Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a naturally occurring organic compound with antioxidant properties.
Vitamin C is important for the proper functioning of the immune system and the synthesis of collagen in the body. Collagen strengthens blood vessels, skin, muscles and bones. Man cannot create collagen without vitamin C and moreover he cannot synthesize it autonomously, therefore it is essential to introduce it through the diet (for example citrus fruits are rich in it) or through the use of vitamin supplements.
An excessive intake of vitamin C, higher than the useful and absorbable level by the body, can lead to nausea or intestinal discharges, in which case it is advisable to drink more water and temporarily interrupt the intake. However, there are normally no other possible problems, because the body can easily expel excess vitamin C, even through the urine.
The need for vitamin C is greater for people who smoke or have the flu or other viral infections and therefore are under greater oxidative stress.
Vitamin C deficiency in the daily diet can lead to scurvy and a general weakening of the immune system, as well as the musculoskeletal system.
The efficacy of vitamin C in preventing and alleviating symptoms of virus-induced respiratory disease (JMPT Online)
The study was done on 463 students between 18 and 30 years old, of which about half constituted the control group. Students in the control group who fell ill with the flu received anti-inflammatory and decongestant treatment, while those in the test group who fell ill with the flu received hourly doses of 1000 mg of vitamin C for the first 6 hours and then doses by 1000 mg three times a day on subsequent days. Those in the control group who had no flu symptoms also received 1000 mg doses of vitamin C three times a day. Overall, the cold and flu symptoms in the test group were reduced by 85% compared to the control group.
This study states that it would be beneficial to increase the recommended daily amount of vitamin C from 60mg (current level) to around 120mg to maximize the number of positive health effects.
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