vitamin C

What role does vitamin C play in the body?

Ascorbic acid plays a central role in the immune system and other aspects of our body. We give you a brief overview of the most important areas:

Collagen production

One of the prominent functions of ascorbic acid in the body is its role in the synthesis of Collagen, a vital protein that provides structure and strength to skin, bones , tendons, ligaments and blood vessels. Here, ascorbic acid acts as a co-factor for the enzymes prolyl and lysyl hydroxylase, which are necessary for the stabilization and cross-linking of collagen molecules. Through these processes, vitamin C contributes significantly to wound healing and supports maintenance of skin elasticity and firmness. Adequate intake is therefore crucial for maintaining healthy, resilient skin and for the rapid regeneration of tissue after injuries.

Protection against colds

The role of Vitamin C in protecting against colds has been the subject of scientific research for decades. Although it does not directly protect against infection with cold viruses, an adequate intake can reduce the duration and severity of cold symptoms. Studies show that ascorbic acid strengthens the immune system by supporting the formation and function of leukocytes (white blood cells), which are responsible for fighting infections. In addition, the vitamin can act as a natural antihistamine by regulating histamine production and thereby reducing inflammation and symptoms such as nasal congestion.

Did you know?

Quercetin, a naturally occurring secondary plant substance, is also able to regulate histamine production. Quercetin can help, especially if there is overproduction of histamine due to an allergy . In addition, Quercetin is an exciting molecule in longevity research because it has the property of helping the body eliminate so-called "zombie cells" (senescent cells). Together with vitamin C and phospholipids, the absorption of quercetin can be increased. You can find out more about Quercetin in our magazine article.

Quercesome - 20-fold increased bioavailability compared to conventional quercetin powder. Thanks to phospholipids from sunflower and natural vitamin C.

Protection against free radicals

Ascorbic acid is a potential antioxidant that protects the body from the harmful effects of free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells and contribute to the aging process and the development of diseases such as heart disease and cancer. Vitamin C neutralizes free radicals by donating one of its electrons, thereby stabilizing the unstable free radical. This antioxidant effect plays a crucial role in prevention of oxidative stress and promotes the body's overall health.

How much vitamin C do you need per day?

The recommended daily dose varies depending on age, gender and living conditions. The German Nutrition Society (DGE) recommends 110 mg per day for adult men and 95 mg per day for adult women. Pregnant and breastfeeding women have an increased need.

At what point do you have a vitamin C deficiency?

Deficiency can occur when not enough ascorbic acid is consumed in the diet, typically less than 10 mg per day over a long period of time.

How do you notice a vitamin C deficiency?

Symptoms of a deficiency can include:

• Fatigue and weakness
• Muscle weakness
• Joint pain
• Dry skin and hair
• Gum bleeding and inflammation
• Delayed wound healing
• Susceptibility to bruising

How can you compensate for a vitamin C deficiency?

A deficiency can be effectively compensated for by anincreased intake of foods rich in vitamin C or by taking food supplements .

Vitamin C infusions

Vitamin C infusions provide direct delivery of high doses of ascorbic acid into the bloodstream through intravenous injections. This method is often used in medical facilities to treat various conditions, including nutritional deficiency, and to strengthen the immune system. Infusions enable faster and more effective absorption compared to preparations taken orally, as they bypass the digestive processes. (You can find out more about this in the article about absorption pathways). They are also used in alternative medicine to support cancer therapy and to improve general vitality. However, such therapies should be under medical supervision to avoid overdose and possible side effects.

Vitamin C in cosmetics

In the cosmetic industry, ascorbic acid is valued for its antioxidant properties and its ability to promote collagen production . It is a popular ingredient in skin care products, especially serums.

Vitamin C Serum

Vitamin C serum is a liquid or gel-like product that is applied to the skin to prevent premature aging, improve skin texture and even skin tone. It helps protect skin from environmental damage, reduce fine lines and promote skin radiance. Topical application allows vitamin C to penetrate directly into the skin, where it supports collagen production and helps neutralize free radicals.

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Liposomal vitamin C

Liposomal vitamin C is an innovative form in which the vitamin is enclosed in liposomes. Liposomes are tiny, fat-like particles that help transport ascorbic acid through the digestive tract and increase its absorption in the body. The main advantage of liposomal vitamin C is its improved bioavailability; it is absorbed by the body more effectively than conventional preparations. This can be particularly useful for people who have trouble digesting supplements or who want to achieve higher bioavailability to support their health or combat a deficiency.

Benefits of Liposomal Vitamin C

• Increased absorption and bioavailability: By being coated with liposomes, the vitamin is absorbed more effectively by the body.
• Gastrointestinal tolerance: Liposomal vitamin C is less acidic than conventional forms and can therefore be better tolerated by people with sensitive stomachs.
• Longer circulation in the body: Liposomal encapsulation can help keep the vitamin in the bloodstream longer, allowing for a longer duration of action.

What is high-dose vitamin C?

