Vitamin C is a versatile micronutrient with numerous functions. Vitamin C supports numerous body systems, scavenges free radicals, and provides vascular and connective tissue support. Vitamin C needs are increased by trauma, and deficiency slows the healing process.
- Vitamin C supports immune function by elevating interferon levels and enhancing the activity of specific immune cells (Adv Nutr Res 1984;6:19-45; Pharmacology 1975;13:228).
- Vitamin C has antioxidant activity that helps neutralize free-radical reactions from sources such as secondhand smoke (Free Radic Biol Med 2000;28:428-36).
- Vitamin C supplements protect LDL particles from oxidation (Am J Clin Nutr 1991;54:1113S-8S).
- Vitamin C supports optimal nitric oxide activity, which is essential for normal vasodilation in the vascular system (Circulation 1998; 97:2222-9).
- Vitamin C supports optimal nitric oxide activity, which is essential for normal vasodilation in the vascular system (Circulation 1998; 97:2222-9).
- Vitamin C requirements are increased by trauma (N Engl J Med 1986;314:892-902) and deficiency slows the healing process (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 1994;84:456-62).
- Vitamin C is essential for the normal metabolism of cholesterol into bile acids by the liver, a pathway needed to prevent cholesterol accumulation (Arch Intern Med 2000;160:931-6).
- Increased vitamin C intake prevents the typical age-related depletion of vitamin C in the eye, ensuring adequate protection against free-radical damage to eye tissues (J Am Coll Nutr 1993;12:138-46).
- Vitamin C supplements help the muscular system cope with the stresses of intense exercise (Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab 2001;11:466-81).
- Vitamin C promotes male sperm quality by protecting sperm from oxidative damage and reducing sperm agglutination (World Rev Nutr Diet 1990;62:1-26).