Vitamin C is a type of water-soluble vitamin. Water-soluble vitamins refer to those that are dissolved in water and readily absorbed into tissues for immediate use. Unlike fat-soluble vitamins, they are not stored in the body, and thereby need to be consumed daily to maintain adequate levels for proper bodily function. Individuals who do not consume vitamin C on a daily/regular basis are at risk of deficiency. However, even if you do consume vitamin C regularly, there are other reasons why you may be vulnerable to deficiency, and thus, should supplement with vitamin C. Below are 4 reasons why you may need to supplement with vitamin C.
You smoke regularly or passively: Smokers will most likely have higher levels of oxidative stress in comparison to those who do not smoke. Oxidative stress is caused by the over accumulation of free radicals (unstable atoms that can damage cells). Each puff of a cigarette contains 100 trillion free radical molecules (along with 4,700 different chemicals). Free radicals chemically react with DNA, cell membranes, and other molecules in the lung, causing damage to lung tissue. Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant. Antioxidants are compounds that help prevent cell damage caused by the free radicals. They do this by neutralizing the free radicals by sacrificing some of their own electrons (a negatively charged subatomic particle). This process naturally switches off a free radical, breaking a chain reaction that can cause bodily damage. For this reason, it is recommended that smokers consume an extra 35mg of vitamin-C per day in comparison to individuals who do not smoke.
Individuals with limited food variety: Vitamin C is predominately found in fruits and vegetables, including citrus fruits, tomatoes, red and green peppers, kiwifruit, broccoli, strawberries, Brussel sprouts, cantaloupe, cabbage, and cauliflower. If you do not eat a variety of fruits and vegetables, particularly the vegetables listed, you are at an increased risk of being deficient. It is important to note that cooking and prolonged storage can also reduce a lot of the vitamin C content in foods because the vitamin is water-soluble and is destroyed by heat.
Individuals with malabsorption, certain chronic diseases, and those who take certain medication: Certain health conditions can reduce the absorption of vitamin C and/or increase the amount required by the body.
Sona Vitamin C1000 Complex is a superior formulation combining the goodness of naturally derived vitamin C with cofactor bioflavonoid complexes. A Time Release formulation ensures sustained release throughout the day of this essential nutrient. Each tablet contains 1000mg of vitamin C.
References
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- Gordon, B., Galati, J., Yang, S., Katz, P., & Scherl, E. (2020). Vitamin C Deficiency: An Under-Recognized Condition in Crohn's Disease. ACG Case Reports Journal, 7(7), e00424. doi: 10.14309/crj.0000000000000424.
- Hemilä, H., & Douglas, R. M. (1999). Vitamin C and acute respiratory infections. The international journal of tuberculosis and lung disease : the official journal of the International Union against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, 3(9), 756–761.
- Lykkesfeldt, J., Michels, A., & Frei, B. (2014). Vitamin C. Advances In Nutrition, 5(1), 16-18. doi: 10.3945/an.113.005157.
- Ravindran, R., Vashist, P., K. Gupta, S., S. Young, I., Maraini, G., & Camparini, M. et al. (2011). Prevalence and Risk Factors for Vitamin C Deficiency in North and South India: A Two Centre Population Based Study in People Aged 60 Years and Over. Plos ONE, 6(12), e28588. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0028588.