What Are Vitamin C’s Health Benefits?

Did you know that researchers are currently studying vitamin C’s role in treating serious illnesses like cancer (1)? This amazing nutrient also regulates your body’s immune system. In fact, if you’re trying to halt premature aging, there’s nothing better than vitamin C. Its benefits are simply incredible!

Also called ascorbic acid, vitamin C is a hydrosoluble compound (meaning it dissolves in water). Our bodies cannot produce it, so it must be obtained through food or dietary supplements. That said, not all supplements are created equal. If you’ve never heard of liposomal supplement formulas, you’re in for a treat. Keep reading to learn why!

Key Ideas

  • Do you have dry skin or acne? That’s nothing vitamin C can’t fix. We don’t always have the time to manage a healthy diet. As a consequence, we may suffer from low vitamin C levels – but vitamin C is critical for the body.
  • Vitamin C’s benefits are countless. Its ability to keep our bodies healthy and prevent external signs of aging is just the beginning. And at times, some of us inevitably have to rely on vitamin supplements – but which ones? We suggest liposomal formulas – you won’t regret trying them!
  • If your lifestyle is keeping you from getting the vitamin C you need, we suggest Sundt Nutrition’s liposomal supplements. Liposomes ensure that nutrients can enter your body effectively and efficiently. We know you’ll love them!

What Are Vitamin C’s Benefits?

Ascorbic acid’s benefits may surprise you – they’re not limited to just easing the common cold. This micronutrient also stimulates collagen production, which you probably know is vital for your skin. But there’s much more – you may need to take notes!

Vitamin C offers countless benefits. (Source: Grabkowska: qskwlobhia0/ Unsplash.com)

Anti-Aging

Relatively little information exists about the relationship between vitamin C levels and general skin aging. However, studies have associated vitamin C intake with improved skin elasticity and reduced facial wrinkles. What’s more, research also indicates that it prevents rough, harsh skin and improves its overall appearance (2). Let’s break it down in detail:

  • Photoaging. Continued exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays results in premature aging of the skin. This process is known as “photoaging”. A vitamin C supplement can help you prevent micronutrient deficiencies, allowing your skin to defend itself from photoaging (2).
  • Dry Skin. This affliction can happen at any age, whether caused by sickness, medications, temperature changes, air flow, or humidity. However, this condition does become more likely with age. Studies show that vitamin C can help affect the skin’s ability to protect itself from dehydration (5).
  • Wrinkles. Studies reveal that adequate levels of vitamin C may protect against premature wrinkle formation in smokers and non-smokers alike. (It was found that smokers had lower levels of vitamin C than non-smokers.) This is achieved through collagen synthesis (6).
  • Wound Healing. Of all vitamin C’s effects on skin health, its ability to heal cuts and lesions is especially spectacular. As such, ascorbic acid deficiency prevents cuts from healing appropriately (2). Eating foods high in vitamin C, taking supplements, or applying it topically to the skin may be of help in these cases (7, 8).
  • Skin Inflammation. Skin inflammation is the root of a range of conditions including atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and acne. Symptoms may include pain, dryness, and itching. This topic remains under study, but there is consistent evidence that low vitamin C levels are more common in people with inflammatory skin conditions (9, 10).

Energising

Did you know that vitamin C keeps fatigue at bay? Low levels of this nutrient may manifest as exhaustion. If so, increasing your vitamin C consumption can help you feel more active. Include more vitamin C-rich foods in your diet or try a supplement – the choice is yours!

Vitamin C is crucial for our immune systems to function properly. (Source: Freitas: vqdauejnwkw/ 123rf.com)

Immune-Boosting

Vitamin C is crucial for our immune systems to function properly. This nutrient helps our bodies’ defensive cells operate normally so we can combat infections in optimal condition.

Plus, vitamin C may have its own antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Various laboratory studies have shown that it may destroy bacteria (Helicobacter pylori and Salmonella) and viruses (Herpesvirus, Poliovirus, and Influenza A).

As if that weren’t enough, this nutrient may help us stay healthy for longer as we grow older. Preventing vitamin C deficits can help keep certain cells from suffering structural damage. As such, it may reduce the odds of serious or degenerative illnesses (1, 11, 12, 14).

