Vitamin C - Good For Healthier Skin - Bones - Joints - Teeth...

Today, scientists know that humans are one of the few species that cannot manufacture Vitamin C in the body. Humans must depend on diet or nutritional supplements as the source of this vitamin. Vitamin C is a water soluble vitamin that is stored in many tissues throughout the body, but the adrenal glands contain the highest concentration.

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The best sources of this vitamin are fresh fruits, especially citrus fruits, strawberries, cantaloupe and currants. Fresh vegetables, especially Brussels sprouts, collard greens, lettuce, cabbage, peas, and asparagus are also good sources.

Reported Uses
Vitamin C has been heavily researched for its role in a long list of functions in the body. First, it is involved with the production of collagen and elastin, which are necessary for healthy skin, tendons, joints, bones, teeth and blood vessels.

This nutrient functions as an antioxidant...helping to limit damage to the body from free radicals. It also enhances the antioxidant activity of vitamin E. Some studies show that low levels of vitamin C during chemotherapy increases the chance of side effects.

Vitamin C is important for production of the hormones that help the body respond to physical stress. Also, this vitamin may reduce some inflammatory reactions because it possesses anti-histamine activity. Finally, vitamin C can help the body rid itself of heavy metal toxins like mercury, lead, cadmium and nickel.

Boost Your Immune System
Vitamin C has an equally long list of targeted clinical applications. To begin, vitamin C can support immunity to a variety of illnesses. Studies suggest that the severity and duration of the common cold may be lessened with vitamin C when taken in moderately high doses. In a recent study there were fewer colds and recovery was faster with the individuals taking vitamin C. Scientists have also found some immune-boosting benefits for patients with the AIDS virus.

Vitamin C’s role as an antihistamine may help reduce allergy symptoms. Vitamin C deficiency has also been linked to a higher risk of asthma, and supplementation may reduce asthma symptoms. Deficiency has also been associated with cervical dysplasia.

Vitamin C also has a number of applications for the treatment and prevention of chronic diseases. First, studies suggest supplementation may reduce atherosclerotic plaque. It may also increase HDL cholesterol levels (the “good” cholesterol) while helping prevent the conversion of LDL, or bad cholesterol to a more harmful form.

Reduce the risk of Osteoporosis
Bone loss and decreases in bone mineral density is inevitable as we age. It is important to slow this process, maintain strong healthy bones and thus decrease the risk of bone fractures. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, over half of Americans older than 50 have low bone mineral density and 80% of them are women.

When used with other therapies, numerous studies have supported the use of this vitamin to help support bone mineral density. One study found that there was an increased risk of polyarthritis in those with lower dietary intakes of fruits and vegetables, and vitamin C.

Also, studies suggest that long term vitamin C supplementation may reduce the risk of many kinds of cancer. Low vitamin C intake may increase chances of diabetes and that vitamin-C may support overall health in diabetics.

Dosage Range
The US Recommended Dietary Allowance for an adult male is 90 mg per day, while an adult female is 75 mg per day

Most Common Dosage
250mg daily.

Dosage Forms
Capsules, tablets, liposomal sprays, effervescent tablets, bulk powder, and injectables (by perscription only).

Plant Sources of Vitamin C:

Kakadu plum, Camu Camu, Rose hip, Acerola, Seabuckthorn, Jujube, Baobab, Blackcurrant, Red pepper, Parsley, Guava, Kiwifruit, Broccoli, Loganberry, Redcurrant, Brussels sprouts, Gojiberry, Lychee, Cloudberry, Elderberry, Persimmon, Papaya, Strawberry,Orange, Lemon, Cantaloupe, Cauliflower, Grapefruit, Raspberry, Tangerine, Mandarin orange, Passion fruit, Spinach, Cabbage, Lime, Mango, Cranberry, Tomato, Blueberry, Pineapple, Grape, Apricot, Plum, Watermelon, Banana, Carrot, Avocado, Crabapple, Cherry, Peach, Apple, Blackberry, Beetroot, Pear, Lettuce, Cucumber, Eggplant, Fig.

Animal Sources of Vitamin C:

Calf liver, Beef liver, Oysters, cod roe, Pork liver, Lamb brain, Chicken liver, Lamb liver, Lamb heart, Lamb tongue, Human milk, Goat milk, cow milk.