Vitamin C: A SuperHero

Vitamin C: It’s Role In Our Health

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is an essential water-soluble vitamin found in various fruits and vegetables; most known to be found in citrus fruits. It plays a crucial role in many bodily functions, such as supporting the immune system, but its role goes well beyond this. Continue reading for more information on the super powers of Vitamin C:

1. Immunity: Vitamin C plays a part in both innate and acquired immune function making it both beneficial for prevention and recovery from illness. It enhances macrophages, which eat up and destroy invaders and enhances antibody activity, which act as our “memory” immunity to protect against future illness. 
2. Allergies: Vitamin C stabilize mast cells. This is especially helpful for those that struggle with allergies. Mast cells release histamine in reaction to exposure to an allergen or invader. Vitamin C helps to reduce the release of histamines from the mast cells and reduce the allergy response.
3. Cancer: Recently, high dose iIntravenous Vitamin C has been used as a non-toxic chemotherapuetic or adjunct to combat cancer. Very cool! This is fairly new, and requires farther research but it is looking very promising.
4. Oxidative Stress/Anti-aging: Vitamin C is an antioxidant and plays a role in combating oxidative stress. What does this mean exactly? Well, oxidative stress is a normal, physiological process of our metabolism as well as a by-product of the metabolism of toxins and pollutants. In excess oxidative stress leads to an abundance of oxygen reactive species which leads to inflammation, tissue damage, and early aging. Vitamin C antioxidant activity protects and reduces the damage caused by ROS.
5. Collagen: Vitamin C plays a role in the maintenance and synthesis in collagen. Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body. It is found in bone, skin, ligaments, tendons, hair, and nails. As we age, collagen production slows and we start to lose collagen in these areas. This is especially noticeable in the skin. The loss of collagen in the skin results in wrinkles and the loss of skins natural elasticity. Vitamin C is also photoprotective, meaning it protects against damage caused by UVA and UVB. And don’t forget about its role in the musculoskeletal system. Since collagen is also found abundantly in ligaments, tendons and bones it is essential for recovery and repair of these structures after injury. So if you want to remain looking young or recovery from injuries, take your vitamin C!
6. Adrenal Support and Stress: Another area that vitamin C plays an important role in is the adrenal gland. The adrenal gland is one organ with one of the highest concentrations of vitamin C in the body. It plays a role in the production of the hormones from the adrenal cortex and the adrenal medulla. When we are chronically stressed we burn through these hormones, especially cortisol, depleting our stores of vitamin C. It’s essential we remain these stores to continue producing these hormones AND have enough left for other functions across the body.
7. Cardiovascular Health: Vitamin C plays a role in the production in nitric oxide synthesis. Nitric oxide acts like “food” for the endothelial cells (the cells that line all blood vessels). Nitric oxide protects the endothelial cells from damage, maintain the cells pliability (so that the vessels dilate and constrict appropriately), and promotes healthy growth and rejuvenation. Sufficient nitric oxide production is necessary for a healthy cardiovascular system. 

Phew! That’s a lot of functions and how cool is all that?! Though, many people will supplement solely during a cold, I supplement vitamin C all year round because of all these awesome benefits! If you are interested supplementing for yourself check out my FullScripts supplement plans for my favorite brands and a 10% discount. How ever you may find your supplements, always make sure that you are using a credible brand that is third party tested.

What is Liposomal Vitamin C?!

When you start to look into supplementing vitamin C you will find traditional and liposomal versions. Liposomal vitamin C is a relatively recent innovation in the realm of dietary supplements. It offers a unique delivery system that enhances the bioavailability of vitamin C compared to traditional forms. Super cool! Here are some key distinctions that make liposomal vitamin C stand out:

• Enhanced Bioavailability: The term “liposomal” refers to the use of microscopic spheres whose walls are composed of a lipid (fat) bilayer and then vitamin C is encapsulated inside. By surrounding the water soluble vitamin in a fatty shell means it protects the vitamin C from degradation in the digestive system and allows for better absorption in the intestines. As a result, liposomal vitamin C boasts significantly higher bioavailability, meaning more of the nutrient reaches the bloodstream and cells.
• Reduced Gastrointestinal Distress: Traditional vitamin C supplements, particularly in high doses, can cause gastrointestinal discomfort, including diarrhea and cramps. Liposomal vitamin C is gentler on the digestive tract due to its improved absorption.
• Liquid Form: Typically liposomal vitamin C is found as a liquid. This might be great for some that have a difficult time with pills, but it does make it harder to travel with. It also comes usually suspended in a glycerin base, which makes it really sweet and the favor may be intolerable. In those instances I forego the liposomal version and recommend a capsule.