Antioxidant

Vitamin C circulates through our bodies fighting off “free radicals”, particles which oxidise (damage) tissues. Free radicals are created when the body breaks down food, as well as when exposed to tobacco smoke and radiation.

Experts believe that certain conditions such as atherosclerosis and cancer may be related to oxidative tissue damage (15). Thankfully, vitamin C’s antioxidant (in other words, anti-free-radical) benefits allow your cells to protect themselves from these aggressors (16).

Vitamin C circulates through our bodies fighting off “free radicals”, particles which oxidise (damage) tissues. (Source: Wong: 9gperfdydw4/ Unsplash.com)

How to Maximise Vitamin C’s Benefits

We’ve just reviewed why vitamin C’s properties are of great importance to your body. But how to make the most of them? You have food and supplements at your disposal, but the latter option is best taken in liposomal form. Why? There are solid reasons, as we’ll soon find out.

Foods High in Vitamin C

As you probably know, fruits and vegetables are the best sources of vitamin C. Let’s review this table for ways to get this nutrient through food (17)!

FoodMilligrams (mg) Per Serving Percentage of Daily Recommended Value
1/2 cup sweet red pepper (raw) 95106%
3/4 cup orange juice93103%
1 medium-sized orange7078%
1 medium-sized kiwi6471%
1/2 cup broccoli (cooked) 5157%
1/2 cup melon2932%
1/2 cup cabbage (cooked)2831%
1 medium-sized tomato (raw)1719%
1/2 cup spinach (cooked) 910%

However, keep in mind that prolonged food storage and cooking can both reduce vitamin C content. This occurs because ascorbic acid is water-soluble, and heat removes much of the water in food.

Vitamin C Supplements

If your diet provides the daily amounts of vitamin C you require, there’s no need to rely on supplements. But how can you be sure? Many people are at risk of vitamin C deficiency without being aware of it. These groups include (17, 18):

  • Smokers (And Secondhand Smokers). Studies show that smokers have lower vitamin C levels in their cells and blood plasma, due in part to their higher levels of oxidative stress. As for those frequently exposed to secondhand smoke, it remains unclear if their vitamin C levels are lower than others. However, they should make sure they’re meeting recommended daily intake.
  • People with Unbalanced Diets. A varied diet is essential to get enough vitamin C, and people with limited variety in their diets may suffer from nutritional deficits. These may include older adults, people who abuse alcohol and drugs, picky eaters, people with mental illness, and sometimes children.
  • People with Chronic Illness / People Recovering from Illness. Any pathology which affects our bodies (especially if it hinders us from eating well) can reduce our vitamin C levels. Plus, your ascorbic acid requirements will increase while recovering from past illness.

If you fall into these categories, it would be wise to ask a health professional about preventing or treating vitamin C deficiency. Supplements can be a useful tool for increasing our nutrient levels, but are all supplements created equal?

The Benefits of Liposomal Vitamin C Supplements

If you’ve yet to hear about liposomal supplements, read on – there’s a world of difference between them and traditional tablets and capsules. Why? Because when nutrients are transported inside liposomes, the body absorbs them more quickly and readily. If you’d like to learn more, let’s review a few basic concepts (20, 21).

  • What Are Liposomes? They’re spherical structures quite similar to human cells. Their effectiveness in the world of pharmaceuticals has been proven for years, but they’ve become a recent revolution in the field of nutrition supplements.
  • What Does Scientific Research Say About Liposomal Formulas? Liposomes have been shown to increase the digestive tract’s absorption of vitamin C. In this way, ascorbic acid enveloped in liposomes achieves greater bioavailability.
  • What Is Bioavailability? This term refers to the amount of a nutrient which reaches its destination in the body “ready to act”. In other words, our bodies absorb vitamin C more quickly and in higher amounts than they could with traditional formulas.
  • Are Liposomal Supplements Really Different? Yes! And that’s not us saying so – it’s scientific studies. Vitamin C packaged inside liposomes is absorbed better; the body loses less and it reaches our cells “ready to work”. That means you can take less of it and get more out of it, so the cost-to-performance relationship works out in your favour.

Our Conclusions

Vitamin C is a micronutrient with essential benefits for the human body. Modern lifestyles and recent decades’ changed eating habits can lead to deficiencies without us even noticing. This micronutrient can also slow the rate of aging caused by sun damage – the beach doesn’t have to betray you!

