Why We All Need Vitamin C and How to Source it Naturally

Written by Sheridan

October 7, 2023

Vitamin C is so important for our health and wellbeing, that it’s actually critical to supply your body with it on a daily basis. As humans, we lack the functional enzyme to complete the synthesis of Vitamin C itself, so it must be supplied from exogenous sources (food).

Vitamin C is an important antioxidant with many cellular functions, and below are just some examples of the critical roles it performs within our bodies. With many individuals reducing their natural sugar intake or people with food intolerance’s that might choose not to eat certain Vitamin C rich foods, it is important to remember the benefits of Vitamin C and ensure you are getting it an adequate amount from food.

Critical Roles of Vitamin C Within the Body

1. Collagen formation

Adequate intakes of Vitamin C is crucial in producing the amino acids that make up collagen within your body. Collagen is the most abundant protein in our bodies; it is located in our muscles, bones, skin, blood vessels and digestive system. This is why Vitamin C deficiency plays a factor in spontaneous bone fractures, and why consuming it on a regular basis plays an important role in controlling osteoporosis. Therefore, to maintain healthy skin, bones and optimal digestion, consuming Vitamin C is critical.

2. Supports your immune system

During times of infection, Vitamin C levels decrease rapidly in your plasma and leukocytes. This vitamin plays a critical role in the cells that control your immune system, posing antimicrobial properties, assisting natural killer cell activities, lymphocyte proliferation, phagocytes and chemotaxis. Therefore a deficiency leads to a higher possibility of contracting pathogens which can result in illness.

3. Protects the brain in neurodegenerative disorders

Vitamin C has been shown to be a critical antioxidant for the central nervous system. There are high amounts of ascorbic acid found in the brain, as it is dependent on antioxidants to be protected from any abnormal conditions.

4. Is essential in the recovery of your adrenal glands

When people are stressed, their immune system tends to be depleted which can result in people being more prone to having colds and flus. Your adrenal glands will require constant replenishment of Vitamin C in your plasma and leukocytes, because during times of stress, the Vitamin C levels within your body can rapidly decline.

In comparison to other organs, your adrenal glands are saturated in vitamin C, so it is important to maintain your Vitamin C levels.

Other benefits of Vitamin C include: lowering blood pressure, detoxifying your body from lead and other heavy metals, preventing Alzheimer’s and strokes.

Symptoms of Vitamin C Deficiency
  • Weakened immune system
  • Digestive issues
  • Autoimmune immune diseases
  • Joint pain and inflammation
  • Slow wound healing
  • Scaly, dry skin
  • Brittle hair
  • Easy bruising

For adults, the recommended daily intake is 45mg per day. This is of course a very general recommendation, so if you require extra support from Vitamin C, then I suggest you consume more to suit your individual needs. However, consuming too much Vitamin C will cause diarrhea, so stay in tune with your body and make any changes to your dose accordingly.

How to Source Vitamin C Naturally
  1. Dried Camu Camu* – roughly 20,000 mg per 100 gm
  2. Dried kakadu plum – roughly 4, 100mg per 100g
  3. Capsicum – 250mg per 100g
  4. Guava – roughly 230mg per 100g
  5. Oranges – roughly 50mg per 100g
  6. Strawberries – roughly 50mg per 100g
  7. Fermented fruits and vegetables – when you ferment foods that are rich in Vitamin C, the nutrient content will rise drastically. Therefore it is a fantastic idea to consider fermenting your own fruits and vegetables, or eating organic fermented foods from your local health food shop.

*Camu Camu, has a high concentration of Vitamin C (460 times more than an orange). Keep in mind that Vitamin C is heat sensitive, so ensure it is kept away from heat, to preserve its high levels.

Vitamin C Rich Recipes!

If you’re looking for some recipes so you can add more Vitamin C in your diet, these are some of our favourites:

Vitamin C Bliss Balls

Immune Boosting Camu Camu Smoothie

Vitamin C Immune Boosting Gummies

Chocolate Coated Date and Coconut Energy Balls 

What experiences have you had with Vitamin C? Do you struggle to get enough? How do you ensure you get it in your diet?

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2 Comments

  1. Fortini

    Hi,
    With the table above is this correct if I eat 100 g of an orange I get 50 mg of vitamin C.
    Thank you.

    Reply
    • Nathan

      Hi Fortini,
      Yes that is correct. However the 50mg a rough estimate as Vit C in all foods can vary depending on a number of different factors (ie; how old is the fruit/ veggie, has it been exposed to heat etc).

      Reply

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