Learn all about the legendary vitamin C supernutrient, including one fact that may surprise you.
As we head into cooler weather, you’ve likely seen your local pharmacy or grocery store shelves being stocked with vitamin C. From vitamin C packets to vitamin C gummies, it seems like one of the most buzzed-about supplements this time of year. And while research does suggest that vitamin C plays an important role in supporting the body’s immune system, there’s so much more to know.
Ahead, you’ll learn much more about the legendary vitamin C supernutrient that’s most easily absorbed in the body, plus some benefits you may not have known about.
The Surprising Benefits of Vitamin C
#1 Immune Support
The number one most popular reason to supplement with vitamin C has to do with immune support. Research shows that vitamin C encourages the production of white blood cells in the body, which also supports the immune system by playing an important role in helping promote a healthy immune system. On the flip side, not getting enough vitamin C has been linked to suboptimal immune function. (1)
The good news is that getting enough vitamin C is easy. Either through consuming vitamin C-rich foods like strawberries, citrus, and broccoli, or taking a vitamin C supplement. It’s easy to help support your immune system with this important vitamin.
#2 The Ultimate Antioxidant
Did you know that vitamin C also acts as a powerful antioxidant? We need more antioxidants to help support the body during oxidative stress. Antioxidants also play a role in helping reduce free radicals. When in excess, free radicals can lead to imbalances in the body, so it’s important to armor our body with enough antioxidants, like vitamin C, to keep them in check. (2)
#3 Skin Health & Collagen Production
While we often hear about collagen when it comes to supporting the health of our skin, a little known fact is that vitamin C actually plays an essential role in helping to encourage collagen production, and because of this, studies have shown that vitamin C may also help support natural wound healing. (3)
Note that research suggests that the vitamin C content in our skin starts to decline as we age. The good news is that research shows that vitamin C is transported to the skin through our bloodstream and that vitamin C supplementation does help increase the levels of vitamin C in our skin. (4) This is critical, especially since collagen production also starts to decline as we age. Pairing vitamin C supplementation with collagen may be the dynamic duo we need for supporting healthier skin.
#4 Help Support a Healthy Stress Response
We all have some level of stress in our lives, but stress can take a toll on the body. During times of increased stress, it’s more important than ever to nourish the body with the nutrients it needs to maintain homeostasis (or balance). Research has shown that vitamin C may help support the body’s stress response, giving us another reason to make sure that we are getting enough. (5)
#5 Iron Absorption
Similar to how Vitamin C helps support collagen production, vitamin C is known to help the body absorb as well as store iron. (6)
Not All Vitamin C is Created Equal
While the research is clear — vitamin C is incredibly important, we have to be aware of absorption when it comes to getting the most out of our vitamin C supplement.
The good news is that when vitamin C is in liposomal form, research suggests it’s better absorbed. Never heard of the term liposomal? You’re definitely not alone! We’re diving deep and offering the breakdown you need to know about liposomal vitamin C.
What is Liposomal Vitamin C?
Liposomal vitamin C surrounds its contents with an added layer of fat, protecting it from digestive enzymes and stomach acid while allowing it to have direct contact with your cells. When this contact occurs, it is able to deposit the vitamin C straight into your cells before your body is able to filter it out. With traditional vitamin C, you absorb less as your intake increases, and your kidneys begin to filter out the vitamin C before reaching your cells. Researchers have confirmed that Liposomal Vitamin C is more effective in the body than taking the traditional vitamin C.
What Science Says About The Benefits of Liposomal Vitamin C
Ready to start maximizing your vitamin C supplement? Here’s more on what the science says about why liposomal vitamin C may be a superior option.
But first, it’s important to understand that vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin, which means that it’s unable to get through our fatty tissues on its own. This is where adding liposomes to a vitamin C supplement becomes so helpful in helping the vitamin become more bioavailable or available for our body to use. And, remember that it’s that protective layer of fat in the liposomal vitamin C that helps it survive the trek through the digestive system easier than standard, non-liposomal vitamin C.
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it. While many of us may have thought we already knew everything there was to know about vitamin C, the fact of the matter is, without proper absorption of this essential nutrient, it’s difficult to comprehend how much our body is actually using versus being filtered out. When considering a vitamin C supplement this upcoming season, be sure to take into account how it has been formulated, and if your body will be able to enjoy all of its benefits.
BalanceGenics Liposomal Vitamin C a groundbreaking option for maximum absorption, but not only that, the source of our vitamin C is ascorbic acid in the form of sorbitol, a type of sugar alcohol that is found naturally in many berries and fruits. This makes it a superior option when choosing this year's vitamin C supplement.
QUICK DISCLAIMER
This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of medical advice or treatment from a personal physician. Readers of this content are advised to consult their doctors or qualified health professionals regarding specific health questions. Neither the author(s) nor the publisher of this content take responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons reading or following the information in this educational content. All readers of this content, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physicians before beginning any nutrition, supplement or lifestyle program.
Sources
- Mayo Clinic. Antioxidants.
