Vitamin C Benefits

There are many vitamin C benefits; in fact, this essential vitamin doesn’t just help with the normal functioning of our immune and nervous system, it helps reduce tiredness and contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of the skin.

As vitamin C cannot be made or stored in our body, we need to ensure we’re getting a regular intake; the NHS states that adults aged 19 to 64 should get 40mg of vitamin C every day, while the general NRV or ‘Nutrient Reference Value’ (the newer term for ‘RDA’) is 80mg. Of course, many experts believe there are times when higher levels of vitamin C can be beneficial.

So why exactly is vitamin C so essential? And, how can we ensure that we’re getting enough?

Vitamin C Benefits: Immune System Support

One of the most important reasons that adults and children need vitamin C is to help maintain the immune system.

Vitamin C also helps protect cells from oxidative stress and it contributes to the normal function of the immune system during and after intense physical exercise. Vitabiotics Ultra Vitamin C Fizz effervescent tablets are ideal for post exercise as they are absorbed quickly by the body.

Vitamin C Benefits: Contributes To Normal Functioning Of The Nervous System

A healthy nervous system is beneficial to human health. Vitamin C can help ensure the nervous system stays working normally.

Vitamin C Benefits: Helps Skin Health

Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation. It is this collagen that helps maintain the skin. Collagen also contributes to the normal function of bones, teeth, gums, blood vessels and cartilage.

Vitamin C Benefits: Supports Iron Absorption

Iron is essential in our body to support the normal transportation of oxygen to all cells and organs. We get our iron from food and/or supplements, however, some foods and drinks can inhibit the absorption of iron. These include tea and coffee.

Vitamin C on the other hand, increases non-haem iron absorption plus it helps us absorb iron from our food and/or supplements. Ever heard that it’s beneficial to drink orange juice with your iron supplement? Well, this is why!

Non-haem iron is a mineral essential for normal formation of red blood cells and haemoglobin; these red blood cells carry oxygen to our cells, to give us energy. A lack of iron can leave us tired. Dietary intake of vitamin C also helps with the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.

Foods With Vitamin C

There’s a wide variety of foods containing vitamin C, however the foods that contain the most are fruits and green vegetables. Below are a range of fruits and vegetables that provide vitamin C...

Guavas per 100g 228mg

Dried chives per 100g- 660mg

Kiwi per 100g - 93mg

Bell peppers per 100g -128mg

Strawberries per 100g - 59mg

Orange per 100g - 53mg

Papaya per 100g - 61mg

Broccoli per 100g - 89mg

Kale per 100g- 18mg

Blackcurrants per 100g - 181mg

Brussels sprouts cooked per 100g- 62mg

Florida grapefruit per 100g- 37mg

Garlic per 100g- 31.2mg

Cauliflower per 100g- 48.2mg

Dried goji berries per 100g - 48.4mg

Orange juice per 100g- 50mg

Learn more about vitamin C foods

Vitamin C Supplements

Opting to take a supplement can help safeguard your intake of vitamin C.

Vitabiotics Ultra Vitamin C comes in tablet form, as well as effervescent tablets, and both are ideal for anyone wanting immune support, athletes, sportsmen and sportswomen, the over 50s as well as those with hectic lifestyles.

Vitabiotics Ultra Vitamin C tablets provide slow-release vitamin C for maximum absorption and effectiveness. It also offers 25mg of citrus bioflavonoids; these are responsible for the colours of many fruits. Citrus bioflavonoids are found in citrus fruits such as oranges, grapefruits and lemons.

Vitabiotics Ultra Vitamin C Fizz are effervescent tablets containing 1000mg of vitamin C. They also include zinc which is also important to help maintain normal immune system function. Effervescent tablets are dropped into water to create a refreshing drink. They are ideal for anyone who prefers an alternative to tablets, and offer immediate release for rapid absorption, making them ideal post exercise.

Both of the above are suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

Vitamin C Side Effects

Can you have too much vitamin C?

Yes, you can have too much vitamin C, which the NHS say can lead to gastrointestinal problems such as flatulence, stomach pain and diarrhoea.

However, The Department of Health and Social Care say that these side effects are associated with taking large amounts; certainly more than 1,000mg of vitamin C a day. Otherwise these side effects are unlikely to occur.

If you do choose to take a supplement, taking it after a meal can reduce your chances of any mild effects on the tummy.

For more information on vitamin C check out our Ultimate Guide On Vitamin C.