8 Important Facts about Vitamin C

Vitamin C is an essential vitamin that is key toward the body functioning properly.  Unfortunately, some people have vitamin C deficiency and do not get the recommended amount of vitamin C.  Health experts recommend that adult men consume at least 90 mg, women consume at least 75 mg, and pregnant women should consume at least 85 mg of vitamin C each day. Vitamin C is so important and versatile in terms of what it can do for you, here is a list of 8 important facts about vitamin C.

1. Humans do not produce their own vitamin C

Some animals are able to produce their own vitamin C, however us humans do not have the same advantage and have to get vitamin C via the food we eat.  Thankfully for us there are plenty of foods that are rich in vitamin C.  We will explore some of these foods that provide you with your daily intake of vitamin C.

2. Found in a wide variety of foods

Despite the fact that we do not produce vitamin C ourselves, there are a wide variety of food sources that have significant amounts of vitamin C.  The best sources of vitamin C are fruits and vegetables, specifically citrus fruits.  Vitamin C is also found in potatoes and dark, leafy greens such as spinach and kale.

3. Effective when combined with other nutrients

In addition to vitamin C being available in many foods, it can also be beneficial when combined with other nutrients.  One of the more popular combinations is vitamin C and zinc.  They have been used together to treat the common cold, zinc is found in many over-the-counter cold medications and vitamin C helps to reduce the longevity of a cold.  Another widely used combination is vitamin C and iron.  When combined, these two can help reduce the risk of stroke and certain cancer. Many individuals are iron deficient, and the vitamin C helps improve the absorption of iron in the stomach.

4. Used for a variety of different health issues

Vitamin C has been used to help deal with many various health issues.  Vitamin C is most commonly used for the common cold and other minor infections such as gum disease, acne, skin infections, bronchitis, and stomach ulcers.  Vitamin C has also been used to help depression, Alzheimer’s, dementia, stress, physical and mental fatigue, and ADHD.  

5. Improves brain health

In addition to vitamin C being used to take care of various diseases, it has also been shown to improve brain health.  Vitamin C improves blood flow to your brain and increases oxygen and nutrients to your brain, which keeps it properly supported.  Vitamin C is the main nutrient involved in the production of neurotransmitters in your brain.  Neurotransmitters impact your ability to concentrate, focus, and remember.  

6. There are no problems if you consume too much

Sometimes when you take too much of a certain substance, there can be ugly side effects.  The good news with vitamin C is that there are no major side effects if you eat more than the recommended daily amount of vitamin C.  Most individuals’ bodies can only hold up to 250 mg of vitamin C and the rest is excreted through urine.  There are certain circumstances in which your body can hold more than 250 mg such as if you are a heavy smoker, during illness, and during periods of extreme stress.

7. Helps your heart function properly

Vitamin C has proven to be a reliable nutrient in helping maintain proper function in the heart and blood vessels.  It is used to prevent clots in the veins and arteries, heart attack, stroke, and high blood pressure.  Vitamin C manages Coronary Artery Disease by enhancing the body’s natural level of glutathione, an antioxidant that protects the arteries.  While you might not have expected it, vitamin C can be effective in controlling your heart health.

8. Many different sources of Vitamin C

In addition to being able to get vitamin C from the food you eat, there are many other ways that you can obtain vitamin C.  For example, there are many vitamin C supplements available, and they are available in many different types including capsules, tablets, drink mix packets.  The supplement form of vitamin C is the most commonly taken dietary supplement.