What we put into our bodies defines how they perform. Vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin C, are vital components of overall health.
Renowned for its antioxidant properties and the ability to boost your immune system, not getting enough vitamin C could result in a variety of side effects.
While vitamin C deficiency is rare in Canadians, ResearchGate confirms that one in seven young people have an ascorbic acid deficiency due to an unhealthy diet. Supplements play key roles in addressing dietary gaps and enhancing your health.
In this post, we’ll explore what vitamin C does and reveal the best vitamins for immune system deficiencies.
An Introduction To Vitamin C’s Role In The Immune System
Every time you’re exposed to bacteria and viruses, the immune system defines whether you can fight them off. Individuals with strong immune systems are less likely to become ill and often recover from illnesses quickly.
However, those with low immunity often quickly develop infections and viruses and take much longer to recover. There are numerous ways to build immunity, but vitamin C supplements are the most effective.
Vitamin C's ability to prevent oxidative damage and help the body build immunity makes it vital for well-being. Canada offers a range of options for buying vitamin C supplements, including online stores.
What is Vitamin C?
Also known as ascorbic acid, vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that contributes to physiological functions.
In the past, many people suffered from a deficiency, leading to conditions such as scurvy, but today, vitamin C is commonly used to treat colds and prevent infections. Whether you take it alone or combine it with other minerals, vitamin C is integral to your overall health.
The following foods contain ample amounts of Vitamin C:
- Citrus Fruits: Orange, grapefruit, lemon and limes all contain high amounts of the vitamin. That morning glass of orange juice doesn’t just wake you up; it fuels your body.
- Berries: Fruits in the berry family also contain vitamin C. Introducing strawberries, blackberries and raspberries into your diet can be beneficial.
- Other Fruits: Kiwi, melon, pineapple, mango and papaya also contain vitamin C. The amounts might not be as high as citrus fruits, but they’re still beneficial.
- Peppers: Adding green and red peppers to your diet can increase vitamin C levels.
- Leafy Greens: Often abundant in a range of vitamins and minerals, leafy greens are one of the most important dietary additions.
Vitamin C Supplements:
- Powder: Vitamin C powder mixes with drinks, making it easy to take. Most come with fruity flavours.
- Capsules: Capsules are the standard format for supplements, but some people don’t like taking them.
- Softgels: Similar to capsules, softgels are often absorbed quicker and easier to take.
- Chewables: Both gummies and chewable tablets are popular, as they’re easy to use and have fruity flavours.
Additional Health Benefits of Vitamin C
Vitamin C has many health benefits, and taking regular supplements can significantly improve your energy and recovery from illnesses and protect your cells from damage.
Understanding the additional health benefits enables you to reap the rewards of supplementation.
Immune system function
Vitamin C helps the immune system retain peak performance, stimulating white blood cell production and enhancing their function.
Infections are common for a range of reasons, but the immune system can fight them off—as long as it works properly.
One of the most effective ways to avoid infections is to take a vitamin C supplement. This proactive approach can help prevent infections and expedite the healing process if they do occur.
Studies show that the vitamin is vital in boosting your immunity, making it beneficial for people of all ages (PubMed).
Antioxidant Properties That Protect Cells from Damage
Exposure to free radicals can cause cellular issues and increase your risks of severe health conditions.
Oxidative stress can lead to cancer, cardiovascular disease and neurodegenerative disorders, but vitamin C has the ability to neutralize free radicals, creating a shield for your cells.
While oxidative damage often doesn't have immediate effects, regular vitamin C supplements can significantly reduce the risks of inheriting health conditions, providing a healthier future.
Research is ongoing, but specialists suggest that Vitamin C could help treat certain cancers (CAS).
Enhancing Skin Health and Collagen Production
There's a reason why face creams and moisturizers often contain vitamin C: collagen production. Our bodies don't produce as much collagen as we age, leading to sagging skin and wrinkle development.
Vitamin C supplements are rich in antioxidants, which act as a protective shield against environmental pollutants and harmful UV rays.
The outcome? A healthier, more youthful complexion, all without resorting to drastic cosmetic measures.
