Vitamin C is an essential vitamin and a strong antioxidant that is not naturally produced by the body. It’s required for the healthy functioning of the body and assists with our health and wellbeing in many ways.
These include:
- strengthening the immune system to help fight off nasty colds and flu
- assists the absorption of dietary iron
- helps heal wounds & may prevent infection
- helps form collagen for optimal skin, blood vessel, cartilage, joint, and bone health
- helps promote eye health
- helps regulate cortisol (the stress hormone)
- assists in the production of neurotransmitters (dopamine &
- norepinephrine) for better mood
- may help with the symptoms of gout attacks
- may help regulate blood pressure
- may help promote optimal brain function
The average adult suffers from 2-4 head colds per year and the average child suffers from 5-101. Vitamin C is the number one ingredient used for the prevention and treatment2 of these common viral illnesses.
Vitamin C is water-soluble (it dissolves in water), and while it is easily delivered into the body’s tissues, it is not stored in the body very effectively. Hence, it needs to be consumed every day in the form of foods or supplements. Vitamin C is found in a myriad of foods, including citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, mandarins, and limes), strawberries, kiwifruits, kale, capsicum, spinach, & broccoli. When one’s dietary intake of vitamin C is inadequate, taking vitamin C tablets or other forms of the supplement can help to ensure adequate levels are consistently maintained in the body for optimal health.
To alleviate symptoms at the beginning of a cold or flu, the most benefit may be achieved by taking high-strength vitamin C or zinc and vitamin C tablets. Taking zinc and vitamin C together may offer added support to the immune system, especially to minimise the duration and severity of symptoms.
