Vitamin C in An Nutshell

Also known as ascorbic acid, vitamin C is necessary for more than 300 metabolic functions in the body which among others include tissue growth and repair, adrenal gland function and healthy gum. It can function synergistically with vitamin E and carotene and reinforce each other. The following are the major roles Vitamin C plays:

• Aiding in production of anti-stress hormones and interferon, an important immune-system protein
• Reduction of asthma symptoms
• Protection against harm from pollution
• Prevention of cancer
• Protection against infection
• Enhancement of immunity
• Increasing absorption of iron
• Combination with toxic substances and getting rejected from the body together
• Reduction of low density lipoprotein (LDL, the so-called bad cholesterol), while increasing the level of high density lipoprotein (HDL, the good cholesterol)
• Lowering high blood pressure
• Helping prevent atherosclerosis
• Essential for collagen formation
• Prevention of abnormal blood clotting and bruising
• Reduction of cataract
• Promotion of natural healing of wounds and burns

Major deficiency Syndromes:

• Scurvy (poor wound healing, soft and spongy bleeding gum, edema, extremely weakness and hemorrhages under the skin
• Susceptibility to infection, especially colds and bronchial infections
• Joint pains
• Lack of energy
• Poor digestion
• Difficult wound healing
• Tooth loss