Health Benefits of Vitamin C
- Alleviation of Cardiovascular Disease and High Blood Pressure -
Several studies support that consuming at least 500 mg a day of vitamin
C can increase the amount blood vessels relax, or dilate, in a process
known as vasodilation. This process is thought to help lower blood
pressure, reducing risk of heart attack and other cardiovascular
diseases.
- Increased Immune Function - Vitamin C has a reputation for
boosting immune function and possibly preventing incidence of the common
cold. Repeated studies have show this is not true for the general
population and the effect of vitamin C reducing the incidence of cold is
mostly seen in those with a vitamin C deficiency, and in athletes under
intense physical strain.
- Increased Iron Absorption - Vitamin C increases iron
absorption, however, this should be noted with care, as too much vitamin
C can lead to iron toxicity in certain individuals.
People at Risk of a Vitamin C Deficiency
-
Smokers and Passive Smokers - Studies show that smokers have
lower levels of vitamin C in their blood than non-smokers, and this is
thought to be due to increased oxidative stress. Similarly, those
regularly exposed to passive smoke have lower levels of vitamin C in
their blood. People in these groups are advised to consume more vitamin
C, up to 35 mg (50%) more than non-smokers.
- Infants given boiled or evaporated milk - Boiling or
evaporating milk destroys any vitamin C it provides leaving infants
deficient. However, most infant formulas come already fortified with
vitamin C, check nutrition facts of a specific product to be sure.
- People without varied diets - Vitamin C is found mainly in
fresh fruits and vegetables. People who do not eat these foods or who do
not vary their diet greatly are at risk of vitamin C deficiency.
- People with mal-absorption or chronic diseases -
People with mal-absorption diseases, like cachexia, are at increased
risk of vitamin C deficiency. Other high risk groups include those with
cancer, end-stage renal disease (kidney failure), or chronic
hemo-dialysis.
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