Why You Need Vitamin C for Your Immune System
By Lydia Wallie, Nutrition Director
Vitamin C is one of the main supplements recommended to boost immune function. (1) What benefits does it provide? It has been shown to substantially reduce the incidence or severity of respiratory infections. (2) It empowers the immune system, promotes the growth, activity, and movement of some immune cells (macrophages, lymphocytes, natural killer cells) which allows the body to more effectively fight infections. And, after a viral or bacterial infection, Vitamin C supports the process of recovery from the damage caused. (3)
Make sure you obtain Vitamin C consistently!
“A relatively high maintained level of vitamin C throughout the body is thought to lower the risk of viral infection by assisting the immune system in detecting and destroying foreign microbes such as viruses that attack the nasopharynx and lungs. In addition, oral doses of vitamin C can directly denature viruses.” (4)
However, if there’s a Vitamin C deficiency, the result is impaired immunity and higher susceptibility to infections. (5)
Make sure you’re consuming Vitamin C through food...and supplementation if needed. But don’t go stock up on Vitamin C! Not all Vitamin C supplements are the same. Stay tuned for more details on optimal Vitamin C sources.
Sources:
(1) Personalogix Health Academy: Clinical Use of Nutritional Support to Fortify the Immune System (Dr. Angeli Maun Akey)
(2) https://doi.org/10.7205/MILMED.169.11.920
(3) http://orthomolecular.org/resources/omns/v16n21.shtml#Ref22
(4) http://orthomolecular.org/resources/omns/v16n21.shtml#Ref29