Sundt’s liposomal vitamin C supplement is a far superior option to traditional formulas, hence our passion and desire for you to try it. We know you won’t regret it! It’s gluten-free and sugar-free; plus, if you’re vegan, this is the best vitamin C supplement out there for you. It comes in drop form, allowing you to maximise vitamin C’s benefits when you take it. You won’t want to switch once you start!

If you found this article interesting, feel free to share it on social media. And if you have any questions, leave us a comment. We’ll be delighted to answer as soon as we can.

References(21)

  1. Vitamin-C: properties, function and application in cancer therapy. atish Shilpi, Roshni Shivvedi, Amrita Singh, Anil Kumar, Gaurav K Saraogi, Vikas Jain, Kapil Khatri.
  2. The Roles of Vitamin C in Skin Health. Juliet M. Pullar, Anitra C. Carr, and Margreet C. M. Vissers. Published online 2017 Aug 12. doi: 10.3390/nu9080866.
  3. Age-Associated Skin Conditions and Diseases: Current Outlook and Future Options.Blume-Peytavi U, Kottner J, Sterry W, Hodin MW, Griffiths TW, Watson RE, Hay RJ, Griffiths CE. Gerontologist. 2016; 56 : 230–242. doi: 10.1093 / geront / gnw003.
  4. White-Chu EF, Reddy M. Dry skin in the elderly: complexities of a common problem. Clin. Dermatol. 2011; 29: 37-42. doi: 10.1016 / j.clindermatol.2010.07.005. [PubMed] [CrossRef] [Google Scholar].
  5. avini I., Catani MV, Rossi A., Duranti G., Melino G., Avigliano L. Characterization of ascorbic acid-induced keratinocyte differentiation: participation of protein kinase C and vitamin C homeostasis. J. Investig. Dermatol. 2002; 118: 372–379. doi: 10.1046 / j.0022-202x.2001.01624.x. [PubMed] [CrossRef] [Google Scholar]
  6. Sorensen LT, Toft BG, Rygaard J., Ladelund S., Paddon M., James T., Taylor R., Gottrup F. Effect of smoking, smoking cessation, and nicotine patch on wound dimension, vitamin C, and systemic markers of collagen metabolism. Surgery. 2010; 148: 982-990. doi: 10.1016 / j.surg.2010.02.005. [PubMed] [CrossRef] [Google Scholar]
  7. Yun IS, Yoo HS, Kim YO, Rah DK Improved scar appearance with the combined use of silicone gel and vitamin C for Asian patients: a comparative case series. Aesthet. Plast. Surg. 2013; 37: 1176-1181. doi: 10.1007 / s00266-013-0210-5. [PubMed] [CrossRef] [Google Scholar]
  8. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs00266-013-0210-5
  9. Leveque N., Robin S., Muret P., Mac-Mary S., Makki S., Berthelot A., Kantelip JP, Humbert P. In vivo evaluation of iron and ascorbic acid in the psoriatic dermis. Acta Derm. Venereol. 2004; 84: 2-5. doi: 10.1080 / 00015550310014717. [PubMed] [CrossRef] [Google Scholar]
