What is vitamin C used for

Vitamin C is mainly used to promote collagen synthesis, enhance immunity, resist oxidation, enhance iron absorption, and participate in neurotransmitter synthesis. Vitamin C is an essential micronutrient for the human body, and a deficiency may lead to problems such as scurvy and weakened immunity.

1. Promote collagen synthesis

Vitamin C is a key cofactor in the synthesis of collagen, which can help maintain the structural integrity of tissues such as skin, bones, and blood vessels. Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body. Adequate intake of vitamin C helps with wound healing, prevents gum bleeding, and slows down the process of skin aging. Long term deficiency of vitamin C can lead to collagen synthesis disorders, causing typical symptoms of scurvy.

2. Enhancing Immunity

Vitamin C enhances the immune system's defense ability by supporting white blood cell function and promoting antibody production. It can stimulate the migration of neutrophils to the site of infection, enhance the bactericidal activity of phagocytes, and promote the secretion of immune factors such as interferon. Proper supplementation of vitamin C during respiratory infections can shorten the course of the disease, but its effectiveness in preventing the common cold is limited.

III. Antioxidant Effects

As a potent water-soluble antioxidant, vitamin C can neutralize free radicals and protect cell membranes and DNA from oxidative damage. It works synergistically with vitamin E to regenerate oxidized vitamin E, jointly reducing the harm of oxidative stress to the cardiovascular and nervous systems. This antioxidant property helps reduce the risk of chronic inflammation and certain degenerative diseases.

Fourth, promote iron absorption

Vitamin C can reduce difficult to absorb trivalent iron to easily absorbed divalent iron, improving the bioavailability of iron in plant-based foods. It is recommended that anemic patients or vegetarians pair their high-speed rail foods with vegetables and fruits rich in vitamin C, such as green peppers with spinach, orange juice with oats, etc. This synergistic effect is particularly important for preventing iron deficiency anemia.

V. Participation in neurotransmitter synthesis

Vitamin C is an essential cofactor for the synthesis of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine, affecting emotional regulation and cognitive function. It can maintain the antioxidant state in the brain and protect neurons from oxidative damage. Clinical observations have found that patients with depression often have lower serum vitamin C levels, and moderate supplementation may improve some neurological symptoms.

Daily intake of vitamin C can be obtained through fresh vegetables and fruits such as broccoli, kiwifruit, strawberries, etc. It is recommended that adults consume 100-200 milligrams per day. High temperature cooking can damage vitamin C, so it is best to choose cold or quick stir fry methods. Smokers, postoperative patients, and pregnant women have an increased demand for vitamin C, but long-term high-dose supplementation may cause diarrhea or urinary tract stones. When exceeding the recommended dietary intake, it is necessary to follow medical advice. Maintaining a balanced diet usually does not require additional supplements, and in special circumstances, the use of vitamin C tablets should be avoided in conjunction with antacids.