Vitamin C levels of smokers are much lower than those of non-smokers.
Vitamin C is also reduced by fever, viral illness, antibiotics, aspirin, and environmental toxins.
Functions:
- Formation and maintenance of collagen (which is needed to give support and shape to the body, help heal wounds and maintain healthy blood vessels).
- Antioxidant vitamin – helps prevent oxidation resulting in formation of free radicals causing cellular injury and disease.
- Involved in many metabolic processes in the body.
- Stimulates the immune system - may help in prevention and treatment of infections.
Uses:
- Prevention and treatment of the common cold and flu symptoms.
- Supports adrenal function and production of adrenal hormones (adrenaline and noradrenaline) thereby helping fight infections and stress.
- Vitamin C may be used to treat other viral, bacterial and fungal infections including hepatitis, Herpes simplex infections, measles and shingles, cystitis and bronchitis.
- May be useful in helping relieve pain in inflammatory conditions.
- Help improve healing of burns, bedsores, skin ulcers and after surgery.
- Vitamin C aids withdrawal from nicotine and alcohol addiction.
- Because of its laxative effect Vitamin C may be help with constipation problems.
Sources: Found only in fruit (particularly citrus fruits) and vegetables (highest in fresh, uncooked food).