  10. Shin J., Kim YJ, Kwon O., Kim NI, Cho Y. Associations between plasma vitamin C, epidermal ceramide and the clinical severity of atopic dermatitis. Nutr. Res. Pract. 2016; 10: 398–403. doi: 10.4162 / nrp.2016.10.4.398. [PMC Free Article] [PubMed] [CrossRef] [Google Scholar]
  11. Ohno S, Ohno Y, Suzuki N, et al. High-dose vitamin C (ascorbic acid) therapy in the treatment of patients with advanced cancer. Anticancer Res. 2009; 29 (3): 809-815.
  12. Riordan HD, Hunninghake RB, Riordan NH, et al. Intravenous ascorbic acid: protocol for its application and use. PR Health Sci J. 2003; 22 (3): 287-290.
  13. Hong JM, Kim JH, Kang JS, Lee WJ, Hwang YI. Vitamin C is absorbed by human T cells through the sodium-dependent vitamin C transporter 2 (SVCT2) and exerts inhibitory effects on the activation of these cells in vitro. Anat Cell Biol. 2016; 49 (2): 88–98. [PMC Free Article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  14. Immunomodulatory and Antimicrobial Effects of Vitamin CSoraya Mousavi, Stefan Bereswill, and Markus M. Heimesaat. Published online 2019 Aug 16. doi: 10.1556/1886.2019.00016.
  15. Vitamin C as an antioxidant: evaluation of its role in disease preventionSebastian J Padayatty 1, Arie Katz, Yaohui Wang, Peter Eck, Oran Kwon, Je-Hyuk Lee, Shenglin Chen, Christopher Corpe, Anand Dutta, Sudhir K Dutta, Mark Levine. PMID: 12569111 DOI: 10.1080 / 07315724.2003.10719272.
  16. Vitamin C. Mayo Clinic Staff.
  17. Vitamin C. Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. National Institutes of Health.
  18. Jacob RA, Sotoudeh G. Function and status of vitamin C in chronic diseases. Nutr Clin Care 2002; 5: 66-74.
  19. Best Practices for Dietary Supplement Assessment and Estimation of Total Usual Nutrient Intakes in Population-Level Research and Monitoring Regan L Bailey,1 Kevin W Dodd,3 Jaime J Gahche, Johanna T Dwyer, Alexandra E Cowan, Shinyoung Jun,1 Heather A Eicher-Miller, Patricia M Guenther, Anindya Bhadra, Paul R Thomas, Nancy Potischman, Raymond J Carroll, and Janet A Tooze.
  20. Ascorbic acid encapsulated in liposomes: influence on the bioavailability of vitamin C and ability to protect against ischemia-reperfusion injury. Janelle L. Davis, Hunter L. Paris, Joseph W. Beals, Scott E. Binns, Gregory R. Giordano, Rebecca L. Scalzo, Melani M. Schweder, Emek Blair, and Christopher Bell. ListNutr Metab Insightsv.9 Magazine; 2016PMC4915787
  21. Ascorbic acid encapsulated in negatively charged liposomes exhibits greater permeation and retention of the skin and improves collagen synthesis by fibroblasts. Lorena Maione-Silva, Elisandra Gava de Castro, Thais Leite Nascimento, Emílio Ramos Cintra, Larissa Cleres Moreira, Bertilha Alves Santana Cintra, Marize Campos Valadares, and Eliana Martins Lima.