This term refers to the administration of ascorbic acid in amounts significantly above the daily recommended amounts. Such doses can be administered both by oral intake and by intravenous infusions. The exact amount can vary, usually “high doses” start at around 1.000 mg (1 gram) per day and can be up to 10 in medical settings.000 mg (10 grams) or more per infusion is sufficient.

Areas of application

High-dose vitamin C is being studied and used in various contexts, including:

• Support the immune system: Especially in times of increased need, such as colds or flu.
• Adjuvant cancer therapy: Some studies suggest that high-dose vitamin C, particularly in the form of infusions, could improve the effectiveness of chemotherapy and radiation therapy and increase the quality of life of cancer patients.
• Reduction of oxidative stress: In situations characterized by increased oxidative stress, such as.b after exercise or with certain chronic illnesses.

Study situation

Scientific research on high-dose vitamin C is mixed and remains the subject of active investigation. Some studies have shown positive effects in specific applications, such as improving quality of life in cancer patients or reducing the duration and severity of colds. However, results are not uniform, and effectiveness may vary depending on individual health conditions and treatment contexts. The American Cancer Society and other medical organizations emphasize that further research is needed to determine safety, effectiveness and optimal dosage in cancer therapy and other uses.

Overdose of vitamin C

Although generally considered safe to consume, excessive intake can lead to side effects. Symptoms of overdose may include:

• Gastrointestinal complaints: nausea, diarrhea, stomach cramps
• Kidney stones: Especially when taking high doses over the long term
• Increased iron absorption: May be problematic in people with conditions such as hemochromatosis (an iron storage disease)
• Headache
• Sleep disorders

It is important to emphasize that the body normally tolerates excess ascorbic acid ingested through food and excretes it in the urine.

Vitamin C and colds

The hypothesis that vitamin C can prevent colds or alleviate their progression dates back to the 1970s, when Linus Pauling, a renowned chemist, and  two-time Nobel Prize winner, popularized the theory that high doses of the vitamin can reduce the risk of a cold and reduce its severity and duration.

Prevention:

Most current studies show that regular intake of asorbic acid by the general population does not significantly reduce the frequency of colds, with one exception: in people who are under extreme physical stress, such as marathon runners and soldiers in subarctic conditions, regular use can halve the risk of catching a cold.

Treatment:

In terms of treating cold symptoms, some studies suggest that taking vitamin C after cold symptoms begin may slightly reduce the duration and severity of the cold. However, results vary and the reduction in disease duration is often relatively small.

Vitamin C and zinc

Zinc is an essential trace element that is important for the function of several enzymes and the maintenance of immunological function. Like ascorbic acid, zinc is valued for its role in supporting the immune system and its potential ability to reduce the duration and severity of colds .

Immune system:

Both vitamin C and zinc play a crucial role in the development and function of white blood cells, which are responsible for fighting off infections. Ascorbic acid promotes the production and function of lymphocytes, while zinc is essential for the correct function of neutrophils and natural killer cells.

Synergistic effects:

The combination of vitamin C and zinc may have synergistic effects that strengthen the immune system and speed recovery from colds. Some studies suggest that supplementing vitamin C and zinc together may reduce the duration and severity of cold symptoms more than taking either nutrient alone. This could be due to the combined antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties.

Vitamin C and Longevity

The “Hallmarks of Aging” represent a concept that describes the biological mechanisms underlying aging. These include, among others, genomic instability, telomere shortening, Loss of proteostasis, mitochondrial dysfunction, cellular senescence, Stem cell exhaustion and altered intercellular communication. Ascorbic acid, an essential water-soluble antioxidant, plays an important role in modulating several of these aging mechanisms.

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Genomic instability

Vitamin C may help maintain genetic stability by providing antioxidant protection mechanisms that reduce DNA damage caused by free radicals. This could slow the accumulation of genetic mutations that contribute to aging.

Telomere shortening

Although direct evidence is limited, there is evidence that ascorbic acid may have a positive effect on telomere length by influencing telomerase activity. Longer telomeres are associated with a longer lifespan.

Loss of proteostasis

As we have seen, vitamin C is involved in collagen synthesis and supports the correct folding of proteins, which contributes to the maintenance of proteostasis. Loss of proteostasis, leading to misfolded proteins and the formation of protein aggregates, is a hallmark of aging.

Mitochondrial dysfunction

As an antioxidant, ascorbic acid can support mitochondrial function by reducing oxidative stress. Mitochondria play a central role in energy production and their dysfunction is a known aging factor.

Cellular senescence

Vitamin C can reduce the formation senescent cells by minimizing oxidative damage and promoting the regeneration of tissues by supporting collagen synthesis.

Altered intercellular communication

Through its antioxidant properties, ascorbic acid can modulate the inflammatory response and thus contribute to maintaining healthy iintercellular communication which is often disturbed in old age due to chronic inflammation.

In summary Vitamin C plays a multifunctional role in relation to the hallmarks of aging. Through its antioxidant properties and its involvement in various cellular processes, vitamin C could slow aging and contribute to longevity. Nevertheless, further research is needed to fully understand these potential mechanisms and how they can be integrated into practical anti-aging strategies.