Dynamic Duo of Fighting Illness: It’s cold and flu season and you notice a cough or runny nose work its way into your day. What’s your first thought? Vitamin C! It’s one of the most important vitamins your immune system needs when viruses, bugs, and everyday germs are out and about.
Why? This important vitamin helps our defense systems stay strong so we can effectively fight off illnesses and symptoms of run-down immunity. Read on for more information on vitamin C, what to do when you notice signs of deficiency and the recommended amount you need each day. Additionally, we’ll clue you in on how to find the best vitamin C supplement on the market!
Table of Contents
Importance of Vitamin C
Vitamin C offers a diverse amount of benefits, especially for immune health.
Among its many powerful effects, vitamin C is one of the strongest antioxidants. Toxins and free radicals damage immune function and make it easier to catch an illness. Fortunately, vitamin C’s antioxidant properties help balance the body’s oxidative stress for stronger immunity.
Plus, this water-soluble vitamin preserves healthy cellular function and fortifies our natural defense systems against common infections and illnesses. Research on vitamin C has shown to help reduce the severity and duration of upper respiratory infections like the common cold while promoting a healthy immune response to typical symptoms of viruses and flus.
And vitamin C’s antiviral effects don’t stop there. This powerful vitamin has also proven to support patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome and sepsis by improving their symptoms.
How Much Vitamin C Do I Need Per Day?
Below is a guide for vitamin C’s Recommended Dietary Allowances:
- 0-6 months: 40 milligrams
- 7-12 months: 50 milligrams
- 1-3 years: 15 milligrams
- 4-8 years: 25 milligrams
- 9-13 years: 45 milligrams
- Male 14-18 years: 75 milligrams
- Female 14-18 years: 65 milligrams
- Male adults: 90 milligrams
- Female adults: 75 milligrams
- Pregnant teenagers: 80 milligrams
- Breastfeeding teenagers: 115 milligrams
- Pregnant adults: 85 milligrams
- Breastfeeding adults: 120 milligrams
Monitor the amount of vitamin C you take each day and remember that 2,000 milligrams is the safe maximum. If you take more, you might experience symptoms such as nausea and diarrhea. Some people may also feel flushed or heated.
Additionally, our bodies absorb less than 50% of vitamin C when we take more than 1,000 milligrams a day. Consult with a healthcare professional before taking amounts above this limit.
Symptoms of Vitamin C Deficiency
- Slowed wound healing
- Skin lesions and injuries
- Loss of teeth and gum infections
- Fatigue and excessive tiredness
- New hair loss
- Iron-deficiency anemia
While vitamin C is fairly rare in America and other developed countries, we can experience an increased risk if we:
- Struggle with alcohol or drug abuse
- Smoke or have exposure to secondhand smoke
- Avoid eating citrus fruits and vegetables
Vitamin C supplements can help us fill in the gaps where we miss it in our daily diets.
Best Vitamin C Supplement
Pure Encapsulations Optiferin-C
Immunity isn’t the only area that vitamin C can benefit! With Optiferin-C, you can experience a boost in energy levels, athletic performance, and circulatory health because it combines three essential nutrients — vitamin C, iron, and calcium.
This impressive trio of nutrients helps the body in a variety of ways. Because a deficiency in vitamin C can lead to iron-deficiency anemia, it makes sense to pair these nutrients together for healthy circulation. Iron assists hemoglobin production, which transports oxygen throughout the body. Plus, iron helps immune cells reproduce for added immune protection.
Calcium strengthens immunity too! In fact, just a flash of calcium triggers the immune response that helps heal tissue and protect against infections.
Here’s what else this powerful vitamin C supplement contains:
- Vitamin C
- Iron bis-glycinate
- Calcium ascorbate
- Water
- Cellulose
- Ascorbyl palmitate
Try Pure Encapsulations Optiferin-C for the three-in-one punch of vitamin C, iron, and calcium!
Recommended Intake: Take one capsule one to three times a day with your meals.
Vitamin C: Immunity’s Secret Weapon
Maintain strong immunity with a healthy diet, lifestyle, and a daily vitamin C supplement! It’s the perfect nutrient to keep on hand, whether it’s for daily immune support or quick protection against infections. Be sure to check out the best vitamin C supplements at a health food store you can trust.
If you’re taking prescription medications, remember to consult with your doctor or naturopath as vitamin C supplements may interact with these medications.
