VITAMIN C BENEFITS RESEARCH REPORT

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, offers a range of potential health benefits:
1. Boosts Immunity:
Vitamin C is well-known for its immune-boosting properties. It helps stimulate the production ofwhite blood cells, which are essential for fighting off infections and illnesses
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5707683/
Conclusion of the above research report:
Vitamin C is crucial for the immune system, acting as an antioxidant and a cofactor for enzymes.
It helps immune cells reach infection sites, enhances their pathogen-killing ability, and aids intissue healing. A daily intake of 100-200 mg is recommended for preventing infections, buthigher doses are needed during illness.
2. Antioxidant Protection:
As an antioxidant, vitamin C helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. This canhelp reduce the risk of chronic diseases and slow down the ageing process.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12569111/
Conclusion of the above research report:
Vitamin C is essential for human survival and functions primarily as a potent antioxidant by
donating electrons. While it has been shown to reduce oxidant damage in lab experiments, its
exact role in preventing diseases like atherosclerosis and cancer in humans is unclear.
Epidemiological studies suggest that diets high in fruits and vegetables, rich in vitamin C, arelinked to lower risks of cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and cancer, as well as increased
longevity. However, intervention studies with vitamin C have not consistently demonstratedchanges in oxidative markers or clinical benefits. Future research should focus on specificpatient groups with known oxidative damage or high morbidity and mortality from oxidant-relateddiseases, using reliable biomarkers to assess the impact of vitamin C.
3. Wound Healing:
Vitamin C plays a crucial role in collagen synthesis, a protein that's essential for wound healing.
It helps promote faster healing of cuts, bruises, and other wounds.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24796079/

Conclusion of the above research report:
Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid (AA), is crucial for all stages of wound healing. It plays a key role inthe inflammatory phase by aiding in neutrophil apoptosis and clearance, and in the proliferative
phase by contributing to collagen synthesis, maturation, secretion, and degradation.
Deficiencies in AA can impair collagen production and scar formation, impacting the maturation
phase of healing. The body tries to maintain AA levels for collagen synthesis, but after injury,
these levels decrease. Supplementing AA may help in the healing process, though excess
amounts are excreted. Clinicians should monitor the nutritional status of patients with wounds
and consider AA supplementation to support healing.
4. Improves Skin Health:Collagen synthesis supported by vitamin C also contributes to maintaining healthy skin. It canhelp reduce wrinkles, improve skin texture, and protect against sun damage.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5579659/
Conclusion of the above research report:
Since its discovery in the 1930s as a cure for scurvy, vitamin C has been recognized for its
critical role in skin health. Initially, it was found to be essential for collagen production, which isvital for maintaining healthy skin. This connection explained why vitamin C deficiency leads toscurvy symptoms, including skin issues. Additionally, vitamin C's antioxidant properties
suggested it could protect skin from damage caused by UV radiation. These two aspects—therole in collagen synthesis and antioxidant protection—have been the main focus of research onvitamin C and skin health.
5. May Reduce Risk of Chronic Diseases:
Some studies suggest that vitamin C may reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases, including
heart disease, by improving blood vessel function and reducing inflammation.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12134712/
Conclusion of the above research report:
Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that humans must obtain through their diet, as we cannot
synthesize it ourselves. It acts as a potent antioxidant, protecting the body from oxidative
damage by donating electrons and converting back to its active form. Vitamin C is crucial formany enzyme functions and preventing scurvy, a disease easily avoided with typical Western
diets.
Studies suggest that high vitamin C intake is associated with a lower risk of chronic diseases

like heart disease, cancer, and neurodegenerative conditions. However, this correlation mightreflect an overall healthier lifestyle rather than the direct effect of the vitamin itself. Clinical trials
have not conclusively proven that high vitamin C intake alone can prevent these diseases.
The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) is 75 mg for women and 90 mg for men, based on
its antioxidant role and deficiency prevention. While higher intakes may not benefit healthy
individuals, they might be important for those with specific health conditions. Vitamin C is welltolerated even at high doses, with a Tolerable Upper Level set at 2 grams to avoid potential
gastrointestinal issues.

