Stay Healthy in The Middle of The Pandemic:
Vitamin C for improved health
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has been wreaking havoc on people’s health all over the world with 435 million infections and 5.95 million deaths as of 27 Feb 2022. It attacks the lung and causes respiratory infections, and people with weak immune system are at higher risk. Apart from observing the regulatory SOPs to stay safe, you can in fact take the initiative to stay healthy. In addition to a healthy diet, vitamin and mineral supplements are a convenient and effective way to maintain health too. Here is what you need to know:
1. Vitamin C is vital for our overall health
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a water-soluble vitamin that is thought to have beneficial effects in patients with severe and critical illnesses per US National Institutes of Health[1]. It is an antioxidant and free radical scavenger that has anti-inflammatory properties, influences cellular immunity and vascular integrity, and serves as a co-factor in the generation of endogenous catecholamines (by regulating immune and inflammatory responses).
2. Vitamin C protects bones, skin and blood vessels
Are you aware that vitamin C plays a vital role in maintaining the overall health of our bones, skin and blood vessels? It helps the body produce collagen, L-carnitine, and some neurotransmitters while protecting the endothelial barrier during inflammation as reported by Vanderbilt University Medical Center, US[2]. In other words, vitamin C is a nutrient that our body needs to form blood vessels, cartilage, muscle and collagen in bones.
3. Vitamin C is a natural antioxidant
Research has found the vitamin C is able to neutralize free radical molecules, which in excess can damage cells, according to Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health - Harvard University[3]. The harmful molecules are produced when your body breaks down food or is exposed to tobacco smoke and radiation from the sun, X-rays or other sources. Free radicals might play a role in heart disease, cancer and other diseases, per Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER).
4. Vitamin C supports immune system
Vitamin C contributes to immune defense by supporting various cellular functions of both the innate and adaptive immune system, according to the medical journal published by the National Library of Medicine, US[4]. Vitamin C stimulates neutrophil migration to the site of infection, enhances phagocytosis and oxidant generation, and microbial killing. Research shows that vitamin C is essential for the growth and repair of tissue all over the body, including wound healing. Harvard reports that Vitamin C is also involved in the body’s immune system by stimulating the activity of white blood cells.
REFERENCES:
1. Vitamin C: Fact Sheet for Consumers, US National Institutes of Health.
2. Vitamin C protects blood vessel lining, US Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
3. The Nutrition Source: Vitamin C, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health - Harvard University.
4. Vitamin C and Immune Function, US National Library of Medicine.