VitaminA vitamin is an organic molecule, which means it’s a naturally occurring compound made up mostly of carbon. Our bodies need vitamins in small amounts to function properly. They help with many important jobs, including: • Building and maintaining healthy… Read More C, also known as ascorbic acidA Deep Dive into pH, Health, and Everyday Life Have you ever puckered your lips after biting into a lemon or felt a burning sensation in your chest after a spicy meal? That’s the tangy sensation of acidity in action…. Read More, is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a vital role in numerous bodily functions. Think of it as a multi-tool in your body’s toolbox, essential for immune systemYour immune system is like your body’s own personal security force, constantly on guard against invaders like germs (bacteria, viruses, etc.). It’s a complex network of organs, cells, and proteins that work together to protect you from getting sick. But… Read More support, collagen production, and antioxidant protection. It’s like a powerful shield, safeguarding your cellsCells are the basic building blocks of all living things. Think of them like tiny rooms that make up a much larger house—your body! Examples of cells: • Animal cells: These make up animals like you, cats, and birds. • Plant… Read More from damage caused by harmful free radicalsImagine atoms as tiny building blocks with connectors called electrons. They prefer to pair up their electrons, creating stable structures. However, sometimes an atom loses an electron, leaving it with an unpaired one. This unstable atom becomes a “free radical,”… Read More.

What is Vitamin C?

Vitamin C is an organicThe word “organic” has two main meanings related to living organisms and the natural world. Here’s a breakdown of its definition, origin, and how it applies to food and health: Etymology and Origin: • Origin: The word “organic” stems from… Read More compound found in various fruits and vegetables. It’s a crucial nutrient that your body can’t produce on its own, making it essential to obtain it through your diet or supplements.

Etymology and History:

The name “vitamin C” is derived from:

• Vitamin: Short for “vital amine,” a term coined in the early 20th centuryA century is a period of 100 years. Examples: • The 21st Century: The years 2000 to 2099. • The 19th Century: The years 1800 to 1899. • The 8th Century BC: The years 800 BC to 701 BC. Etymology:… Read More to describe essential organic compounds.
• C: The letter “C” was assigned to this vitamin because it was the third water-soluble vitamin to be discovered.

The discovery of vitamin C is credited to Hungarian biochemist Albert Szent-Györgyi, who isolatedThe word “isolated” is a versatile term that finds its way into numerous conversations, from scientific research to everyday life. While its meaning might seem straightforward, it encompasses a nuanced array of definitions and applications, particularly within the realms of… Read More it from adrenal glands in 1928. His work on vitamin C and its role in preventing scurvy earned him the Nobel Prize in Physiology or MedicineMedicine is the field of science and practice that deals with the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and cure of disease. Think of it like this: • Your body is a complex machine. • Medicine is like a toolbox, and knowledge is… Read More in 1937.

Vitamin C in Everyday Life and Medicine:

• Common Cold: “Many people take vitamin C supplements when they feel a cold coming on, hoping to boost their immune system.”
• Nutrition Labels: “Orange juice is a good source of vitamin C, which is essential for collagen synthesis and wound healing.”
• Lab Reports: Vitamin C levels can be measured through bloodBlood is the life force coursing through your veins and arteries, delivering vital oxygen and nutrients to every cell in your body while whisking away waste products. It’s a complex, dynamic fluid—not just a simple red liquid. Consider it a… Read More tests (plasma vitamin C) to assess nutritional status.

Vitamin C and Metabolism: The Antioxidant Warrior

Vitamin C is deeply intertwined with your body’s metabolismImagine your body as a bustling factory. In this factory, “metabolize” is the process of taking raw materials (like food) and transforming them into usable products (like energy). It’s the complex network of chemical reactions that sustains living things, ensuring… Read More, acting as a powerful antioxidant. It neutralizes harmful free radicals, unstable moleculesImagine tiny building blocks that come together to form everything around you, from water to air to your own body! A molecule is a group of two or more atoms held together by strong forces called chemical bonds. Think of… Read More that can damage cells and contribute to various diseases. It’s also involved in:

