How Does Vitamin C Supplementation Improve Immunity and Protect Against Infections?
Vitamin C is one of the most essential nutrients that our body needs to function normally. Among all vitamins, vitamin C is particularly known for its ability to help boost immunity. The use of vitamin C supplementation is highly indicated for the management of immunological disorders including allergies, autoimmune diseases, and infections.
The use of vitamin C is also linked with reduced inflammation and oxidative damage in the body. Here is a brief description about the role of vitamin C in the management of immunological disorders.
The Role of Vitamin C Supplementation in Supporting Immune System Functions
Supports Innate and Adaptive Immune Functions
The potent immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and anti-microbial effects of vitamin C can support the defense functions of the immune cells and help to avoid the risk of diseases linked to immunological dysfunctions.
The potent immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and anti-microbial effects of vitamin C can support the defense functions of immune cells and help to avoid the risk of diseases linked to immunological dysfunctions.
A research study conducted to review the impact of vitamin C supplementation on adaptive and innate immune functions has revealed encouraging results. It was shown that vitamin C can stimulate the immune system and enable it to work more efficiently thus controlling inflammation and oxidative stress in healthy tissue.
This property of vitamin C is expected to be beneficial in the management of cancer, diabetes, stroke, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and several other diseases linked to inflammation and free radical damage.
It can also support the activities of the pivotal components of your innate immune system, such as macrophages and monocytes, which are the first line of defense of the body against invading pathogens. The higher vitamin C concentration in monocytes also underlines the regulatory role of this nutrient in macrophage and monocyte functions.
Vitamin C may also regulate the activities of the distinct genes expressed in macrophages that are induced by lipopolysaccharide via nuclear factor called kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells.
Moreover, the application of vitamin C to the monocytes derived from whole blood has been shown to diminish the secretion of inflammatory cytokines like tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and IL-6.
These findings suggest the potential role of vitamin C in restoring healthy immune system functions and protecting healthy organs and tissues against infections, inflammation, and oxidative stress.
Vitamin C Supplementation Helps Heal Respiratory Infections
Vitamin C trials have shown that this nutrient can help to heal respiratory infections like bronchitis and pneumonia and fight other viral infections such as influenza faster. It is also shown to reduce episodes of common cold, which indicates its ability to boost immunity.
Vitamin C may also help to reduce the frequency and intensity of allergic diseases like asthma, and rhinitis by regulating the functions of the immune system. It would also provide significant relief from the symptoms of autoimmune diseases by controlling the abnormal response of immune cells against the body’s own tissues. This indicates the ability of vitamin C to help you stay healthy and prevent diseases linked to a weak or abnormal immune system.
Supports Recovery After Infections
This trial also showed that the patients treated with vitamin C needed mechanical ventilation for a shorter duration compared to the patients who received only the conventional treatment.
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