Antioxidant – Vitamin C
Vitamin C plays a vital role in the formation of collagen and other body processes, essential for life. Cells are bound together by collagen (protein) to form tissue’s that adheres like glue. The bones, skin, blood vessels, tendons, ligaments, cartilage and other structures are dependent on collagen. And Vitamin C is responsible for the integrity of the collagen.
Deficiency of Vitamin C causes lethal disease scurvy, in which collagen disintegrates within the body, leads to widespread internal bleeding and finally death.
Ascorbic acid is the scientific name for Vitamin C and it means ‘œwithout scurvy’.
Damage caused by age-related diseases and ageing can be prevented by Vitamin C, which is a powerful free radical. It scavenges hydroxyl radical, superoxide radical and singlet oxygen. Vitamin C effectively deactivates the radicals, as it is an excellent source of electrons.
Vitamin C is a water soluble Vitamin and so it works in the blood plasma, between cells, eye fluid and lung fluid which are the watery areas of the body. Since about 80% of our body is composed of water, Vitamin C’s antioxidant role is very important, because it can fight aqueous radicals before they get an opportunity to damage body lipids. The formation of dangerous free radicals is prevented by Vitamin C by preventing lipid peroxidation.
Vitamin C works against toxins and pollution that damage cells and cause mutations. It protects lung-lining fluids against damage by air pollution, by reducing carcinogens to inactive products. For example Vitamin C reacts with nitrite before converting into nitrosamines.
Vitamin C also enhances immune function in various ways. It reduced nasal irritation and congestion in many people. It enhances the effects of Vitamin E, lowers total cholesterol and it increases immunity against infectious diseases. It helps to repair tissues, heals wound and promotes growth and utilizes iron. The intensity and duration of cold can be shortened with Vitamin C. Symptoms of allergies and asthma have been reduced after consumption of Vitamin C.
In aged people the levels of Vitamin C in body and blood go on decreasing. But those who take Vitamin C supplement have enhanced immunity. And people who consume Vitamin C in the correct proportions face lower death rate from heart disease.
Dosageof Vitamin C
This vitamin is not produced in our body, so entirely through diet and supplementation the essential requirements by our body must be met. 200mg per day is the daily requirement. Vitamin C is easily eliminated from the body. As it is easily soluble in water, it should be taken at various intervals during the day. To maintain blood levels some dietitians recommend 1000mg with each meal. However you can take 2000mg three times a day if you are at a risk for cancer for any reason or if you have an unhealthy diet.
Sometimes intestinal discomfort (gas and diarrhea) maybe caused if excess amount of Vitamin C is taken. Simply cut back your intake, if this occurs. It is believed that you can take more of Vitamin C if you are sick. But when diarrhea occurs simply reduce your intake by 10%, and gradually increase your dosage when you feel better. Now your body tolerance improves rapidly. You should also supplement magnesium and other nutrients when you are taking large amounts of Vitamin C.
Read about: Catalese Enzymes
