Vitamin C: its importance in the immune response

We have compiled a useful summary of the properties of vitamin C in this area. This article also discusses the benefits of vitamin C on the body and the risks associated with vitamin C deficiency.

General reminders about vitamin C.

Vitamin C, also called ascorbic acid, is found naturally in fresh plants, particularly citrus fruits (it is destroyed by cooking above 150/180°C).
Man does not synthesize vitamin C; it is his diet that must provide it.

Vitamin C requirements:

Daily requirements are around 100 mg.

Vitamin C is soluble in water , so it is easily eliminated in the urine when it is in excess in the blood (beyond 12 mg/l of plasma).

Higher doses can be useful (smokers, periods of stress or feverish state etc.) but the positive effects of mega doses have never been clearly demonstrated, (including recently against Covid), especially since the The absorption of massive doses is very low (it drops to 20% for 5 grams ingested).
It is preferable to favor more moderate and more frequent intakes during the day.

Vitamin C deficiency:

Complete vitamin C deficiency is very rare: this was the case of sailors during the 16th/17th century who had no fresh food for months and were decimated by scurvy, a problem solved with lemon juice ( and sauerkraut!).

Other key information to know:

• There is no difference in absorption demonstrated between the natural or synthetic form, however vitamin C from plants is associated with flavonoids which increase its effectiveness.
• It participates in the synthesis of collagen and carnitine (hence its key role in tissue regeneration), it interacts strongly with free radicals.

Vitamin C is an essential enhancer of the body's adaptogenic and immune responses through several mechanisms

Vitamin C has many benefits:

1. Vitamin C increases the synthesis of interferons.
   Interferons are the first warning mechanism of the cellular immune system. They are produced when an infectious agent is detected.
2. Vitamin C stimulates the production of T4 lymphocytes.
   It stimulates the production of T4 lymphocytes, key elements of cellular immunity and increases the activity of polymorphonuclear globules (for the phagocytosis of pathogenic elements).
3. Vitamin C accelerates the breakdown of histamine.
   The accumulation of histamine in the body is immuno-depressing (which weakens the immune system) particularly for bronchial pathologies (cough, allergies, asthma).
4. Vitamin C fights against stress.
   It improves general resistance to stress, the immunosuppressive role of which is now recognized as obvious.
5. Other key roles of vitamin C.
   Other contributions are also mentioned (but rarely quantified or scientifically established): a partial virucidal and bactericidal role, stimulation of the thymus.

Vitamin C does not work miracles but it is an essential support for the cellular immune response.

Argalys products with Natural vitamin C (Acerola dosed): for specific one-off uses, in addition to a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables.

• Immuno Tonus AB : vitamin C is associated with ginseng, astragalus and essential oils of Grapefruit and Eucalyptus.
• Iron + Vitamin C, B9 and Carrot : vitamin C is a very useful 'booster' for better absorption of iron.

The Argalys team