The role of vitamin C in increasing immunity

Olimp Sport Nutrition
2020-12-07
The role of vitamin C in increasing immunity

When discussing infections, colds or poor immunity, we often think of vitamin C. This is not surprising, as it is one of the most important components of our daily diet, which is worth remembering during the autumn and winter season. Is vitamin C really that effective? Learn about the role of vitamin C in increasing immunity.

The role of vitamin C in increasing immunity. A powerful antioxidant

One of the important properties of vitamin C is its real support of the body in the prevention of adverse free oxygen radicals. Their excessive accumulation is very often symptomatic of oxidative stress, which causes a real deterioration in the efficiency of metabolism. Maintaining a high level of ascorbic acid intake is extremely important for increasing immunity. A regular intake of vitamin C is particularly important in the case of physically active people who are much more exposed to immunosuppressions in the case of an incorrectly balanced diet and shortages of essential substances.

The role of vitamin C in increasing immunity. Participation in the synthesis of collagen

The decline in immunity is often associated with damage to the skin, which, through abrasions or wounds, is the open gateway to infection and penetration of pathogenic micro-organisms. The role of vitamin C is to influence the process of collagen synthesis - a protein which is an element of connective tissue. Appropriate content of collagen allows to maintain proper function of the skin and a number of other structures, such as bones, gums, cartilage, blood vessel walls and mucous membranes.

The role of vitamin C in increasing immunity. Resynthesis of vitamin E

Among the huge number of active ingredients for increasing immunity, vitamin E - an active substance which plays an extremely important role in the fight against free oxygen radicals and increasing the protection of cells against dangerous oxidative stress - should certainly be mentioned. The task of vitamin C is to participate in the process of its restoration, which is an extremely important support for the body and the daily diet.

The role of vitamin C in increasing immunity. Improving the assimilability of iron

Iron is one of the fundamental mineral components that ensure the proper functioning of immunity and support in reducing the persistent feeling of fatigue. Moreover, it supports the maintenance of optimal energy metabolism and participates in the process of synthesis of new erythrocytes - the so-called red blood cells. One of the roles of vitamin C is to increase the assimilability of iron from food, because, as is well known, the level of bioavailability of minerals from the daily diet does not allow the total content of the substance from specific foods to be absorbed.