Vitamin C: Everything You Need to Know

What does it really do? The scams to avoid. Should you take it, and if so, in what form? The best brands. The persistent myths and more...

When it comes to supplements, one that everyone knows is vitamin C. Used to boost the immune system, prevent cellular aging, and promote healing, it seems like a miracle remedy.

But there’s a lot of misinformation out there.

Some misconceptions that have been around for nearly a hundred years are shocking, and we’re going to debunk them in this article! At the end, I’ll share my favorite forms of vitamin C and the brands I recommend.

Heads up! Just because your pharmacist recommends a certain brand of vitamin C doesn’t mean it’s the best! It’s simply the product they make the highest margin on (and we can’t blame them for that! :)

But first, did you know that unlike some animals, like dogs, humans cannot produce their own vitamin C naturally?
This is due to a genetic mutation that occurred millions of years ago, depriving us of the enzyme necessary for its synthesis.
Dogs, on the other hand, can produce their own vitamin C, making them less reliant on their diet for this nutrient.

Everything You Need to Know About Vitamin C: The Complete Guide

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is one of the most popular nutrients in the world of health.

It’s called C simply because it was discovered after A and B (yes, it's that simple!).

If you’re curious like me… you might wonder where the word “ascorbic” comes from.

The term "ascorbic" in ascorbic acid (the chemical form of vitamin C) comes from the word "scurvy," a disease caused by vitamin C deficiency.

Breaking down the word:

• "A-" is a Greek prefix meaning "without" or "against."

• "Scurvy" refers to the disease caused by the lack of vitamin C, leading to general weakness, gum bleeding, joint pain, and in severe cases, death.

So, "ascorbic" literally means "against scurvy" or "prevents scurvy." The term was chosen when scientists discovered that this substance (vitamin C) prevented and cured scurvy, a disease that once affected sailors and explorers who were deprived of fresh fruits and vegetables for long periods.

It's a term directly linked to the effectiveness of vitamin C in preventing this historical disease.

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What You Need to Know About Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, essential for collagen production, the absorption of non-heme iron (plant-based iron), and protecting cells from free radicals.

Unlike other nutrients, it is not stored by our body, meaning we need to consume it daily.

It plays a key role in:

• Boosting the immune system

• Reducing the duration of infections

• Skin health and healing

• Iron absorption

• Collagen production

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How Much Do You Need?