The Importance of Vitamin C

Vitamin C deficiency is associated with impaired immunity and thus higher susceptibility to infections. Vitamin C is an antioxidant and free radical scavenger that has anti-inflammatory properties, and influences cellular immunity and vascular integrity. ¹

Vitamin C is an effective antioxidant because of its ability to readily donate electrons thereby protecting biomolecules from damage by oxidants that are generated during normal cell metabolism and through exposure to toxins and pollutants. Vitamin C efficiently neutralizes reactive oxygen and nitrogen species such as hydroxyl, peroxyl, and superoxide radicals providing antioxidant protection to tissues subjected to high free-radical stress. Vitamin C also provides antioxidant protection indirectly by regenerating other biologic antioxidants such as glutathione, alpha-tocopherol (Vitamin E) and flavonoids to their active state. ^{1, 2, 3}

Vitamin C has an impact on vascular integrity by promoting synthesis and deposition of type IV collagen, which forms the basement membrane of blood vessels.⁴ Vitamin C may also help preserve and maintain endothelial barrier function due to its anti-inflammatory effect. ^{1, 4, 5}

1. Carr, A.C.; Maggini, S. Vitamin C and Immune Function. Nutrients. 2017, 9, 1211.
2. Panel on Dietary Antioxidants and Related Compounds, Institute of Medicine. Chapter 5: Vitamin C. In: Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Selenium and Carotenoids: A Report of the Institute of Medicine. Washington, DC: National Academy Press; 2000: 95-185.
3. Frei, B.; England, L; Ames B.N. Ascorbate is an outstanding antioxidant in human blood plasma. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 1989, 86 (16), 6377-6381
4. May, J.; Harrison, F. Role of Vitamin C in the Function of the Vascular Endothelium. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 2013, 19, 2068-2083.
5. Oudemans-van Straaten HM; Spoelstra-de Man AM; de Waard MC. Vitamin C Revisited. Crit Care. 2014, 18, 460.