The Importance of Vitamin C Supplements
Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin, which means it is carried to the body's tissues but not stored in the body, unlike fat-soluble vitamins that are stored in the body's fatty tissue. Therefore, it's essential to get enough Vitamin C daily to maintain proper bodily functions. Vitamin C plays many roles in the body and is linked to several health benefits, including supporting the immune system.
Studies show that taking Vitamin C supplements can boost your blood antioxidant levels by up to 30%. Antioxidants are compounds that help prevent cell damage caused by free radicals. Besides boosting antioxidant levels, Vitamin C also plays a key role in various parts of the immune system. For example, it stimulates the production of white blood cells (lymphocytes and phagocytes), which help fight infections and diseases. People with adequate levels of Vitamin C are generally better at fighting off infections compared to those who are deficient. Additionally, Vitamin C has been found to lower blood levels of histamine, a compound released by cells in response to injury, and during allergic and inflammatory reactions.
Recent research also indicates that taking Vitamin C tablets can help with symptoms of acute viral respiratory infections by reducing fever and chills, relieving chest pain, and easing symptoms of asthma caused by the common cold.
Signs of Vitamin C Deficiency
- Rough, bumpy skin
- Corkscrew-shaped body hair
- Bright red hair follicles
- Spoon-shaped fingernails with red spots or lines
- Dry skin
- Easy bruising
- Slow-healing wounds
- Painful/swollen joints
- Weak bones
- Bleeding gums and tooth loss
- Poor immunity
- Iron deficiency
- Fatigue
- Chronic inflammation
Severe Vitamin C deficiency, though rare in Western diets, is known as scurvy and can be fatal if not treated.
Who is at Risk of Vitamin C Deficiency?
- Smokers and those exposed to second-hand smoke (smokers have higher levels of oxidative stress). Smokers should consume at least an extra 40mg of Vitamin C compared to non-smokers.
- Individuals who consume excessive amounts of alcohol
- Those with a limited variety in their diet
- People with malabsorption issues, certain chronic diseases (like kidney disease), and those on certain medications
Recommended Dose of Vitamin C Supplements
To prevent scurvy, adults need at least 40mg of Vitamin C a day. The recommended daily intake (RDI) is 90mg for men and 75mg for women. The body uses more Vitamin C during times of increased need, such as during chronic stress, illness, and infection, as well as exposure to high pollution levels, like cigarette smoke and car fumes. For example, the RDI for smokers is about double that of non-smokers. Vitamin C supplements are safe to take in doses exceeding 2000mg per day without side effects, although higher doses taken regularly may cause temporary diarrhoea.
Benefits of Sona Vitamin C Tablets
Sona C500 Chewable provides all the benefits of 500mg of Vitamin C in one delicious, natural orange-flavoured chewable tablet. As with any supplement, it's important to get your doctor's approval before starting a Vitamin C supplement. Sona Vitamin C 500 and 1000 Complex tablets are also available for those who prefer taking their Vitamin C tablets with water.
Make sure you meet your daily Vitamin C needs with Sona Vitamin C tablets and enjoy the numerous benefits of this essential vitamin.
References
- Bei, R. (2013). Effects of Vitamin C on health: a review of evidence. Frontiers In Bioscience, 18(3), 1017. doi: 10.2741/4160.
- 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.