We hear about the importance of getting vitamins, but as we hear so much about common vitamins like vitamin C, we can wonder if it’s actually that important. It is incredibly important for overall health, especially as we age, because of its vital role in various bodily functions. So let’s show you everything you need to know.
How Vitamin C Benefits Various Systems of the Human Body
Vitamin C can help the body in so many different ways. Vitamin C is required for the biosynthesis of collagen, which is a vital protein for connective tissues and skin health, while also playing a crucial role in immune function due to its antioxidant properties, protecting the body from oxidative stress and supporting the natural abilities of the immune system.
Vitamin C is an invaluable ally of the immune system and has been effective in so many other ways. For example, people are having high dose vitamin C therapy for cancer, because vitamin C provides a lot of antioxidant properties. It can help the body fight off oxidative damage caused by free radicals, which can contribute to various health conditions like arthritis, heart disease, and cancer.
Vitamin C can also help with cardiovascular health and support skin health by promoting collagen production, reducing wrinkles, and inhibiting melanin production, which prevents skin discolouration and ageing, while also being able to help with maintaining strong bones and cartilage. Vitamin C can also help the body with ensuring the appropriate iron levels necessary for overall health.
Should We Be Taking More Vitamin C as We Get Older?
As we age, vitamin C needs may alter. Adults between the ages of 19 and 64 need 40 milligrams of vitamin C a day, but older individuals, especially those over the age of 65, are at a greater risk of vitamin C deficiency because of various factors like reduced dietary intake and chronic illnesses.
Older people may have lower baseline vitamin C levels, and this is why supplementing with vitamin C can help improve the overall intake. It’s important to note that vitamin C cannot be stored in the body, so having a consistent daily intake is crucial for optimal health, while taking more than 1000 milligrams per day can lead to diarrhoea and stomach pain. Therefore, it’s essential for older individuals to ensure they are meeting their daily requirements through a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
It is so important to maintain our health as we age, which is why we should not necessarily overthink our health but stick to what we know is good for us through received wisdom. Vitamin C is one of those things that we can easily take for granted, but as we get older, ensuring there is the right dosage of every vitamin and mineral through natural sources can make a massive difference. We should never take too much of one thing, but it is so important as we get older to have a far better understanding of our individual deficiencies.