• Collagen Synthesis: Vitamin C is essential for the production of collagen, a proteinImagine your body as a bustling construction site, where every structure is meticulously built and maintained. Proteins are the versatile workers that make it all happen. They’re not just one thing but an entire workforce, each with a specialized role…. Read More that provides structure to your skin, bones, and connective tissues.
• IronIron, a trace mineral often associated with strength and vitality, is a fundamental component of life. Imagine it as the tiny spark that ignites a fire, fueling essential processes within your body. From carrying oxygen throughout your bloodstream to supporting… Read More AbsorptionAbsorption refers to the process of how your body takes in nutrients from the food you eat. Imagine it like a gateway that allows the broken-down bits of your food to pass from your digestive system into your bloodstream, where… Read More: It enhances the absorption of iron, a crucial mineralA mineral is a naturally occurring, inorganic solid substance with a definite chemical composition and an orderly crystalline structure. Unlike vitamins, which are organic (made by living things), minerals come from the earth and don’t contain carbon as a main… Read More for oxygen transport in the blood.
• Immune Function: Vitamin C supports immune cell function and helps protect against infectionsAn infection is like a party crasher in your body. It happens when harmful germs, like bacteria or viruses, invade your body tissues and start reproducing. This unwelcome invasion can disrupt your body’s normal functions, including your metabolism. • Synonyms: Well-documented… Read More.
• Wound Healing: It’s involved in the repair of tissues and wound healing.

Impact of Sugar on Vitamin C: A Complex Interaction

While sugarIn everyday terms, sugar refers to the sweet, crystalline substance we add to coffee, bake into cakes, or find naturally in fruits. But from a scientific perspective, sugar encompasses a broader category of molecules called carbohydrates. These are the body’s… Read More doesn’t directly deplete vitamin C, excessive sugar intake can indirectly affect its levels and utilization in the body. High-sugar diets can lead to oxidative stressOxidative stress is a state of imbalance within the body, where the production of harmful molecules called free radicals outpaces the body’s ability to neutralize them. It’s akin to a seesaw tipping precariously, where the reactive oxygen species (free radicals)… Read More, which increases the demand for antioxidantsImagine your body’s cells as a bustling city with various activities taking place. In this city, antioxidants are like the dedicated maintenance crews that roam the streets, repairing damage and ensuring the smooth functioning of the city. They are molecules… Read More like vitamin C. Additionally, chronicChronic simply means “happening over a long period of time” or “of long duration.” Imagine a situation that keeps going on and on, unlike something short-lived. • Other Names: You might not encounter many other terms for chronic in everyday… Read More high blood sugarBlood sugar, also known as blood glucose, is a type of simple sugar circulating in your bloodstream. It can be a primary source of energy for your cells. Your body can get blood sugar from carbohydrates that you eat. The… Read More can impair vitamin C transport into cells, potentially contributing to a deficiency.

Research on Vitamin C:

Extensive research has explored the diverse functions and health benefits of vitamin C:

• Carr, A. C., & Maggini, S. (2017). Vitamin C and Immune Function. Nutrients, 9(11), 1211. This review article discusses the role of vitamin C in supporting the immune system and its potential benefits in preventing and treating infections.

Additional Information:

• Synonyms: Ascorbic acid, L-ascorbic acid
• Dietary Sources: Citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, grapefruits), strawberries, kiwi, bell peppers, broccoli, tomatoes, potatoes.
• Deficiency: Scurvy, a disease characterized by bleeding gums, fatigue, and skin problems, is caused by severe vitamin C deficiency.
• Excess: While generally safe, very high doses of vitamin C supplements (over 2,000 mg per day) can cause digestive problems like diarrhea.

Vitamin C and Ketosis:

While there’s limited research on the direct effects of vitamin C on ketosisA Deep Dive into the Metabolic State Transforming Health and Wellness Imagine your body as a hybrid car, capable of running on two distinct fuel sources: gasoline (carbohydrates) and electricity (fat). Ketosis is like switching your body’s engine from gasoline… Read More, maintaining adequate vitamin C intake is essential for overall health, even when following a ketogenic diet1. Simple Definition: Imagine your body is like a hybrid car with two fuel tanks: one for gasoline (sugar) and one for electricity (ketones). The ketogenic diet, or keto diet, is like switching your car’s engine to run primarily on… Read More. Some studies suggest that vitamin C may even have a protective effect against keto flu, the temporary symptoms some people experience when starting a ketogenic diet.