Vitamin C plays a role in the healthy functioning of the immune system. In fact, vitamin C can boost the innate abilities of the immune system in protecting the body from harmful invaders. For example, vitamin C is capable of increasing the activity of cells that target pathogens like viruses. Yet, the advice of a medical professional should be sought before trying to prevent, treat or cure any condition with vitamin C.
White Blood Cells
Vitamin C is a powerful immune booster because it supports the body's natural ability to fight off threats to health. For example vitamin C is capable of stimulating natural killer cell activity as well as nuetrophils, according to a an article published in 2009 in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences India. Section B, Biological Sciences." Natural killer cells are white blood cells that especially fight off tumors and viruses. Neutrophils are also a type of white blood cells that can ingest harmful cells.
Reactive Oxygen Species
Reactive oxygen species are a threat to health and vitamin C helps to eliminate them, according to a 2006 article in the "Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism." Reactive oxygen species are formed as a natural byproduct of cellular metabolism, particularly when oxygen molecules are a part of the process. These reactive oxygen species lead to cell damage or death, however, vitamin C can strengthen cell integrity to protect against this type of damage.
The Common Cold
Vitamin C can help shorten the duration of the common cold, according to a study published in January 2011 in "Canadian Family Physician." Colds were shortened approximately 1 to 2 days with vitamin C supplementation. Vitamin C was also found to help prevent the onset of colds. Taking at least 1 gram per day is recommended to have these effects.
Alzheimer's Disease
There is evidence that ascorbic acid, a form of vitamin C, may protect against Alzheimer's disease, according to a study published in January 2009 in the "Journal of Alzheimer's Disease." The researchers found that severity of Alzheimer's disease related to levels of ascorbic acid in the cerebrospinal fluid. Therefore, ascorbic acid may help deter the degeneration of brain tissue in Alzheimer's disease.
References
- "Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences India. Section B, Biological Sciences" : Vitamin C mediated resistance to pathogenic invasions: possible implications during infections for better health; Madhumita Chatterjee, et al.; 2009:
- "Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism": Immune-Enhancing Role of Vitamin C and Zinc and Effect on Clinical Conditions; Eva S. Wintergerst, et al.; 2006
- "Canadian Family Physician": Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Prevention and Treatment of the Common Cold; Richard Nahas, et al.; 2011
- "Journal of Alzheimer's Disease": Ascorbic Acid and Rates of Cognitive Decline in Alzheimer's Disease; Gene L. Bowman, et al., 2009
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