When you hear vitamin C, the first thing that probably comes to mind is its ability to enhance your immune system. You are right – this is one of vitamin C’s main roles within your body, but vitamin C also has many other qualities which make it a superstar.
STRESS MANAGEMENT
Your stress hormones – adrenalin and cortisol – along with others are made within your adrenal glands, and this process requires vitamin C. If you find yourself under stress, your body uses more of these hormones to combat this, and this means more vitamin C is used up. If stress becomes long-term and chronic, this requires a lot of vitamin C, and your body may not have sufficient amounts for the other roles it plays. In turn, your immune system could suffer and you may find yourself getting sick more often.
COLLAGEN BUILDING
The structure of your body requires collagen to build your tendons, cartilage, bones and skin. Collagen is vital for your ease of movement and skin vitality. Vitamin C is an essential building block for the production of collagen within your body. If you lack vitamin C, it can affect the structure and function of your body, affecting your quality of life.
FAT METABOLISM
Vitamin C is involved in fat metabolism too! It works with other nutrients to produce carnitine, a substance that transports fatty acids as fuel into cells of your body that create energy. These cells, known as mitochondria, are throughout your body and without the transporter carnitine, you may be left feeling flat and lacking vitality.
IRON ABSORPTION AND ANTIOXIDANT EFFECTS
Vitamin C is also involved in the absorption of iron, and acts as a powerful antioxidant to reduce damaging free radicals in your body.
That’s quite an impressive resume for one vitamin! It really highlights the importance of having vitamin C on a daily basis. Vitamin C is not produced by your body, so you need to consume it regularly. It is also water soluble which means it doesn’t last very long in your body, so you need to top it up frequently.
There are many options to choose from when looking at a vitamin C supplement. A key consideration is how well your body absorbs it.
Lighthouse Lypo-caps Vitamin C is mixed with lecithin to maximise its absorption in your digestive system. This form of vitamin C is absorbed by your small intestine into your lymphatic system, which enhances its delivery into your body and cells, where it is more likely to be used effectively, rather than being quickly removed by your kidneys into your urine.
By Ben Smyth, Naturopath
Always read the label and take as directed. If symptoms persist, consult your healthcare professional. Lighthouse Health Distributors Limited, Hamilton.
