Vitamin C offers many health benefits. Vitamin C may lower blood pressure and strengthen the immune system. It can be found in many fruits, vegetables, and other foods.
Vitamin C, also known as L-ascorbic Acid, is one of the most popular vitamins. This nutrient is known for its immune-boosting properties. vitaminC’s ability reduce the common cold is only a small part of the nutrient’s role in the body.
The antioxidant can’t be made naturally by the body so it’s important to get it from vitamin-rich foods. Tamar Samuels RDN is a cofounder and CEO of Culina Health in New York City.
According to the National Institutes of Health, adult women require 75 mg (mg), and adult men require 90 mg. The diet is the only way Americans get enough vitamin C.
Continue reading to discover seven important health benefits of vitamin A.
1. Vitamin C Stimulates Collagen Synthesis
According to the , vitamin C is essential for the body’s synthesis of colla. This collagen can be found in connective tissues around the body. Samuels states that collagen production requires adequate vitamin C. Collagen is the most abundant protein found in the body. It plays an important role in connective tissue like our organs, hair, skin and nails.
As some beauty and health experts believe, collagen is the skin’s antiaging hero. In September 2015, a study was published in Cosmetic, Clinical, and Investigational Dermatology. It found that topically applying vitamin C to skin resulted in a higher level of collagen production and a younger-looking skin. Oregon State University says that vitamin C can help heal wounds.
2. Combining Vitamin C and Iron leads to better absorption
Vitamin C interacts well with iron and other vitamins and minerals. According to the NIH , iron supports healthy growth and development. It also aids in the delivery of oxygen throughout the body. According to Harvard Health Publishing, nonheme Iron, which is iron found in plants can be difficult for the body, is better to absorb. However, vitamin C (and ideally, heme) is good for absorption.
3. It plays a role in enhanced brain function
Samuels states that vitamin C is also important for neurotransmitter synthesis as well as cognitive function. Neurotransmitters are important for sending messages from the brain to the rest of the body, according to the systematic review was published in Nutrients. It found that cognitively intact participants had higher vitamin C levels than those with impaired cognition.
4. Gout attacks may be prevented by lowering blood uric acid levels
Gout affects about 4% of American adults ( 13Trusted Source).
Gout is extremely painful. It causes inflammation of the joints, particularly the big toes. Gout sufferers experience severe pain and swelling ( 14Trusted source).
When there is too much of uric acid, symptoms like gout can occur. Uric acid is a body waste product. It can crystallize in the joints and deposit at high levels.
Many studies have found that vitamin C can help lower the levels of uric acid and protect against gout attacks.
A study involving 1,387 men showed that people who consumed more vitamin C had lower levels of uric acids than those who ate less ( 15Trusted source).
Another study looked at 46,994 healthy men for 20 years to see if vitamin C intake was associated with developing gout. The study found that vitamin C supplement users had a 44% lower risk of developing gout ( 16Trusted source).
A review of 13 studies also found that vitamin C supplements over 30 days had a significant effect on blood uric acids ( 17Trusted source).
Although there seems to be a strong correlation between vitamin C intakes and uric acids levels, further research is needed on the effects vitamin C has on gout.
