In todays world of modern medicine, certain truths about natural rememdies often go untold, and one such story lies within the remarkable benefits of vitamin C. While your GP may focus on pharmaceutical solutions, such as medication and steroids with many immune system faltering side effects, the untold narrative of vitamin C's potential remains buried beneath the surface.
Since Vitamin C's discovery in the early 20th century, it was initially recognised for its role in preventing scurvy, a disease caused by severe vitamin C deficiency. Research over the years has uncovered numerous other functions of vitamin C in the body which your GP may fail to mention.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF VITAMIN C
Collagen Production
Vitamin C is essential for the synthesis of collagen, a protein that provides structure to the skin, bones and blood vessels. Adequate intake of vitamin C promotes skin health, wound healing and overall tissue repair.
Heart Health
Vitamin C supports cardiovascular health by improving blood vessel function, reducing blood pressure and lowering levels of LDL cholesterol (The bad kind).
Immune system support
Vitamin C enhances the function of various immune cells, helping the body defend against infections and illnesses. It is particularly known for its role in reducing the severity and duration of the common cold.
Antioxidant protection
As a powerful antioxidant, vitamin C helps neutralise free radicals in the body, thereby reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. This can help prevent chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer and arthritis.
Enhanced Iron Absorption
Vitamin C enhances absorption of non-heme iron (the type of iron found in plant-based foods) from the diet. This is especially beneficial for individuals at risk of iron deficiency or anemia.
Eye Health
Vitamin C may help prevent age- related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of vision loss in older adults, by protecting the eyes of oxidative damage.
Stress Reduction
Vitamin C has been shown to reduce levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, in the body. Adequate intake of vitamin C may help mitigate the effects of stress and improve overall mental well-being.
Gout Prevention
Some Studies suggest that vitamin c supplementation may lower uric acid levels in the blood, reducing the risk of gout attacks.
Improved Mood
Vitamin C plays a role in the synthesis of neurotransmitters like serotonin which are involved in regulating mood. Adequate levels of vitamin c may help support mental health and reduce symptoms of depression.
Enhanced Exercise Performance
Vitamin C supplementation has been shown to reduce muscle soreness and improve recovery following intense exercise, possibly by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.
Skin Health
Vitamin C helps maintain healthy skin by supporting collagen production, reducing oxidative damage and promoting skin cell regeneration.
Bone Health
Vitamin C supports bone health by promoting collagen synthesis and reducing bone loss associated with ageing.
Respiratory Health
Vitamin C may reduce the severity and duration of respiratory infections, such as the common cold and pneumonia by supporting immune function.
Cancer prevention and treatment
Vitamin C'S antioxidant properties may help protect against certain types of cancer by reducing oxidative damage to cells and DNA.
Anti inflammatory effects
Vitamin C has anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce inflammation in the body and alleviate symptoms of inflammatory conditions.
Gum Health
Vitamin C supports gum health by promoting collagen synthesis in the gums and reducing the risk of gum disease.
Brain Health
Vitamin C may protect against cognitive decline and neuro degenerative diseases by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain.
Allergy relief
Vitamin C may help alleviate symptoms of allergies by reducing inflammation and histamine levels in the body.
Longevity
Some studies suggest that vitamin C supplementation may contribute to longevity by reducing the risk of chronic diseases and promoting overall health and well-being.
Fertility
Vitamin C has been associated with improved fertility in both men and women; with studies suggesting that adequate intake of vitamin C may enhance sperm quality and female fertility.
And thats not all, Vitamin C is also great for joint health, liver health, weight management, asthma management, detoxification, skin brightening, hydration, UV protection, healthy hair, blood sugar regulation, hangover relief, mental health and much more.
| VITAMIN C FOODS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Peppers | Watercress | Cabbage | Broccoli |
| Cauliflower | Strawberries | Citrus Fruit | Kiwi |
| Parsley | Melons | Tomatoes | Blackcurrants |
| Apples | Papaya | Bean Sprouts | Spinach |
How much vitamin c do we need?
In the UK, the Recommended Nutrient Intake (RNI) is used to guide nutrient intake recommendations.
The RNI for Vitamin C in the UK is:
- Children (0 -3 years): 25mg per day
- Children (4- 10 years): 30 mg per day
- Children (11-14 years): 35mg per day
- Children and adults (aged 15 and over): 40mg per day.
According to the scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) these recommendations are based on maintaining health and preventing deficiency but individual requirements may vary.
BUT WHAT IF WE TOOK MORE THEN THE rni?
While the Recommended Nutrient Intake (RNI) provides guidelines for daily vitamin C consumption, some authors and researchers argue that higer doses of this essential nutrient could offer significant health advantages. Lets delve into this topic further, exploring the perspective of authors who advocate for high dose vitamin C and the potential benefits they claim it can provide.
1. Linus Pauling
A two- time nobel prize winner, Linus Pauling was a vocal advocate for high dose vitamin C supplementation. His groundbreaking research and publications, including 'Vitamin C and The Common Cold' and 'How to Live Longer and Feel Better' popularised the idea of megadose vitamin C therapy for various health conditions.
2. Dr Thomas Levy
As a cardiologist and author, Dr. Levy has extensively researched the therapeutic potential of high- dose vitamin C. His book ' Curing the Incurable: Vitamin C, infectious Diseases, and Toxins' explores the use of Vitamin C in combating infectious diseases and toxins, advocating for its use as a powerful therapeutic agent.
3. Dr Andrew Saul
A prominent figure in orthomolecular medicine, Dr. Saul has written extensively on the benefits of high-dose vitamin C supplementation. In 'Doctor Yourself: Natural Healing That Works' he discusses the role of vitamin C in promoting overall health and wellness, emphasising its importance in preventing and treating various ailments.
