Vitamin C Deficiency and the Importance of Vitamin C in Coronavirus

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a type of water-soluble vitamin. Since it cannot be produced in the human body, it is a micronutrient that must be taken from the outside.

What Does Vitamin C Do?

 Vitamin C is naturally found in most vegetables and fruits. In addition, ready-to-eat supplements such as vitamin C tablets are also available. Vitamin C has many different functions in the body. For this reason, its deficiency does not only affect a single region, it has different effects on various tissues and organs.

• One of the most basic tasks of vitamin C in the body is to participate in the synthesis of collagen. Collagen is the structural protein that makes up about one-third of the proteins in the body. It forms many different tissues such as bones, skin, muscles, tendons, teeth, blood vessels. Collagen is also a protein involved in wound healing. Vitamin C is needed for the synthesis of collagen in the body. Therefore, vitamin C; plays an important role in the regeneration and strengthening of the connective tissue in the body.
• Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant. Antioxidant substances provide the elimination of free oxygen radicals formed as a result of various reactions in the body. Free oxygen radicals create oxidative stress in the cell it is in and cause damage to the cell. Oxidative stress; It is a condition that plays a role in the development of various diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Vitamin C reduces oxidative stress in cells with its antioxidant effect. In addition, helping to regenerate other antioxidant substances such as vitamin E is among the benefits of vitamin C.
• One of the most well-known benefits of vitamin C is its strengthening effect on the immune system. Vitamin C contributes to the production of white blood cells, which are essential elements of the immune system. Increasing the number of lymphocytes and phagocytes, which are the most important cells in the body's fight against harmful microorganisms, is protective in terms of infectious diseases. In addition, the antioxidant effect of vitamin C is critical for the function of white blood cells. The skin organ, which forms a defense line against pathogens that will enter the body from the external environment, becomes stronger with the effect of vitamin C. i provides. Iron is involved in the structure of red blood cells and is responsible for transporting oxygen to all parts of the body. Iron mineral can be obtained through animal and plant sources. However, the form of iron found in plant-based foods is more difficult to absorb (absorbing) and therefore, iron from plant sources cannot be used with high efficiency. Vitamin C makes the hard-to-absorb iron form more easily absorbed. Thus, the body receives a higher amount of iron from plant-based foods. This situation shows a protective effect especially for people who suffer from iron deficiency anemia or are at risk for anemia.
• Vitamin C has a protective effect for gout. Gout is a condition caused by high uric acid levels in the blood. Accumulation of uric acids in the joints by forming a crystalline form; causes problems such as joint pain, redness, swelling. Vitamin C helps lower the high uric acid level in the blood. In this way, it both protects against gout and reduces gout attacks in sick people.
• Vitamin C can help lower blood pressure. Hypertension; poses a risk for cardiovascular diseases. Recent studies have shown that vitamin C has a reducing effect on both small (diastolic) and large (systolic) blood pressure. However, vitamin C should not be used alone in the treatment of high blood pressure. In addition to the treatments recommended by the doctor, vitamin C can be taken as a supplement.

How is the Relationship Between Covid-19 and Vitamin C?

Vitamin C is used to strengthen the immune system and protect against infection. It is a very important vitamin. The effects of vitamin C on coronavirus infection are still under investigation. Many alternative methods are tried for the treatment of Covid-19 disease caused by the new type of coronavirus. There are studies showing that IV (intravenous) vitamin C administration will contribute to recovery in critically ill Covid-19 patients. Scientists have various predictions about the relationship between corona and vitamin C.
The critical and lethal effects of Covid-19 disease are closely related to the cytokine storm caused by the virus in the body. infection with virus An excessive amount of inflammatory substances (such as cytokines) are secreted from the secondary immune system cells. With the effects of these substances, damage occurs in the tissues, and as a result, a picture leading to organ failure develops. Vitamin C prevents tissue damage by reducing the production of this cytokine. It can reduce oxidative stress in damaged organs with its antioxidant effect. It also plays a role in tissue healing. There are data that the use of vitamin C, especially on critically ill patients, will shorten the time of connecting to the intensive care unit and ventilator. In order not to catch the Covid-19 disease, it will be enough for a person to take as much vitamin C as they need daily.

What is Vitamin C Deficiency?

Vitamin C deficiency is not a very common problem nowadays. . If a person does not take very little (10 mg/day) or no vitamin C for an average of one month, deficiency symptoms begin to appear. Deficiency at first; It causes problems such as

• weakness,
• fatigue,
• inflammation of the gums.

As vitamin C deficiency progresses, collagen synthesis deteriorates. Because;

• small bruises on the skin,
• joint pains,
• delay in wound healing,
• deterioration of hair structure occur.

Vitamin C deficiency also causes decreased absorption of iron from plant sources. This can result in iron deficiency anemia.
In scurvy, which is a disease caused by vitamin C deficiency; swelling, bleeding, redness of the gums can be seen. Unhealthy gums can lead to tooth loss. In the later stages of scurvy, patients may experience depression. This disease, which is rare today, can result in death if left untreated. In the treatment of scurvy, it is beneficial to consume foods rich in vitamin C or to use vitamin C supplements. Supplements such as ester vitamin C help to eliminate vitamin deficiency.

What Foods Have Vitamin C?

Vitamin C is not a type of stored vitamin. Therefore, the daily required amount of vitamins should be taken regularly. The amount needed daily; It is 90 mg for men over 20 years old and 75 mg for women. These values ​​increase to 85 mg in pregnant women and 120 mg in nursing mothers. interest. Although it varies according to age, it will be beneficial to take an average of 50 mg of vitamin C in children. The food group with the highest amount of vitamin C is vegetables and fruits. Vegetables and fruits rich in vitamin C:

• Red pepper
• Orange
• Grapefruit
• Kiwi
• Green pepper
• Broccoli
• Strawberries
• Brussels sprouts
• Tomato
• Melon
• Cabbage
• Cauliflower
• Potato
• Spinach
• Peas can be counted as.

For example, consumption of one medium orange, It meets about 75% of the daily need for vitamin C. As another example; Half a soup bowl (50 g) of strawberries helps to meet half of the daily vitamin C requirement. People who consume fresh fruit and vegetables daily are less likely to have vitamin C deficiency.

Vitamin C and other micronutrients; It is very important in the regulation of events taking place in the body. Deficiencies can cause problems affecting many different tissues and organs. The most important thing that can be done to prevent this situation; to establish a balanced and regular diet routine. If the needed micronutrients cannot be obtained through diet, the use of food supplements may come to the fore. You can use the contact form on our website to reach us.

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