Is Vitamin C?
Vitamin C, also referred to as L-ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin present in both foods and vitamin supplements. While vitamin C plays a significant role in the metabolism of protein, it is also crucial in the biosynthesis of collagen L-carnitine, and various neurotransmitters. Its recommended daily intake varies between genders, with 75 milligrams (mg) for women and 90 mg for men.
While most people manage to reach this limit, some groups are at a particular risk of deficiency. These groups include:
- People who smoke
- People who lack variety in their diet
- Young infants who consume boiled milk
- People who suffer from malabsorption
For these groups, it is often suggested that they consume supplements to ensure that they are consuming the recommended intake.
Where Can We Get It?
Vitamin C comes from various different sources, including fresh vegetables and fruits – notably citrus fruits and tomatoes, potatoes, and fortified cereals. It is recommended that these are consumed raw or after steaming, as cooking them can reduce the vitamin C content, making them less effective.
Vitamin C supplements are another useful source and tend to come in pill form that can be diluted in a drink. However, it is important to make sure that any supplements you purchase online are from trusted companies, such as LivOn Labs Official Distributor. This will avoid any chance of being sold incorrect products.
Why Do We Need It?
The most common reason cited by people for why we should maintain sufficient levels of vitamin C tends to be in relation to its strong antioxidant properties. Antioxidants are molecules that help to boost the immune system and protect cells, helping to reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases.
According to a 2003 study aimed at evaluating the effect of long-term vitamin C supplementation, increasing consumption of the vitamin can raise antioxidant levels in the blood by more than 25%. This means that wounds, cuts, and grazes will heal faster, while the ability to fight off infections and inflammations will also be significantly improved.
Another important reason for getting enough vitamin C is due to its positive effects on the cardiovascular system. In addition to enhancing the absorption of iron, an important component in transporting oxygen around the body, it widens the blood vessels, thus helping protect against high blood pressure and heart disease.
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