Most mammals are able to synthesize Vitamin C from glucose, but humans no longer have the enzyme needed for this conversion process which means it's imperative to obtain it from the food we consume.
It is the most important vitamin one should consider supplementing in addition to eating plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. Over 300 pathways for biological functions rely on this vitamin.
The most common illness resulting from a deficiency most people are aware of with regards to Vitamin C is Scurvy-patients develop anaemia, exhaustion, oedema and also ulcers on the gums and even loss of teeth. Vitamin C is required to convert iron to a from that can be utilised by the body. Iron is crucial in the transportation of oxygen in the haemoglobin of red blood cells, and this form of reduced iron has an important role in other chemical processes such as collagen production. Without enough Vitamin C certain enzymes are not activated in this process so the collagen is lacking in strength, this can lead to skin disorders, fragile blood vessels, weak tendons and ligaments and poor wound healing. Collagen is what's added to a lot of anti-wrinkle serums.
Vitamin C is needed in the synthesis of carnitine, which is required to transport long chain fatty acids inside cells for energy production. Decreased carnitine synthesis can lead to fatigue and lethargy in people who have low levels of Vitamin C. Healthy adrenal gland function is dependent on Vitamin C as it is needed for efficient function of adrenal hormones. The glands contain more vitamin C than any other tissue. In times of stress it is rapidly used up, and unless replaced, the adrenals ability to carry out its metabolic functions such as producing hormones that respond to stress is heavily impaired.
An enzyme which is needed to convert cholesterol to bile acids in the body so that it can be excreted depends on Vitamin C, therefore Vitamin C is important in regulating cholesterol levels. Low levels can be a risk factor for coronary heart disease, and as we already know it's function in collagen production is also key, collagens build connective tissue which strengthens blood vessels and capillaries which can also be a factor in lowering blood pressure. We can see that Vitamin C is important in the health of the circulatory system.
(I am not the creator of this Image, source below)
Another important role of Vitamin C is that it is an antioxidant which needs to work with other antioxidants to protect the body from free radicals. Vitamin C plays a key process in the antioxidant cycle which can safely neutralise free radicals and excrete them from the body in the urine as it is water soluble. It also boosts the immune system by stimulating the production of white blood cells so it also has a protective role in the body.
Excess dopamine levels have been linked to conditions such as chorea (involuntary movement disorder) and schizophrenia, thus the ability to reduce dopamine levels may prove beneficial. Vitamin C is needed in the conversion process of dopamine into adrenaline and noradrenaline, thus has a possible protective value to mental health.
It has countless other important roles in the body such as being involved in hormone production and acts as a natural anti histamine too, it's clear to see why Vitamin C is so important in the body.
References
1- Clayton, P. (2004). Health Defence. 2nd Edn. Accelerated Learning Systems LTD.
2-Mindell, E. (2002). The Vitamin Bible. Camberwell. Vic: Penguin.
3-Paxton.F. (2015). Foundations of Naturopathic Nutrition. Australia: Allen & Unwin.
These look so cute and delicious!!
@caronellis
Interesting..........
Love the (not copy and pasted) hahaha
Has to be done! ha! Too many shared articles floating around with no reference to it being that, I don't want my posts to get glanced over by people thinking 'oh another one of those'
I can relate to that, I always link my research at the end of my posts
I've had a look at your page you have a new follower, have to support fellow health advocates, and I'm really glad to see your post about the body shaming thing being a cover for people to be unhealthy, my connection is terrible at the moment but ill read that properly shortly and try and add a comment on there. I want to post something similar but I'm going to hang back until I have more followers. A HUGE issue that seriously needs addressing.
vitamin C, -helps in collangen formation, bone and cartilage growth....antioxidant..helps in wound healing...great post
Thank you @himal, really appreciate people taking the time to comment. :)
you are welcome
I take it everyday to help my iron absorption. :) Great post.
Thank you :)