The Power of Vitamin C

As the chill of winter wraps around us, bringing with it the season of coughs, colds, and a greater need for immune support, there's no better time to delve into the world of Vitamin C.
This remarkable nutrient is a powerhouse of health benefits.

Lack of Vitamin C causes serious illness - In historical times, a deficiency of this crucial vitamin led to the plight of many sailors who suffered from scurvy, a condition marked by bleeding gums, weakness, and joint pain. Thankfully, scurvy and true deficiency is incredibly rare these days, but many people are lower than they should be with this vital vitamin.

In the heart of winter and beyond, understanding the importance of Vitamin C is more crucial than ever.

The Amazing Nutrient: Vitamin C

Vitamin C has a multitude of health benefits. Let's explore some of these amazing attributes:

• Potent Antioxidant: Vitamin C is instrumental in the body, aiding in the repair and regeneration of tissues, protecting against heart disease, and boosting the absorption of iron. This underscores its role beyond just being a vitamin, acting as a guardian of your cellular health.
• Collagen Synthesis and Structural Health: As a key ingredient essential for the synthesis of collagen, Vitamin C is vital for maintaining skin elasticity, joint flexibility, and the overall structural integrity of blood vessels, bones, and ligaments. This makes it an indispensable nutrient for maintaining physical strength and resilience.
• Immune System Enhancement: Known for its immune-boosting properties, Vitamin C enhances the body's capability to fend off infections and illnesses. This is particularly crucial during seasonal transitions and periods of stress, making it a go-to nutrient for bolstering your immune defence.
• Neurological and Mood Benefits: Moving beyond physical health, Vitamin C also plays a significant role in neurological health. It aids in mood regulation and cognitive function, highlighting its comprehensive impact on our overall well-being.

Did you know that most animals are able to make vitamin C in their bodies, even without eating vitamin C-rich foods. It is thought that human`s used to be able to do this too, but due to some evolutionary anomaly we lost the ability, along with guinea pigs and certain primates. 
​Because we can not make this nutrient, it is essential that we get it from out diets. 

Sources of Vitamin C 

Our body doesn't produce Vitamin C; therefore, it's vital to consume it through our diet.

Vitamin C is present in all fruits and vegetables, but some are particularly potent sources.
Citrus fruits like oranges and lemons, berries such as strawberries and blackberries, and vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and kale, contain higher concentrations of this essential nutrient, making them exceptionally beneficial for boosting your Vitamin C intake

It's important to note that Vitamin C is sensitive to light, heat, and air. Global food transportation and storage often lead to significant nutrient loss through oxidation - a process where Vitamin C reacts with the air and degrades.

Understanding Vitamin C Deficiency

Vitamin C, though essential, is often overlooked in our diets. Recognising the signs of deficiency is critical. Common symptoms include:

• Fatigue and weakness, diminishing daily energy levels.
• Bleeding gums and tooth loss, reflecting poor oral health.
• Easy bruising and slow wound healing.
• Dry, damaged skin and hair.
• Joint pain and discomfort.
• ​Frequent illness.
  

A Shield for Immunity 

During the colder months, our immune system requires extra support, and Vitamin C is a key player in providing this.

While supplements can never fully replace the rich, natural sources of Vitamin C found in fruits and vegetables, I often recommend supplementing with Vitamin C to ensure adequate intake. This approach helps bridge any nutritional gaps in our diet, especially in today's fast-paced lifestyle where obtaining sufficient nutrients solely from food can be challenging.

The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) is around 90-100mg which is not enough by far for optimal dosage.  Some research advocates for up to 1000mg per day for optimal health benefits.

Optimal Dosage and Absorption 

To maximise Vitamin C's benefits, consider splitting the 1000mg dose throughout the day or using slow-release tablets, which ensure a steady nutrient supply and minimise gastrointestinal discomfort.

Special Considerations: Iron Overload Conditions 

In cases of iron loading conditions like haemochromatosis or thalassemia, Vitamin C supplements should be avoided and dietary intake should be monitored, as it enhances iron absorption, which can exacerbate these conditions.

Vitamin C Injections 

When it comes to maximising the benefits of Vitamin C, injections stand out as the most effective method of supplementation.
Unlike oral forms, Vitamin C injections bypass the digestive system, allowing for direct entry into the bloodstream and ensuring almost 100% bioavailability. This means your body gets to utilise the entire dose, without the loss of potency that can occur with oral supplements due to breakdown in the digestive tract.
Furthermore, injections provide an immediate therapeutic effect, quickly elevating Vitamin C levels in the body, which is particularly beneficial for those needing an urgent immune boost or rapid recovery from illnesses.
In essence, Vitamin C injections are a powerful tool for those seeking a direct, efficient, and potent means to replenish this crucial nutrient, offering benefits that far surpass traditional oral supplementation.

If you plan on receiving Vitamin C injections, I usually recommend a weekly Vitamin C injection for the first four weeks, followed by monthly maintenance sessions. 

In conclusion, the importance of Vitamin C supplementation cannot be overstated, especially in an age where the nutritional potency of our food is often compromised due to factors like long-distance transportation, storage conditions, and cooking processes.
Whether it's through high-quality oral supplements, dietary adjustments, or the more direct approach of Vitamin C injections, ensuring adequate intake of this vital nutrient is key to maintaining our health and well-being.
​For those interested in exploring the immediate and potent benefits of Vitamin C injections, I encourage you to get in touch. Together, we can tailor a Vitamin C regimen that best suits your health needs, ensuring that you receive all the incredible benefits this essential nutrient has to offer.

Learn more about Vitamin C injections