Are you getting enough Vitamin C? We’ve all heard of the benefits of taking Vitamin C daily, however many people don’t realise the dangers of not getting enough of this important nutrient.
A recent review of the global status of Vitamin C indicated a high prevalence of deficiency, particularly in low and middle income countries, along with some high income countries.
Apples, bananas and grapes all contain significant amounts of Vitamin C. While oranges and strawberries are two popular citrus fruits containing the most Vitamin C that many of us consume regularly. [1]
So why aren’t many of us getting enough Vitamin C? And how can we tell that we’re not getting enough? The answer may lie in the body’s five warning signs…
1. Dry Skin
Vitamin C plays an essential role in collagen production. An adequate intake of Vitamin C can help to repair and prevent dry skin. Low intake of Vitamin C is often associated with dry, sun-damaged skin, however these symptoms can also be caused by other factors.
2. Achy Joints
Stiff, aching joints are caused by inflammation in the body. Taking Vitamin C can help to protect your joints and prevent stiffness, swelling or pain.
3. Hair Breaking or Falling Out
As Vitamin C helps to develop the protein structures of your hair, losing your hair is another symptom of vitamin deficiency to watch out for. If for example you brush your hair and find it coming out in your brush or clogging the shower drain, this indicates low Vitamin C levels.
4. Weight Gain
Research shows that a low Vitamin C level is linked with increased body fat, especially belly fat. [2]
5. Tiredness, Mood Swings or Brain Fog
If you often feel tired, experience mood swings or have brain fog then these are all signs that you may be Vitamin C deficient.
How Vitamin C Benefits The Body
Along with supporting and reducing the above symptoms, Vitamin C is one of the fastest ways to rapidly supply your immune cells with the fuel they need to fight off dangerous pathogens. This can help your body fight off infections and stay strong and healthy.
Unfortunately, we can’t make Vitamin C in our bodies like we can with Vitamin D when we go out into the sunshine.
The Problem with Vitamin C
Part of the problem is that once we consume Vitamin C, it’s not so easily absorbed. Only a small percentage of the Vitamin C consumed ends up in the bloodstream.
When we consume Vitamin C, our immune cells have the fuel to:
- Make more immune cells
- Move faster to hunt down invaders quickly
- Destroy invaders by suffocating them, creating antibodies or directly killing them
However, as the research above suggests, many of us may need a helping hand to improve our Vitamin C levels.
Why Absorbing Vitamin C Is Difficult
Vitamin C is a water soluble vitamin and an essential nutrient that can help your body to function at its best. However, it has a low absorption rate as it’s mostly destroyed in the digestive system.
There are also common risk factors to look for when it comes to Vitamin C deficiency and this includes poor diet, chronic diseases, drinking alcohol and smoking.
While it’s possible to absorb Vitamin C from the food you eat, it can be difficult to consume enough of this nutrient from fresh fruit and vegetables alone. This is why taking a Vitamin C supplement is highly recommended and for maximum absorption, it’s suggested to be taken on an empty stomach.
For best results, taking a Liposomal Vitamin C supplement can help you to overcome these challenges. Liposomal Vitamin C is encapsulated in liposomes, which promotes greater bioavailability than Vitamin C tablets or capsules. Liposomes are phospholipid vesicles that carry the nutrients around the body.
Why Liposomal Vitamin C?
Taking a Liposomal Vitamin C supplement can help to support your health in various ways. Liposomal delivery enables all of the Vitamin C to reach the bloodstream – without any of the gastrointestinal upset often associated with high doses of Vitamin C.
Being delivered at a high dose, Liposomal Vitamin C provides countless health benefits. It also has the potential to support immune function, brain health, blood sugar and heart health.
Moreover, when Vitamin C is combined with an antioxidant such as Quercetin, it provides powerful anti-inflammatory support for every cell in the body.
What is Quercetin?
Quercetin is a health promoting antioxidant that may help to reduce swelling, control blood sugar levels, and even help to prevent heart disease. [3] New research shows it may be helpful for respiratory infections, meaning it may be beneficial for CV-19. [4]
As it’s known for reducing inflammation in your body, research has shown that Quercetin may help to reduce cortisol levels, helping your body to manage stress more effectively. It’s also thought to be beneficial for boosting energy levels as it may have the ability to improve the activity of mitochondria in muscle and brain cells.
If you’re following a healthy diet and lifestyle you may still need to take a Vitamin C supplement, for all of the above reasons. We recommend taking Liposomal Vitamin C with Quercetin as it’s one of the easiest ways to ensure you are meeting your daily requirements of this essential nutrient, both for boosting your immune system and providing optimal health support.
References:
[1] https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/vitamin-c/
[2] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27334437/
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4808895/
[4] https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2020.01451/full
Recommended Examples
PureC™ Liposomal Vitamin C with Quercetin
PureC™ Liposomal Vitamin C with Quercetin – Powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant support, providing 1000mg of high-quality Liposomal Vitamin C, along with 175mg C-Support (citrus bioflavonoids, quercetin), plus 1000mg Phosphatidylcholine (PC) per serving. Vitamin C can support immune function, brain health, blood sugar, and heart health. Protects cells from oxidative stress and may help to maintain healthy bones, cartilage, and connective tissues. Available from Good Health Naturally.