4. Dr. Frederick R. Klenner
Dr. Klenner's pioneering work in high-dose vitamin C therapy laid the foundation for subsequent research in this field. His clinical observations and case studies demonstrated the effectiveness of high dose vitamin C in treating infectious diseases, neurological disorders and other medical conditions.
These doctors suggested high dose vitamin C ranging from 2g to 100g of Vitamin c daily depending on the patient, advocating frequent and divided doses throughout the day to maintain steady blood levels of vitamin C. In most cases, they recommend supplementing 500mg to 1g+ every hour and more in the case of acute illness with 1g of vitamin C to be 2.5 times the RNI for an adult in the UK. This approach is rooted in the evidence that vitamin C has a short half-life in the body and is rapidly excreted through urine, so frequent dosing is necessary to maintain optimal levels in the bloodstream.
Dr Thomas Levy suggests taking liposomal vitamin C which may offer better absorption and bioavailability compared to traditional oral supplements. Dr Saul suggests to start off with lower doses and gradually increase to higher doses as tolerated, with the sign of too much Vitamin C being, loose bowels. In acute illness, the otion of I/V vitamin C could be of benefit.
Some studies have suggested that high dose vitamin C may have anti cancer effects, including the ability to selectively kill cancer cells while sparing healthy cells.
Putting high dose vitamin c to the test
Since becoming a mum in 2014, I have had to anxiously call for an ambulance at least sixty times due to my daughters experience of severe respiratory illnesses. These illnesses have been so unsettling as I have helplessly observed my child struggling to breathe on multiple occasions. We have experienced bronchiolitus, viral wheezing, pneumonia, respiratory syncytial virus infection and croup over the years and it has been horrible to watch my children suffer.
Since discovering the side effects of the steriods , mainly Dexamethasone that were administered to my children by paramedics during these respiratory illness episodes, I have tried countless other natural remedies to deter these symptoms.
Since learning about high dose vitamin C and its association with reduced respiratory illness, I began supplementing my children with 1g of liposomal vitamin C, as much as hourly during their episodes of illness. I have noticed a huge difference and it has now been over 1 year since my children have required an ambulance, a hospital and steroids. We have had quite a few nights where I have noticed symptoms worsening but I have been able to manage this at home with Vitamin C every hour with other natural remedies.
In conclusion, the story of vitamin C is far more nuanced and complex that its reputation as a simple cold remedy might suggest. While vitamin C undoubtedly plays a critical role in immune function and overall health, its benefits extend far beyond preventing the common cold. From supporting collagen synthesis to potentially aiding in cancer therapy, Vitamin C continues to be a fascinating subject of science. By shedding some light on the untold story of vitamin C, we gain a deeper understanding of its potential benefits, empowering us to make informed choices about our health and not being restricted to only using medications which can have damaging side effects.
the importance of balance
While Vitamin C undoubtedly offers numerous health benefits, its essential to remember that while vitamin C supplementation may be beneficial for certain individuals, particularly those at risk of deficiency, relying solely on supplements is not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle that includes a varied diet rich in nutrient dense foods.
Its essential to approach vitamin C supplementation with caution and to consult a healthcare professional before making any significant changes to your diet and supplement regimen. This blog is not a personal recommendation to supplement with Vitamin C, always consult your healthcare provider. A naturopathic doctor or nutritionist will have had extensive education in this area.
References
Hemila, H., & Chalker, E (2013) Vitamin C for preventing and treating the common cold.
Vitamin C: The state of the Art in Disease Prevention Sixty Years After The Nobel Prize by Hans A. Bachrach & Emil Ginter (2012)
Ascorbate: The Science of Vitamin C by Steve Hickley & Hilary Roberts (2004)
Vitamin C and cardiovascular Disease by Balz Frei (2007)
Vitamin C and Eye Health by R.H Stalmans and P. A Weikel (2013)
The Relationship of Vitamin C Status, Cortisol and Stress in University Students by Fiala, S. C., & Whiting, S. J. (2018)
Vitamin C and Gout: An Overview and Review of the Literature by Juraschek S. P., Miller III, E. R., Gelber, A. C. (2011)
Vitamin C and Mood: A Review of the Literature and Future Research Directions by Kennedy, D. O. (2016)
Vitamin C and Exercise: What Do We Know? by Peters, E. M., & Goetzsche, J. M. (2001)
Vitamin C in dermatology by Farris, P. K. (2006)
Vitamin C and Bone Health: A Review on current issues and perspectives by Sahni, S., Hannan, M. T., Gagnon, D., & Blumberg, J. (2009)
Vitamin C and Respiratory Health by Carr, A. C., & Maggini, S. (2017)
Vitamin C and Cancer: A Review by Padayatty, S. J., & Levine, M. (2008)
Handbook of Nutrition, Diet and Inflammation edited by Victor R. Preedy (2018)
Vitamin C and periodontal health: A review of the literature by Chapple, I.L., & Matthews, J. B. (2007)
Vitamin C and cognitive function: A review on current evidence and biological mechanisms by Travica, N., Ried, K., Sali, A., Scholey, A., & Hudson, I (2017)
Natural solutions to Allergies by Casey Adams (2004)
Vitamin C: The Real Story by Steve Hickley and Andrew W Saul (2008)
How to Live Longer and Feel Better by Linus Pauling
Curing the Incurable: Vitamin C, infectious Diseases, and Toxins by Dr Thomas Levy.
Doctor Yourself: Natural Healing That Works by Dr. Andrew Saul
Dietary Reference Values, A guide on https://assets.publishing.service.gov uk
Vitamin C and Cancer: Medicine or Politics by Abram Hoffer and Linus Pauling.
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