6. Supports Eye Health:Vitamin C is concentrated in the eyes and has been associated with a lower risk of cataracts
and age-related macular degeneration, two common eye conditions.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7602486/
Conclusion of the above research report:
The research article highlights the significant role of Vitamin C in eye health, particularly inpreventing cataracts and slowing the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
Studies indicate that higher Vitamin C intake reduces the risk and progression of cataracts by athird due to its antioxidant properties that protect the lens from oxidative damage. TheAge-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) supports that a daily supplement of 500 mg ofVitamin C, along with other antioxidants like Vitamin E and beta-carotene, reduces the risk ofadvanced AMD. Additionally, Vitamin C benefits diabetic retinopathy by reducing oxidative
stress and improving blood vessel integrity, thereby preventing cell death caused by highglucose levels. Overall, Vitamin C is essential for maintaining collagen in the cornea and bloodvessels in the retina, promoting overall eye health. Adequate intake can be achieved through adiet rich in fruits and vegetables or supplements as needed. For individuals at risk of or sufferingfrom eye diseases, a daily supplement of 500 mg of Vitamin C is recommended, but it isadvisable to consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplementation regime.
Enhances Iron Absorption:
Vitamin C enhances the absorption of non-heme iron from plant-based foods, which can help
prevent iron deficiency anemia. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6940487/
Conclusion of the above research report:
The extract concludes that dietary iron absorption is influenced by the form of iron and mealcomposition. Heme iron from animal sources is well absorbed and less affected by other foods,
while nonheme iron from plant sources is highly influenced by other dietary components.
Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) significantly enhances nonheme iron absorption, even counteracting
inhibitors like tea and calcium. Its effectiveness is particularly notable in meals lacking meat,fish, or poultry, with iron absorption increasing proportionally to the amount of ascorbic acidpresent. However, ascorbic acid is less effective with insoluble iron compounds, and its highcost and instability during storage pose challenges for its use in combating iron deficiency
anemia.
8. May Reduce Blood Pressure:Some research indicates that vitamin C supplementation may help lower blood pressure inindividuals with hypertension, contributing to better heart health.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3325833/
Conclusion of the above research report:
The systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the effects of vitamin C supplementation
on blood pressure (BP). It found that in the short term, vitamin C supplementation reduced bothsystolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) significantly. Specifically, SBP decreased by anaverage of 3.84 mm Hg and DBP by 1.48 mm Hg. These effects were more pronounced inhypertensive individuals. However, long-term trials are needed to better understand the impactof vitamin C supplementation on BP and related clinical outcomes.
9. May Help Manage Stress:Vitamin C is involved in the production of stress hormones like cortisol, and adequate levels
may help the body better cope with stress. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32745879/
Conclusion of the above research report:
Stress-related disorders like depression and anxiety involve significant deficits in reward-related
behavioral and cognitive functions and carry high social and economic costs. Many individuals
do not benefit from current treatments, highlighting the need for new therapies. Although dataon oxidative stress in these disorders is mixed, antioxidants like ascorbic acid (vitamin C) showpromise. Vitamin C deficiency is linked to stress-related diseases, and supplementation has
shown antidepressant effects and mood improvements. It acts on neurotransmitter systems,
offering a fast, low-toxicity option for treatment-resistant mood and anxiety disorders. Thus,
ascorbic acid could be a valuable adjunct therapy.
10. Supports Brain Health:Vitamin C may have neuroprotective effects and contribute to cognitive function, potentiallyreducing the risk of cognitive decline with age.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2649700/
Conclusion of the above research report:

The importance of ascorbate (vitamin C) for neuronal maturation, function, and brain protection
against oxidative stress is strongly supported by the evidence. High concentrations ofascorbate
are maintained in the brain, particularly in neurons, compared to other organs, thanks to robust
homeostatic mechanisms. These mechanisms ensure that brain and neuronal ascorbate levels
remain within tight limits, making it difficult to significantly alter these concentrations. While oral
supplements can only increase brain ascorbate by about 20%, greater increases may occur inregions affected by neurodegeneration or inflammation due to localized deficiencies. Although
research on ascorbate's role in human brain function is limited, suitable mouse models now
allow for detailed studies of ascorbate deficiency or excess. This research can provide insights
into the vitamin's impact on brain development, neurotransmitter function, and responses toinflammatory or oxidative stresses, such as those seen in cerebral atherosclerosis andneurodegenerative diseases.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, vitamin C offers a multitude of health benefits, including boosting immunity, acting
as an antioxidant to protect cells, promoting wound healing, improving skin health, andpotentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and eye conditions. It
also supports iron absorption, may help manage stress, and contributes to brain health. While
it's important to obtain vitamin C from a balanced diet, its supplementation may be beneficial incertain cases. Overall, vitamin C plays a vital role in maintaining overall health and well-being.

*The information displayed herein has not been evaluated and/or approved in any formby the Japan Ministry of Health, FDA and/or similar body in Japan or elsewhere.