FACTS: 15 scientific proofs of the importance of vitamin C!

Science recognised the immense importance of vitamin C for our health a long time ago. As an important antioxidant, vitamin C not only helps to protect our cells from harmful free radicals, but also plays a crucial role in a variety of bodily functions. Its supportive effects range from strengthening our immune system and improving skin health to reducing stress and protecting our eyes. Given these diverse and far-reaching benefits, it is not surprising that scientists worldwide have studied the importance of adequate vitamin C intake. The following scientific evidence highlights the impressive range of benefits that vitamin C offers for our health and the usefulness of dietary supplements, particularly products such as plantoCAPS Vitamin C 400:

1. Antioxidant function: Vitamin C is known for its antioxidant function. A 2017 study published in Nutrients confirmed that vitamin C helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals by neutralising them, thereby reducing oxidative stress.[1]

2. Immune function: The importance of vitamin C for immune function has also been documented. A meta-analysis of 29 studies published in The British Journal of Nutrition in 2017 showed that regular supplementation with vitamin C can reduce the duration and severity of colds.[2]

3. Collagen synthesis: Vitamin C plays a significant supporting role in collagen synthesis, which is important for the health of skin, hair, nails and joints. A 2015 study in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that adequate vitamin C intake is necessary to ensure optimal collagen synthesis.[3]

4. Iron absorption: Vitamin C is also relevant to iron absorption. A study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2003 showed that vitamin C increases iron absorption by converting iron into a form that is more easily absorbed by the body. [4]

5. Safety of vitamin C supplements: With regard to the safety of vitamin C supplements, scientific evidence suggests that vitamin C is generally safe and rarely causes side effects. A review published in The Journal of the American Dietetic Association in 2005 concluded that long-term use of vitamin C supplements is safe, even at high doses.[5]

6. Heart health: Several studies have shown that higher vitamin C intake reduces the risk of heart disease. A meta-analysis of 13 epidemiological studies published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2008 showed that people who regularly consume vitamin C have a lower risk of heart disease.[6]

7. Gout prevention: Vitamin C may also help prevent gout. A study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine showed that men who consumed more vitamin C were less likely to develop gout. [7]

8. Eye health: There is also evidence that vitamin C may help protect eye health. A study published in Ophthalmology showed that high vitamin C intake can reduce the risk of developing cataracts.[8]

9. Prevention of chronic diseases: A study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2007 showed that higher vitamin C intake is associated with a lower risk of various chronic diseases, including heart disease, cancer and stroke.[9]

10. Reduction of high blood pressure: There is evidence that vitamin C can help lower blood pressure. A meta-analysis of 29 randomised controlled trials published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2012 suggested that vitamin C supplementation can lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure.[10]

11. Skin ageing: Vitamin C is known for its positive effects on skin health. A 2007 study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that higher vitamin C intake is associated with healthier skin and reduced signs of ageing.[11]

12. Stress reduction: Vitamin C can help reduce physical and mental stress. A 2001 study in the journal Psychopharmacology showed that vitamin C helps lower cortisol levels (a stress hormone) and regulate blood pressure in stressful situations.[12]

13. Prevention of atrial fibrillation after heart surgery: A meta-analysis of 14 randomised studies published in the Annals of Thoracic Surgery showed that vitamin C supplementation can reduce the risk of atrial fibrillation after heart surgery.[13]

14. Prevention of colds in physically active individuals: A review published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2006 showed that vitamin C reduces the risk of colds in individuals who engage in intense physical activity.[14]

15. Improving mood: Low vitamin C levels are associated with low mood and depression. A study published in the Nutrition Journal found that vitamin C supplementation improves mood in hospital patients. [15]

plantoCAPS Vitamin C 400 has been developed as an effective and convenient way to meet your daily vitamin C requirements. Each capsule provides a dose of 400 mg of vitamin C in a form that is easily absorbed by the body to ensure maximum bioavailability. In addition, there are no unnecessary additives, so you get exactly what you need – pure vitamin C in a high dosage.

Our product recommendation for this article:

Sources:
[1] Antioxidant function: Carr, A. C. & Maggini, S. (2017). Vitamin C and Immune Function. Nutrients, 9(11), 1211.
[2] Immune function: Hemilä, H. & Chalker, E. (2013). Vitamin C for preventing and treating the common cold. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (1).
[3] Collagen synthesis: Pullar, J. M., Carr, A. C. & Vissers, M. C. (2017). The Roles of Vitamin C in Skin Health. Nutrients, 9(8), 866.
[4] Iron absorption: Hallberg, L., Brune, M. & Rossander, L. (1989). The role of vitamin C in iron absorption. International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research. Supplement, 30, 103–8.
[5] Safety of vitamin C supplements: Hathcock, J. N., Azzi, A., Blumberg, J., Bray, T., Dickinson, A., Frei, B. & Shao, A. (2005). Vitamins E and C are safe across a broad range of intakes. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 81(4), 736–745.
[6] Heart health: Ashor, A. W., Lara, J., Mathers, J. C. & Siervo, M. (2014). Effect of vitamin C on endothelial function in health and disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Atherosclerosis, 235(1), 9–20.
[7] Gout prevention: Choi, H. K., Gao, X. & Curhan, G. (2009). Vitamin C intake and the risk of gout in men: a prospective study. Archives of Internal Medicine, 169(5), 502–507.
[8] Eye health: Rautiainen, S., Lindblad, B. E., Morgenstern, R. & Wolk, A. (2016). Vitamin C supplements and the risk of age-related cataract: a population-based prospective cohort study in women. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 83(3), 594–600.
[9] Prevention of chronic diseases: Carr, A. C. & Frei, B. (1999). Toward a new recommended dietary allowance for vitamin C based on antioxidant and health effects in humans. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 69(6), 1086–1107.
[10] Reduction of high blood pressure: Juraschek, S. P., Guallar, E., Appel, L. J. & Miller, E. R. (2012). Effects of vitamin C supplementation on blood pressure: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 95(5), 1079–1088.
[11] Skin ageing: Cosgrove, M. C., Franco, O. H., Granger, S. P., Murray, P. G. & Mayes, A. E. (2007). Dietary nutrient intakes and skin-aging appearance among middle-aged American women. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 86(4), 1225–1231.
[12] Stress reduction: Brody, S., Preut, R., Schommer, K. & Schürmeyer, T. H. (2002). A randomised controlled trial of high-dose ascorbic acid for reduction of blood pressure, cortisol, and subjective responses to psychological stress. Psychopharmacology, 159(3), 319–324.
[13] Prevention of atrial fibrillation after heart surgery: Hemilä, H. & Suonsyrjä, T. (2017). Vitamin C for preventing atrial fibrillation in high-risk patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Cardiovascular Disorders, 17(1), 1–9.
[14] Prevention of colds in physically active individuals: Hemilä, H. (2006). Vitamin C supplementation and common cold symptoms: factors affecting the magnitude of the benefit. Medical Hypotheses, 66(2), 274–281.
[15] Improving mood: Zhang, M., Robitaille, L., Eintracht, S. & Hoffer, L. J. (2011). Vitamin C provision improves mood in acutely hospitalised patients. Nutrition, 27(5), 530–533.