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Scientific article
Vitamin-C: properties, function and application in cancer therapy. atish Shilpi, Roshni Shivvedi, Amrita Singh, Anil Kumar, Gaurav K Saraogi, Vikas Jain, Kapil Khatri.
Go to source
Scientific article
The Roles of Vitamin C in Skin Health. Juliet M. Pullar, Anitra C. Carr, and Margreet C. M. Vissers. Published online 2017 Aug 12. doi: 10.3390/nu9080866.
Go to source
Scientific article
Age-Associated Skin Conditions and Diseases: Current Outlook and Future Options.Blume-Peytavi U, Kottner J, Sterry W, Hodin MW, Griffiths TW, Watson RE, Hay RJ, Griffiths CE. Gerontologist. 2016; 56 : 230–242. doi: 10.1093 / geront / gnw003.
Go to source
Scientific article
White-Chu EF, Reddy M. Dry skin in the elderly: complexities of a common problem. Clin. Dermatol. 2011; 29: 37-42. doi: 10.1016 / j.clindermatol.2010.07.005. [PubMed] [CrossRef] [Google Scholar].
Go to source
Scientific article
avini I., Catani MV, Rossi A., Duranti G., Melino G., Avigliano L. Characterization of ascorbic acid-induced keratinocyte differentiation: participation of protein kinase C and vitamin C homeostasis. J. Investig. Dermatol. 2002; 118: 372–379. doi: 10.1046 / j.0022-202x.2001.01624.x. [PubMed] [CrossRef] [Google Scholar]
Go to source
Scientific article
Sorensen LT, Toft BG, Rygaard J., Ladelund S., Paddon M., James T., Taylor R., Gottrup F. Effect of smoking, smoking cessation, and nicotine patch on wound dimension, vitamin C, and systemic markers of collagen metabolism. Surgery. 2010; 148: 982-990. doi: 10.1016 / j.surg.2010.02.005. [PubMed] [CrossRef] [Google Scholar]
Go to source
Scientific article
Yun IS, Yoo HS, Kim YO, Rah DK Improved scar appearance with the combined use of silicone gel and vitamin C for Asian patients: a comparative case series. Aesthet. Plast. Surg. 2013; 37: 1176-1181. doi: 10.1007 / s00266-013-0210-5. [PubMed] [CrossRef] [Google Scholar]
Go to source
Scientific article
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs00266-013-0210-5
Go to source
Scientific article
Leveque N., Robin S., Muret P., Mac-Mary S., Makki S., Berthelot A., Kantelip JP, Humbert P. In vivo evaluation of iron and ascorbic acid in the psoriatic dermis. Acta Derm. Venereol. 2004; 84: 2-5. doi: 10.1080 / 00015550310014717. [PubMed] [CrossRef] [Google Scholar]
Go to source
Scientific article
Shin J., Kim YJ, Kwon O., Kim NI, Cho Y. Associations between plasma vitamin C, epidermal ceramide and the clinical severity of atopic dermatitis. Nutr. Res. Pract. 2016; 10: 398–403. doi: 10.4162 / nrp.2016.10.4.398. [PMC Free Article] [PubMed] [CrossRef] [Google Scholar]
Go to source
Scientific article
Ohno S, Ohno Y, Suzuki N, et al. High-dose vitamin C (ascorbic acid) therapy in the treatment of patients with advanced cancer. Anticancer Res. 2009; 29 (3): 809-815.
Go to source
Scientific article
Riordan HD, Hunninghake RB, Riordan NH, et al. Intravenous ascorbic acid: protocol for its application and use. PR Health Sci J. 2003; 22 (3): 287-290.
Go to source
Scientific article
Hong JM, Kim JH, Kang JS, Lee WJ, Hwang YI. Vitamin C is absorbed by human T cells through the sodium-dependent vitamin C transporter 2 (SVCT2) and exerts inhibitory effects on the activation of these cells in vitro. Anat Cell Biol. 2016; 49 (2): 88–98. [PMC Free Article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
Go to source
Scientific article
Immunomodulatory and Antimicrobial Effects of Vitamin CSoraya Mousavi, Stefan Bereswill, and Markus M. Heimesaat. Published online 2019 Aug 16. doi: 10.1556/1886.2019.00016.
Go to source
Scientific article
Vitamin C as an antioxidant: evaluation of its role in disease preventionSebastian J Padayatty 1, Arie Katz, Yaohui Wang, Peter Eck, Oran Kwon, Je-Hyuk Lee, Shenglin Chen, Christopher Corpe, Anand Dutta, Sudhir K Dutta, Mark Levine. PMID: 12569111 DOI: 10.1080 / 07315724.2003.10719272.
Go to source
Official website
Vitamin C. Mayo Clinic Staff.
Go to source
Official website
Vitamin C. Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. National Institutes of Health.
Go to source
Scientific article
Jacob RA, Sotoudeh G. Function and status of vitamin C in chronic diseases. Nutr Clin Care 2002; 5: 66-74.
Go to source
Scientific article
Best Practices for Dietary Supplement Assessment and Estimation of Total Usual Nutrient Intakes in Population-Level Research and Monitoring Regan L Bailey,1 Kevin W Dodd,3 Jaime J Gahche, Johanna T Dwyer, Alexandra E Cowan, Shinyoung Jun,1 Heather A Eicher-Miller, Patricia M Guenther, Anindya Bhadra, Paul R Thomas, Nancy Potischman, Raymond J Carroll, and Janet A Tooze.
Go to source
Scientific article
Ascorbic acid encapsulated in liposomes: influence on the bioavailability of vitamin C and ability to protect against ischemia-reperfusion injury. Janelle L. Davis, Hunter L. Paris, Joseph W. Beals, Scott E. Binns, Gregory R. Giordano, Rebecca L. Scalzo, Melani M. Schweder, Emek Blair, and Christopher Bell. ListNutr Metab Insightsv.9 Magazine; 2016PMC4915787
Go to source
Scientific article
Ascorbic acid encapsulated in negatively charged liposomes exhibits greater permeation and retention of the skin and improves collagen synthesis by fibroblasts. Lorena Maione-Silva, Elisandra Gava de Castro, Thais Leite Nascimento, Emílio Ramos Cintra, Larissa Cleres Moreira, Bertilha Alves Santana Cintra, Marize Campos Valadares, and Eliana Martins Lima.
Go to source