Runny nose, sore throat, high fever, cough, joint pain – these symptoms are familiar to anyone who has faced seasonal viruses and infections at least once.
Common colds are accompanied by general weakness, which negatively impacts your daily life, as sometimes it is impossible even to get out of bed. Because of this, you might have to miss work, lectures, or classes. Additionally, you may miss out on entertainment, birthdays, watching your favorite movies, or even just a simple walk in the yard.
With the onset of autumn and winter, the risk of seasonal viruses and infections increases significantly. Temperature changes, lack of sunlight, and crowded indoor spaces all create stress for your body and lead to a weakened immune system.
Fortunately, there is a solution – Vitamin C, which should be taken as a dietary supplement. In this blog, you will find answers regarding the function of Vitamin C, how to take it, its mechanism for fighting the flu, which symptoms indicate a deficiency, and other interesting topics.
Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble, essential micronutrient. Notably, the body cannot produce it on its own. Therefore, it is necessary to obtain it through food or supplements. From a chemical perspective, it is a powerful reducing agent, which defines its primary role – an antioxidant function.
Vitamin C participates in various vital processes, making it a universal vitamin:
Powerful Antioxidant – The human body undergoes oxidative stress daily. This means free radicals are produced, which damage cells, accelerate the aging process, and weaken the immune system. Vitamin C actively counteracts this process.
Collagen Production – Vitamin C is an essential cofactor for enzymes involved in the synthesis of collagen protein. Collagen provides structure to the skin, blood vessels, bones, cartilage, and ligaments. Furthermore, it promotes wound healing and tissue regeneration.
Boosting Immunity – It stimulates the production of white blood cells (leukocytes) and enhances their function. This increases the body's resistance to infections.
Iron Absorption – Vitamin C helps the body better absorb non-heme iron (the iron found in plant-based foods) from the intestines.
Other Processes – Vitamin C is involved in the synthesis of neurotransmitters, steroid hormones, and various metabolic processes.
Among the functions listed above, one of the most important is the antioxidant mechanism of Vitamin C. Let’s discuss this in more detail.
It is known that Vitamin C, due to its chemical properties, can easily donate electrons.
Specifically, how does Vitamin C fight free radicals? Free radicals are unstable molecules with an unpaired electron in their outer orbit. This makes them extremely reactive. They "steal" electrons from normal cellular molecules (such as DNA, lipids, or proteins) to achieve stability. This process leads to oxidative damage and disruption of cellular function.
In this scenario, Vitamin C performs a vital role. Ascorbic acid acts as an electron donor. It voluntarily gives its electron to the free radical. Upon receiving the electron, the free radical stabilizes and loses its destructive capacity. It is noteworthy that after donating its electron, Vitamin C itself turns into an ascorbyl radical (dehydroascorbic acid). However, Vitamin C is unique because its radical form is relatively non-reactive and stable; therefore, it does not damage other cells.
Additionally, Vitamin C can be regenerated back into active Vitamin C with the help of other antioxidants.
Ultimately, it can be said that Vitamin C functions like a "protective shield" in the body. It acts to protect vital cellular molecules from the aggression of free radicals. This ability makes Vitamin C one of the most important mechanisms for protecting the immune system and cells.
Vitamin C is one of the most critical elements for the proper functioning of the immune system. It participates in every stage, from cell activation to inflammation management. It serves several important purposes:
Stimulation of Immune Cells – Vitamin C increases the activity of immune cells, especially: Neutrophils, which are the first to respond when viruses, bacteria, or other harmful agents enter the body; Lymphocytes, which are responsible for producing antibodies; and Phagocytes, which "swallow" pathogens.
Natural Antiviral Protection – First, it must be said that Vitamin C is not an antibiotic, but it does have natural antiviral effects. It enhances the production of interferon – a protein that blocks viral replication. Additionally, Vitamin C increases the resistance level of cells and helps mucous tissues protect themselves from viral invasion.
Reduction of Inflammation – This is the secret to getting through symptoms more easily. Most colds, flus, and other infections are associated with inflammatory processes. Usually, symptoms such as excessive mucus, throat irritation, nasal congestion, and general weakness appear. Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant that reduces inflammation, making cold symptoms milder.
Support for Rapid Recovery from Mild Infections – Vitamin C accelerates the repair of damaged cells, improves iron absorption (thereby increasing energy), and enhances the regeneration of the mucous membrane.
It is an interesting fact that taking the correct dose of Vitamin C during a cold can reduce the duration of the illness by approximately 15–20%.
This vitamin is essential for immunity because it activates immune cells, has natural antiviral effects, reduces inflammation, and accelerates the body's recovery. This is why doctors frequently recommend its intake.
Typically, autumn and winter are considered virus seasons. During these seasons, people spend more time indoors, have limited contact with fresh air, and their immunity weakens. Consequently, infections spread quickly, making Vitamin C intake essential for protecting your health.
This is important for several reasons. Primarily, when the body fights an infection (or prepares to fight), the demand for Vitamin C increases sharply. During this time, immune cells consume it rapidly.
The cold weather factor must also be considered – cold weather, lack of sunlight, and stress weaken immunity, creating an additional need for Vitamin C.
It is noteworthy that you can take Vitamin C for preventive purposes as well. Taking supplements keeps the immune system in a constant state of readiness.
First, it should be noted that Vitamin C deficiency can cause numerous health problems. Therefore, it is important to have complete information about the symptoms:
Frequent Colds and Weak Immunity – This is one of the primary signs. If you catch colds often and the symptoms are severe, it might be caused by a Vitamin C deficiency.
Chronic Fatigue and Weakness – Vitamin C is involved in energy production processes and aids in iron absorption. A deficiency can lead to anemia (iron deficiency) and, consequently, a constant feeling of exhaustion and weakness.
Bruising and Bleeding Gums – These are the most visible signs of impaired collagen synthesis. In such cases, gum tissues weaken. Additionally, Vitamin C deficiency weakens capillary walls, which means even minor trauma can cause bruising.
Slow Wound Healing – Healing wounds requires proper collagen synthesis. During a deficiency, the body finds it difficult to produce new tissue quickly.
Dry and Damaged Skin – This is another sign of potential Vitamin C deficiency that requires attention.
If you have several of these symptoms, it is recommended to consult a doctor and take Vitamin C in the form of a supplement.
One package contains 20 effervescent tablets, the effectiveness of which is determined by their composition.
Specifically, the product includes: acidity regulator – citric acid; Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid); acidity regulator – sodium carbonate; filler – sorbitol, lactose (derived from milk); flavorings; sweeteners – cyclamates, saccharin; dyes – carotenes; anti-caking agents – polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyethylene glycol.
The vitamin content in 1 tablet, relative to the recommended daily dose, is Vitamin C: 1000 mg (1250% of the recommended daily dose).
Please note that the preparation may contain lactose (derived from milk).
Regarding usage, each tablet should be dropped into 200 ml of cool water. Wait until it is completely dissolved and then drink it. It is best taken after a meal.
It is worth noting that it is not recommended for individuals under 18 years of age, patients with kidney disease, those with kidney stones, or during pregnancy and lactation.
Remember that a dietary supplement is not an alternative to a regular diet. A diverse diet and a healthy lifestyle are important for maintaining health.
The fact is that Vitamin C is one of the main pillars of the immune system. It is a powerful antioxidant and a stimulant for immune cells. Therefore, it is an essential component for fighting colds and maintaining general health.
Taking it will help reduce the frequency of infections and, in case of illness, alleviate symptoms. Do not wait for viruses to attack; take preventive measures before then and start taking Vitamin C.
