Vitamin C
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is one of the most commonly supplemented nutrients. Although it is probably best known for its importance to immunity, vitamin C research has revealed multiple other functions within the body.?
ANTIOXIDANT?
One of vitamin C's most potent roles is as a water-soluble antioxidant (also known as a reducing agent). When vitamin C reduces (or quenches) free radicals, it oxidises. However, because bioflavonoids and glutathione can recycle it back to its reduced form, it is referred to as reversible oxidation. Vitamin C's biological activity is linked to its antioxidant action as well as its engagement in a wide range of enzymatic and non-enzymatic processes. Ascorbic acid scavenges reactive oxygen species as well as singlet oxygen due to its capacity to give electrons. When free radicals are present, high tissue levels of ascorbate provide significant antioxidant defence. One of the primary qualities that makes vitamin C beneficial to cardiovascular and cognitive health is its antioxidant activity.??
ANTIBACTERIA?
Vitamin C not only protects against pathogens by supporting immune function, but it also functions as an antibacterial directly. Several bacteria can ferment vitamin C, but the presence of this vitamin exposes other species to oxidative stress, which can inhibit bacterial growth. Vitamin C's powerful antibacterial properties are attributable, at least in part, to its low pH.5?
According to vitamin C study,
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It inhibits the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococci even at neutral pH levels; has potent growth-inhibitory effects against multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacteria such as MRSA and proven synergistic effects with natural or synthetic antibiotic compounds; this could open new avenues for combating infections caused by emerging MDR bacterial species; and acts on viruses, fungi and parasites.?
SKIN?
Vitamin C is vital for skin health because it can stimulate keratinocyte differentiation and decrease melanin formation, providing antioxidant protection against UV-induced photo damage. Vitamin C, which plays various roles in the skin, including the development of the skin barrier and collagen in the dermis, the ability to prevent skin oxidation, and the modulation of cell signal pathways of cell proliferation and differentiation, requires high quantities in normal skin.??
Vitamin C has been demonstrated in studies to be beneficial for:?