Introduction:
Have you ever wondered why vitamin C is considered one of the most important nutrients recommended by doctors and nutrition experts all over the world?
In fact, this vitamin is not only the body’s first immune protector but also has many health benefits for the body and skin.
The most important four benefits of vitamin C are strengthening the immune system, enhancing hair and skin health, improving iron absorption, and supporting the health of bones and blood vessels.
Topic:
What is Vitamin C?
Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin, meaning that the body gets rid of any excess through urination.
You can get it from external sources such as dietary supplements and intravenous infusions, or through food, especially since the body cannot produce it on its own.
This vitamin is considered essential for overall health, as it has many benefits, including strengthening the immune system and enhancing its ability to fight diseases, as well as stimulating collagen production, which improves skin health.
In addition, it plays a role in improving the absorption of iron in the body.
It is worth noting that some vitamins and minerals may hinder the effect of vitamin C, or be hindered by it and reducing the stomach’s ability to absorb them.
For example, consuming large amounts of vitamin C with vitamin B12, or even with high doses of iron.
Dietary Sources of Vitamin C
As explained, vitamin C is one of the nutrients that can be obtained from natural sources, whether vegetables or fruits.
Here is an approximate list of these sources with the amount of vitamin C in each:
- Orange (medium fruit) = 70 mg
- Lemon (medium fruit) = 30 mg
- Mandarin (medium fruit) = 26 mg
- Strawberries (1 cup, 150 g) = 85 mg
- Kiwi (medium fruit) = 70 mg
- Guava (medium fruit) = 220 mg
- Papaya (1 cup, 150 g) = 90 mg
- Mango (1 cup, 165 g) = 60 mg
- Watermelon (1 cup, 150 g) = 12 mg
- Red bell pepper (100 g) = 120 mg
- Green bell pepper (100 g) = 80 mg
- Broccoli (1 cup steamed, 150 g) = 100 mg
- Tomato (medium fruit) = 20 mg
- Spinach (100 g) = 30 mg
- Cabbage (100 g) = 40 mg
- Potato (medium, cooked with skin) = 20 mg
Signs of Vitamin C Deficiency
How do I know if I have a vitamin C deficiency?
This is one of the common questions that often comes to people’s minds, especially when they want to check their levels of essential vitamins and minerals.
But before we answer this question fully, let’s look at some of the causes that may lead to deficiency, including:
- Following a diet lacking in fruits and vegetables that contain vitamin C.
- Allergies to certain types of food, whether due to body nature or old age.
- Not taking the necessary supplements according to the body’s needs.
- Malnutrition or persistent loss of appetite.
- Late weaning in infants.
- Some diseases that may affect absorption, such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, or kidney dialysis.
- Chemotherapy for cancer patients.
These are not the only causes of vitamin C deficiency, as the matter varies from person to person; In general, however, you can detect this through some signs, including:
- Frequent infections and colds due to weak immunity.
- Slow wound healing due to low collagen production responsible for cell regeneration.
- Feeling tired and fatigued due to the body’s reduced ability to produce energy inside cells.
- Dry skin and poor hydration due to weak collagen formation.
- Gum problems, bleeding, or swelling.
- Hair breakage and loss due to oxidative stress and poor iron absorption caused by vitamin C deficiency.
4 Magical Benefits of Vitamin C
Vitamin C plays an important role in promoting overall body health and supporting vital functions, but there are 4 benefits that are the most important of all:
- Strengthening the immune system as a powerful antioxidant that protects against problems caused by free radicals.
- Helping maintain the health of skin and blood vessels by stimulating collagen production.
- Playing an active role in enhancing iron absorption, whether from food, oral supplements, or intravenous infusions.
- Helping lower blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels.
Types of Vitamin C
People’s vitamin C needs differ depending on their health and the problem they want to treat.
In addition to its benefits in strengthening immunity and preventing infections and colds, it is also used in the production of skincare and haircare products, as well as in the manufacturing of some types of medicines and dietary supplements.
A healthy person needs about 1000 mg of vitamin C daily to protect the body and strengthen immunity.
However, if a person suffers from frequent colds or takes the vitamin to improve skin and hair health, the amount may increase to 2000 mg or more.
It should be noted that there are upper limits for vitamin C that should not be exceeded to avoid overdose problems, which can be dangerous in many cases.
Therefore, it is always necessary to consult a doctor to determine the appropriate dose, which differs from one person to another depending on their condition.
Generally, you can get vitamin C in any of the following forms:
Oral Vitamin C Supplements
Among the forms of vitamin C that you can also obtain, especially if not consumed from natural sources, are supplements.
These are available in the form of tablets, capsules, effervescent tablets, or powder mixed with water and taken as a drink.
These types of vitamin C supplements can be taken daily to compensate for deficiency, and they are absorbed through the digestive system.
Vitamin C IV Drip
This form of vitamin C therapy is modern and provides quick and effective results without affecting the digestive system, unlike oral supplements.
IV vitamin C is considered the most effective treatment in many cases, such as severe deficiency, poor absorption of nutrients in the body, or for patients with digestive problems.
Conclusion:
Why is IV Therapy Better than Oral Supplements?
IV therapy is one of the effective forms used when quick and effective results are needed to treat a specific medical condition or to obtain essential vitamins and minerals in case of deficiency.
Unlike oral supplements that pass through the digestive system first before absorption, which may reduce their effectiveness and delay results for months, IV infusions ensure direct delivery into the bloodstream at a higher concentration and with nearly complete absorption.
Therefore, IV therapy is better than oral supplements in cases requiring faster effectiveness.
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FAQs About the Effect of IV Vitamin C on Boosting Immunity
What are the benefits of IV vitamin C injections?
IV vitamin C ensures it reaches the bloodstream directly, giving the body quick and effective benefits, unlike oral supplements that may take several months to achieve the same effect.
Does vitamin C strengthen the immune system?
Yes, taking vitamin C in the appropriate doses helps strengthen the immune system and increases the body’s ability to fight infectious diseases.
Source:
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5707683/
- https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/25/13/7284
- https://www.azivmedics.com/the-power-of-vitamin-c-in-iv-therapy-for-immune-health
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/ar/drugs-supplements-vitamin-c/art-20363932
- https://altibbi.com/%D9%85%D8%B5%D8%B7%D9%84%D8%AD%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D8%B7%D8%A8%D9%8A%D8%A9/%D9%81%D9%8A%D8%AA%D8%A7%D9%85%D9%8A%D9%86%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D9%88-%D9%85%D8%B9%D8%A7%D8%AF%D9%86/%D9%81%D9%8A%D8%AA%D8%A7%D9%85%D9%8A%D9%86-%D8%AC-%D9%81%D9%8A%D8%AA%D8%A7%D9%85%D9%8A%D9%86-%D8%B3%D9%8A
- https://www.andalusiaegypt.com/%D8%A3%D8%B9%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%B6-%D9%86%D9%82%D8%B5-%D9%81%D9%8A%D8%AA%D8%A7%D9%85%D9%8A%D9%86-%D8%B3%D9%8A
