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What is Vitamin C?
Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is an essential water-soluble vitamin that plays a key role in many physiological processes in the body. The human body cannot synthesize it, so it must be obtained through food or supplements. Vitamin C is known for its antioxidant properties and is important for maintaining the health of the skin, blood vessels, bones, and immune system.
Role of Vitamin C
Vitamin C has several key functions in the body:
- Collagen Synthesis: It is necessary for the synthesis of collagen, a protein crucial for maintaining the structure of the skin, blood vessels, bones, and teeth. Collagen is also important for wound healing and tissue regeneration.
- Antioxidant Protection: As a powerful antioxidant, vitamin C protects cells from damage caused by free radicals, reducing oxidative stress and the risk of chronic diseases.
- Iron Absorption: Vitamin C enhances the absorption of iron from plant-based foods, which is particularly beneficial for people who do not consume meat.
- Immune System Support: It helps strengthen the immune system, increasing the body's resistance to infections and speeding up recovery from illnesses.
- Regeneration of Antioxidants: It helps regenerate other antioxidants in the body, such as vitamin E, further enhancing cell protection.
Vitamin C Deficiency
Vitamin C deficiency can lead to serious health problems, such as:
• Scurvy: This classic disease caused by vitamin C deficiency manifests with symptoms like bleeding gums, weakness, joint and muscle pain, anemia, and wound healing problems. Scurvy was particularly common among sailors in past centuries who lacked access to fresh fruits and vegetables during long voyages.
• Weakened Immune System: Reduced vitamin C intake can weaken the immune system, making the body more susceptible to infections.
• Increased Risk of Chronic Diseases: Long-term vitamin C deficiency can contribute to the development of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease due to increased oxidative stress.
• Scurvy: This classic disease caused by vitamin C deficiency manifests with symptoms like bleeding gums, weakness, joint and muscle pain, anemia, and wound healing problems. Scurvy was particularly common among sailors in past centuries who lacked access to fresh fruits and vegetables during long voyages.
• Weakened Immune System: Reduced vitamin C intake can weaken the immune system, making the body more susceptible to infections.
• Increased Risk of Chronic Diseases: Long-term vitamin C deficiency can contribute to the development of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease due to increased oxidative stress.
Excessive Intake of Vitamin C
While vitamin C is essential for health, excessive intake can have negative effects:
• Gastrointestinal Problems: High doses of vitamin C (usually more than 2,000 mg per day) can cause digestive disturbances such as diarrhea, nausea, stomach cramps, and bloating.
• Kidney Stones: Long-term use of high doses of vitamin C can increase the risk of kidney stones in some people, as excess vitamin C in the body can convert to oxalate, which can form crystals and stones in the kidneys.
• Interactions with Medications: Excessive amounts of vitamin C can interfere with the absorption or effectiveness of certain medications, especially those used to treat cancer or lower cholesterol.
• Gastrointestinal Problems: High doses of vitamin C (usually more than 2,000 mg per day) can cause digestive disturbances such as diarrhea, nausea, stomach cramps, and bloating.
• Kidney Stones: Long-term use of high doses of vitamin C can increase the risk of kidney stones in some people, as excess vitamin C in the body can convert to oxalate, which can form crystals and stones in the kidneys.
• Interactions with Medications: Excessive amounts of vitamin C can interfere with the absorption or effectiveness of certain medications, especially those used to treat cancer or lower cholesterol.
Vitamins in Kombucha
Acts as an antioxidant, protects cells from damage, and supports skin health.
Helps convert food into energy and supports healthy nerve and muscle function.
Important for cell growth, DNA formation, and preventing birth defects during pregnancy.
Supports brain function, aids in the production of hemoglobin, and helps convert food into energy.
Maintains healthy skin and eyes, and aids in energy production.
Improves vision, supports the immune system, and promotes healthy skin and mucous membranes.
Helps boost the immune system, heal wounds, and maintain healthy skin.