How to Ensure Adequate Vitamin C Intake
The amount of vitamin C you need depends on your age and lifestyle. Once you know how much you need, it’s easier to find the right supplements and enjoy optimal health. We’ve put together this helpful table so you can reap the rewards of vitamin C while staying safe.
|
Age/Lifestyle |
Recommended Daily Vitamin C |
|
Children aged 2-3 |
15 mg |
|
Children 4-8 |
25 mg |
|
Children 9-13 |
45 mg |
|
Teens from 14-18 |
65 mg |
|
Females over 19 |
75 mg |
|
Males over 19 |
90 mg |
|
Pregnant women |
Between 80 and 85 mg |
Consuming large amounts of fruits and vegetables is important if you want to incorporate the vitamin into your diet.
Switching your morning coffee to orange juice and eating leafy greens daily will increase your vitamin C levels. However, if you’re a picky eater or have a deficiency, you can buy vitamin C online in Canada.
Top Vitamin C Products Available Online
Now that you know about vitamin C and its many benefits, it’s time to reveal some of the best supplements around. Lifestyle Markets is an online vitamin store in Canada that offers supplements from the most reputable producers.
We looked through our vitamin C collection and isolated the most popular products. Whether you like powders, capsules or chewable tablets, the following supplements ensure there's something for everyone.
CanPrev Zinc 30 + Vitamin C
Vitamin C and zinc are powerful combinations. Both have antioxidant properties, which allow them to reduce oxidative stress and prevent a range of conditions.
Many people take zinc and vitamin C when they have a cold, as they reduce their symptoms and speed up healing. CanPrev combines 30mg of zinc and 100mg of vitamin C for a mighty dose of goodness.
Available in a juicy blueberry flavour, taking this supplement will boost your overall immune system and reduce the effects of oxidants.
Natural Factors Vitamin C Calcium Ascorbate
Vitamin C is one of the most beneficial supplements you can take. Unfortunately, the body doesn’t produce it naturally, so you’ll need to get enough through diet or take supplements.
The Natural Factors Vitamin C calcium ascorbate supplement offers antioxidant benefits while protecting your stomach.
Taking high doses of vitamin C alone can cause gastrointestinal issues, but calcium provides protection and ensures the vitamin remains in the cells for longer.
Pure Lab Corn Free Vitamin C Powder
Many vitamin C supplements use corn, which isn’t an issue for most people. However, your options might be limited if you have a sensitive stomach or intolerance to corn. Pure Lab’s Vitamin C Powder contains no corn, making it ideal for supplementation.
Its ability to enhance metabolic processes, promote healing and prevent oxidative stress makes this supplement a powerful addition to your daily intake. Made from the cassava root, you can benefit from a gentle way to increase your vitamin C intake.
CanPrev Vitamin C 1000 Liposomal
In the past, supplements would take a while to work - but liposomal formulas changed that. Their unique formulation means they can transport vitamins and minerals straight to the cells, ensuring maximum benefits.
Individuals with a vitamin C deficiency can particularly benefit from CanPrev’s liposomal supplement, which boosts the immune system, promotes strong bones and teeth, and prevents infections.
Its vanilla and citrus flavour also means you won’t need to worry about taking the liquid.
Natural Factors Vitamin C Chewables - Tangy Orange
Powders and capsules are fine - but what if you hate taking them? Natural Factors has the perfect solution: Vitamin C Chewables. Available in a delicious orange flavour, these tablets are easy to take and enable your body to reap numerous rewards.
Ideal for people who don’t get enough vitamin C from diet alone, each dose contains 500mg of vitamin C, which boosts immunity and shields the body from oxidative stress.
Made with bioflavonoids to boost absorption, you’ll feel the benefits of these chewables immediately.
Shop Vitamin C Online At Lifestyle Markets
Vitamin C will continue to be a vital supplement, enhancing your immune system and ensuring a healthier lifestyle. If you prefer supplements, invest in quality blends with excellent reviews.
At Lifestyle Markets, we’re fully committed to providing our customers with the best shopping experience. Please feel free to browse through our collection of vitamin C supplements today, and contact us if you have any questions.
