Vitamin C is an essential antioxidant that contributes to the growth and repair of body tissues. Most vitamins are obtained from food, as the body does not naturally produce them or produces them only in very small amounts. Vitamin C occurs naturally in many foods, especially fruits and vegetables. Good sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits, such as oranges and lemons, and leafy greens, such as spinach and kale.
While a balanced diet should be sufficient to obtain healthy levels of vitamin C, many adults resort to vitamin supplements to eliminate the risk of deficiency. Vitamin C supplements can be an easy and effective way to ensure your daily requirements are met. Let’s take a closer look at the role of vitamin C and how supplements can contribute to the healthy function of the body.
The Role of Vitamin C For Those in Nutrition and Health Programs
Vitamin C is an important antioxidant for protecting the body against the damaging effects of free radicals, toxic chemicals, and pollutants such as cigarette smoke. The buildup of free radicals can cause long-term damage with the risk of health conditions such as cancer, heart disease, and arthritis.
Those with nutrition and health training know the importance of antioxidants in protecting the body from harmful toxins
As well as offering protection, Vitamin C is also involved in numerous functions of the body:
- Collagen formation
- Iron absorption
- Wound healing
- Supporting the immune system
- Maintenance of cartilage, bones, and teeth
As vitamin C is not stored in the body, it must be regularly consumed in a diet to maintain sufficient levels. While vitamin C deficiency is relatively rare, supplements offer a good solution for those concerned about the effectiveness of their diet. A vitamin C supplement can ensure the continued function of the body. Students in nutrition and health programs will understand how to evaluate an individual’s nutritional needs and develop a dietary plan that accounts for any deficiencies they may have.
Vitamin C supplements can support regular body functions
The Health Benefits of Vitamin C
Individuals with sufficient levels of vitamin C will reap the many health benefits it has to offer. When regular body functions suffer, the effects can be widespread and the person may notice a decline in their overall health and wellbeing. For those with dietary deficiencies, a vitamin C supplement can offer numerous health benefits:
- Stress – maintaining healthy levels of vitamin C can reduce the chance of stress-related diseases
- Colds – taking vitamin C for colds and flu can reduce the risk of developing more serious complications
- Stroke – higher concentrations of vitamin C in the blood is often associated with lower stroke risk
- Skin aging – vitamin C maintains healthy cell function and is linked to reduced wrinkles and dryness in the skin
Professionals with nutrition and health training understand how nutrition influences individual health and how diet changes, including the addition of supplements, can prevent different illnesses.
Vitamin C supplements can reduce the risk of developing more serious illnesses
How Supplements Can Help
Many people don’t get enough nutrients on a daily basis to optimize the function and wellbeing of their body. While vitamin C is found in a variety of fruits and vegetables, many diets are still in short supply of this essential antioxidant. In addition to those with an insufficient diet, people who smoke or suffer from health conditions that involve malabsorption are at particular risk of vitamin C deficiency. In those cases, a vitamin C supplement may be the answer. Many people find it easier to take a single supplement, rather than adapting their whole diet. In that way, vitamin C supplements can offer a simple and effective way to boost nutritional absorption on a daily basis.
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