What is Vitamin C?
Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that is an essential nutrient for our body. Vitamin C, whose scientific name is “ascorbic acid”, is a type of vitamin that must be taken from outside with food because it cannot be produced by the body. This vitamin has many important functions in the body. It contributes especially to the healthy functioning of the immune system.
Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant. Antioxidants neutralize oxidants, known as harmful substances in the body, and prevent damage to cells. In this way, it both supports general body health and strengthens the defense mechanism against diseases by protecting immune system cells. In addition, vitamin C may help reduce the harm caused to smokers. Smokers may have low levels of vitamin C and therefore may require additional supplementation.
Vitamin C also contributes to the metabolism of energy formation during and after physical activity, helping to reduce fatigue and exhaustion. It supports the formation of collagen, which is essential for the normal function of bones, cartilage, blood vessels and skin. It also regulates the body’s iron intake by increasing iron absorption.
The daily vitamin C requirement may vary depending on the age, gender and condition of the person. The recommended daily intakes are 75 mg for women and 90 mg for men. During pregnancy and lactation, the need may be higher. Vitamin C deficiency can lead to anemia, bleeding gums, fatigue and frequent illnesses. Long-term deficiency can lead to a serious disease called scurvy.
Vitamin C Supplementation: Importance and Applications
Vitamin C is a nutrient that belongs to the group of water-soluble vitamins. Since the human body cannot produce the enzyme called L-gulonolactone oxidase, which is necessary for the production of vitamin C, it must obtain this vitamin from outside. Nowadays, vitamin C supplementation has become quite common for maintaining good health and reducing the risk of developing diseases.
The amount of vitamin C in foods can be affected by many factors such as growing conditions, storage processes and cooking methods. Therefore, it may not always be possible to ensure adequate vitamin C intake through daily nutrition alone. It can be difficult to get enough vitamin C, especially from foods high in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits. Various studies show that an average daily intake of 1000 mg of vitamin C has positive effects on immune system protection and overall health.
Vitamin C supplements are produced in accordance with the needs of the individual and have high quality standards. It is recommended to take 1000 mg of vitamin C supplements daily to benefit from its antioxidant effect, support the immune system and reduce the harm of smoking. It is also known that forms of vitamin C combined with other minerals, such as zinc, are more effective in reducing disease symptoms and boosting the immune response.
However, it is also important not to overdo it when using vitamin C supplements. Just as with other nutritional supplements, excessive intake of vitamin C supplements can lead to some health problems. Daily vitamin C requirement can be met with a healthy and balanced diet. Therefore, high doses of vitamin C supplements should be avoided without a doctor’s recommendation.