What do you think of when you think of Vitamin C? I think of a large bowl of red ripe strawberries in the summer or a freshly sliced lemon in my water or iced tea…
Vitamin C is an essential vitamin, but because (unlike most other animals) we don’t make our own, we need to ingest it. It’s also a water soluble vitamin which means that rather than being stored in our fat cells, we need a regular diet including vitamin C sources.
Benefits of Vitamin C:
Decreases wrinkles. Vitamin C can help with the formation of collagen and elastin (your skin’s matrix) at the dermal level. When you have enough Vitamin C in your diet, your skin will glow.
A powerful antioxidant. It keeps your skin from free radical damage. Free radicals are formed during metabolism and normal daily cell functions. Vitamin C helps tie up these free radicals before they can move around and damage your body tissues and cells.
Iron absorption. Iron from plant sources is not readily available to our bodies for use, but Vitamin C helps change these plant iron molecules to a more absorbable form.
Immune system. Vitamin C is involved in the function of several immune cells, mainly in leukocytes, lymphocytes and macrophages. It is in part of the processes that make antibodies. These immune cells produce reactive oxygen molecules as part of their defense against foreign bodies, so the antioxidant properties of Vitamin C come in handy here too. Vitamin C does not prevent us from contracting a cold, but it does lessen its severity and length. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29099763/
Wound healing. Vitamin C helps supply the healthy foundational matrix so healthy tissue can grow and develop, which promotes wound healing.
Strong, healthy body. Collagen is a structural protein for bones, muscles, and many more cells. Vitamin C is needed for collagen formation. In extreme cases (a month or more of no Vitamin C), scurvy can occur with many unhappy symptoms. Fortunately this is rare in the US but unfortunately still occurs in some developing countries.
What foods contain Vitamin C?
citrus fruits
berries
leafy green vegetables
tomatoes
yellow peppers
thyme
broccoli
brussels sprout
Who is at risk for a Vitamin C deficiency?
People with chronic diseases or malabsorption issues
Infants on evaporated or boiled milk - not fortified formulas
Smokers and passive smoke inhalers
People that eat a diet low fruits and vegetables
What skin care products contain Vitamin C?
Honest Company’s Serum Vitamin C Radiance with artichoke and clover extracts Cost $ 27.99 (I currently use and love this one, it is gentle)
Revitalift Derm Intensives Vitamin C concentrate Cost $ 20.44 ( I have tried this but is is a thicker cream like texture)
Murad Vita - C Glycolic Brightening Serum Cost $ 80.00 - I have not tried this one, but the cost and the reviews that say it is drying are my reasons for a no.
Vitamin C is an essential vitamin. Get it daily in all the variety of foods you choose to eat and be creative and try something new!
Enjoy this fun video above featuring skin hints, real food and Vitamin C.
Ciao,
Jamie
Next post: Vitamin E and your skin
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Contact Info
Linus Pauling Institute | Oregon State University
307 Linus Pauling Science Center
Corvallis, Oregon 97331
phone: 541-737-5075 | fax: 541-737-5077
"This link leads to a website provided by the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University. Jamie Brown is not affiliated or endorsed by the Linus Pauling Institute or Oregon State University."
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