Vitamin C and Immunity

Vitamin C is an essential vitamin that has a wide range of benefits to our health, and arguably the most important of all these benefits is the immunity-boosting capacity of Vitamin C. Vitamin C and immunity are interrelated in many ways, and therefore, the addition of adequate amounts of Vitamin C to your daily diet is vital. The average adult men and women requires around 80 mg and 65 mg of Vitamin C a day respectively, and this can easily be achieved by consuming fresh fruits and vegetables which are rich in Vitamin C.

How does Vitamin C boost immunity?

The relationship between Vitamin C and immunity has led to the vitamin often being referred to as the ‘immunity vitamin’. The following are the different ways in which Vitamin C boosts immunity in individuals if recommended daily value of Vitamin C is consumed regularly.

• Production of white blood cells: Vitamin C is also known as ascorbic acid and helps in the production and healthy function of the white blood cells in the human body. White blood cells are the backbone of the body’s immune system and defend the body from infection and disease by neutralizing foreign agents such as bacteria and viruses. Vitamin C also strengthens the ability of the skin, the gastrointestinal tract, and the airways to prevent toxic and harmful particles from entering the body.
• Reduction of oxidative stress: Vitamin C is also an antioxidant and therefore protects your body’s cells from free radicals. Since a higher concentration of these free radicals results in oxidative stress, which is linked to chronic diseases and conditions such as heart problems and high blood pressure, Vitamin C as an antioxidant is crucial in preventing such conditions in the long run.
• Better skeletal, dental and skin health: Collagen is an important protein that is essential for good bone and muscle health. Vitamin C helps in the production of collagen and therefore is essential for the repair and maintenance of healthy tendons, muscles, ligaments, teeth and bones. Scurvy is a result of Vitamin C deficiency and often causes pains in muscles and joints and bleeding gums.

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