Article: Vitamin C
Vitamin C
WHAT IS VITAMIN C?
Like the B vitamins, vitamin C belongs to the group of water-soluble vitamins. It must be taken regularly with food and is often referred to as ascorbic acid.
WHICH FOODS CONTAIN VITAMIN C?
Parsley, red bell pepper, strawberries, papaya, nettle, and wild garlic are all considered rich in vitamin C. Fun fact: Despite being thought of as powerhouse “vitamin C bombs,” citrus fruits don’t contain the highest amounts.
FYI: Our Ah-mazing gummies also contain vitamin C!
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF TAKING VITAMIN C?
Vitamin C is one of the most important antioxidants. That's because it can protect the cells from oxidative stress (a.k.a. out-of-control free radicals). This means that your cells are protected from UV rays, exhaust fumes, and other harmful factors. Vitamin C is also involved in many metabolic processes in the human body and contributes to the normal functioning of the immune system.
According to studies, vitamin C is important for connective tissue metabolism, i.e., the cross-linking of collagen and elastin. It also has many positive effects on the skin. In protecting against UV rays, it prevents premature ageing. It also has an anti-inflammatory effect and, therefore, serves as a wound-healing agent in skin care.
Some studies even show that vitamin C can be helpful in cancer treatments, reducing the side effects of chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
NASSIM JAMALZADEH:
"Vitamin C is not only important for the immune system, but also plays an important role in collagen formation, blood vessels, skin, teeth, and the function of the nervous system. It’s simply an all-rounder and should definitely not be missing from your diet."
FAQ about Vitamin C:
How often should I take vitamin C?
This varies from person to person. If you consume plenty through your diet and can, therefore, cover your daily needs, additional intake is not necessary. It's best to ask your doctor and have regular blood work done.
How much vitamin C should one take?
This depends mainly on gender and age, as well as other factors, such as whether you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have any illnesses. However, the German Nutrition Society (DGE) recommends a daily amount of 95-110 mg. It's important to note that the DGE provides recommended and not maximum amounts.
Is it possible to take too much vitamin C?
Because the body normally excretes excess vitamin C in urine, overdoses are quite rare. In sensitive people, however, an overdose of vitamin C can cause digestive problems and even diarrhea. (That’s why you should still pay attention to the maximum amounts!)
It’s important to note that an overdose of vitamin C can be dangerous for people suffering from kidney hypofunction, as it increases the risk of kidney stones.
A vitamin C deficiency is uncommon in individuals who eat a healthy, balanced diet. However, it can occur in developing countries. Furthermore, diabetics and elderly people should also be careful not to suffer from vitamin C deficiency. The most common and well-known disease tied to vitamin C deficiency is scurvy. Symptoms include fatigue, muscle weakness and pain, immune deficiency, bleeding, and water retention.
