When most think of Vitamin C, images of citrus fruits, chewable tablets and drink packets tend to come to mind. Humans are unable to produce their own vitamin C and as such, we should give a little more attention to this essential nutrient.

Immune Health
Studies show that Vitamin C will accumulate in various types of immune cells, enabling them the ability to combat infection and destroy invading pathogens. Ensuring adequate Vitamin C intake through cold and flu season is an essential primer for the immune system.

Skin Health
Individuals with dry damaged skin may benefit from a vitamin C supplement. Healthy skin contains large amounts of vitamin C, most predominantly in the most outer lay of the skin. These high levels of vitamin C help to keep skin healthy by protecting it from the sun as well as exposure to other pollutants. Consuming adequate amounts of vitamin C can act as natural sunscreen by improving the skins ability to combat the sun.

Collagen Support
Vitamin C is an essential support to your beloved collagen products as it is necessary for the synthesis of collagen in the body. Collagen is found throughout the skin, hair, ligaments, bones and other tissues of the body. Healthy collagen production ensures youthful plump looking skin.

Iron Deficiency
Inadequate vitamin C intake and iron deficiency can often occur together. Vitamin C is essential in the absorption of plant based iron. By pairing vitamin C rich foods with iron rich foods at meals or proper supplementation you can ensure adequate absorption of iron.

Wound Healing
A deficiency in vitamin C slows collagen production which can reduce the healing time of wounds on the body. Vitamin C and other vitamin C rich nutrients like citrus bioflavonoids can have a significant impact on improving wound healing.

How and where to get enough?
The RDI of Vitamin C is 90 mg per day for men and 75 mg per day for women. Vitamin C is an antioxidant and thus more easily destroyed by the body through metabolism. Adequate intake can be ensured through Vitamin C rich foods in the diet as well as a high quality supplement.

Look for supplements that contain at least 600mg of a buffered or time release vitamin C. This ensures the nutrient will stay in the body long enough to be metabolized efficiently. Other supportive nutrients to enhance absorption can be helpful too. Citrus bioflavonoids, rose hips and Bioperine are great additions as they can enhance Vitamin C absorption by up to 50%, while promoting healthy wound healing and improved immune capacity.

Health First^® offers a great daily Time Release Vitamin C that metabolizes in the body over a 6-8 hour period. This means that the Vitamin C stays prevalent in the blood stream during this time period ensuring adequate absorption. The micronutrients including citrus bioflavonoids and rose hips also ensure adequate support to your tissues and immune system.

About the Author: Health First Network

Health First Network is Canada’s leading membership group for independent health & wellness retailers and the exclusive supplier of the premium Health First supplement brand. There are over 124 independently owned and operated retail Members across the country. Learn more at healthfirstnetwork.ca