Vitamin C is an essential nutrient which plays many crucial roles within the body.
Vitamin C, which is also called ascorbic acid, strengthens the immune system, promotes recovery after illness, helps develop collagen to support skin and strengthen bones and protects against cellular damage which causes premature ageing.
It also plays a vital role in the absorption and metabolism of other nutrients in the body including iron, folate and calcium. Studies have also shown that vitamin C can help reduce stress hormones and inflammation in the body and help break down bad cholesterol.
Without vitamin C, our bodies cannot function properly, however many people in the UK aren't getting enough in their diet.
What Happens if Your Vitamin C Levels Are Low?
Prolonged deficiency in vitamin C can cause many symptoms such as:
- bleeding gums
- loss of teeth
- hair loss
- dry, rough skin
- swollen, painful joints
- red hair follicles
- easy bruising
- slow wound healing
- weak bones
- fatigue
- low mood
- weight gain
- inflammation & oxidative stress
- iron deficiency
How Can I Get More Vitamin C?
The body cannot store vitamin C in large amounts, so eating a selection of fresh fruits and
vegetables every day is advisable to achieve the NHS recommended dose of 40mg/day.
Which Foods Are Highest in Vitamin C?
High concentrations of vitamin C are found in the following foods:
- Cherries
- Guava
- Strawberries
- Broccoli
- Oranges
- Lemon
- Kiwifruit
- Red peppers
- Lychees
People recovering from viruses and infections, or anyone with a compromised immune system, are advised to supplement their healthy diet with vitamin C to keep their body's levels high.
What Helps Absorb Vitamin C?
Vitamin C rapidly breaks down when exposed to heat, light and even storage can affect its quality. Vitamin C is best consumed in a raw state.
How Long Can You Survive Without Vitamin C?
Whilst vitamin C deficiency is rare in the developed world, many people aren't getting enough in their diets. Continually going without vitamin C for up to three months could lead to developing scurvy but some symptoms may start to develop four weeks after continual vitamin C deficiency.
Symptoms of scurvy can include:
- Weakness
- Exhaustion
- Aching legs or joints
- Lack of appetite
- Low mood and irritability
- Fever
- Red or blue spots on the skin
- Bruising easily
What is the Best Time to Take Vitamin C?
Because vitamin C is water-soluble, supplements are best absorbed on an empty stomach. It's best taken in the morning, 30 minutes before eating for optimum absorption.
How is Vitamin C Absorbed?
Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin, stored in the body in very small amounts. It has a low absorption rate in the body as it is mostly destroyed in the digestive system. Any Vitamin C that does manage to get into the bloodstream then has a poor absorption rate into the body's cells as this water-soluble vitamin struggles to penetrate the fat-based cell membrane.
Best Form of Vitamin C for Absorption?
According to the scientific research at The National Center for Biotechnology Information liposome-encapsulated vitamin C offers higher absorption than standard oral vitamin C supplements. The vitamin C is wrapped in a bubble of tiny sphere-shaped liposomes that carry ingredients safely by encapsulating them.
It passes safely and quickly through the digestive system into the bloodstream. The liposomes then merge with the fat-based cell membrane, transferring its contents to the inside of the cell where the vitamin C begins to work. Maximum absorption is achieved through the liposomal encapsulation process with minimum waste.
Zooki Liposome-encapsulated Vitamin C sachets provide the most potent form of vitamin C in the most convenient way possible, delivery the nutrients directly to your cells. The sachets contain 1000mg of vitamin C in liquid form and are easily dissolved in water to form a pleasant drink.
Additionally, IV Boost offers high dose vitamin C IV therapy, suitable for people who are keen to address deficiencies or health concerns.
