Ultra Potent Vitamin C

10% off Ultra-Potent C throughout April

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble micronutrient that acts as an anti-oxidant. It is important for your skin, bones and connective tissues. It promotes healing and also helps the body absorb iron.

Vitamin C is needed to produce collagen. Collagen is an essential component of connective tissue which plays a vital role in skin integrity and wound healing. Our bodies cannot produce Vitamin C endogenously, meaning we need to get it from the food we eat. Vitamin C is needed for apoptosis (cell death) and clearance of neutrophils (type of white blood cell) from sites of infection therefore decreasing potential tissue damage. Vitamin C plays a role as cofactor for non-heme iron absorption. Non-heme iron is found in plant-based food sources.

Vitamin C deficiency results in impaired immunity leading to higher susceptibility to infections. During a time of infection, Vitamin C levels are impacted due to enhanced inflammation and metabolic demand. This is why it may be beneficial to increase consumption of Vitamin C rich foods or supplement with Vitamin C. Vitamin C deficiency is often observed in people diagnosed with cancer. Studies consistently show that smokers have lower levels of Vitamin C, due in part to oxidative stress. Some medical conditions can reduce the absorption of Vitamin C therefore increasing the need. Individuals with limited food variety, intestinal malabsorption or some types of cancer may be at increased risk for Vitamin C inadequacy. People with end-stage renal disease receiving chronic hemodialysis may be deficient as well.

Vitamin C is found naturally in some foods but can also be added to foods such as breakfast cereals. The best sources of Vitamin C are sweet peppers, citrus fruits, tomatoes, broccoli, brussels sprouts and cantaloupe. Consuming five varied servings of fruits and vegetables a day can provide over 200 mg of Vitamin C.