The Truth about Vitamin C Supplements
Vitamin
C does some pretty amazing things, from boosting the immune system to
increasing collagen production, the main structural protein found in
connective tissue. It helps ward off infection, maintains healthy bones
and teeth, and quickens the body’s natural ability to repair wounds.
With all these benefits, it’s no wonder there are thousands of vitamin C
supplements out there to make sure you are getting your daily dose.
However, you may be a putting yourself at risk for deficiencies rather
than benefiting from taking this essential nutrient, and here is the
reason why.When it comes to vitamin C supplementation, it
is more than likely you are consuming ascorbic acid rather than actual
vitamin C. Isn’t that the same thing? You ask. Contrary to
popular belief, ascorbic acid and vitamin C are not the same thing
because ascorbic acid is not a complex vitamin, but rather only the
outer layer of the complete complex known as vitamin C. The best example
of this is comparing it to an egg; ascorbic acid only represents the
protective outer shell, and not what’s inside.In one hand,
you have the natural form of vitamin C complex, as found in raw fruits
and vegetables, and contains additional components (the inside of the
egg). These include vitamin J, K, P and an enzyme known as terrosenase.
All of the above elements must be present in order to be considered
vitamin C and for the body to absorb and benefit from the vitamin
complex.On the other hand, synthetic vitamin C, or ascorbic
acid, is not found in nature. Rather it is developed in a lab and does
not contain the other components; therefore, it is not complete. Since
synthetic ascorbic acid does not contain the full complex, your body
must either gather the missing components from the body's reservoir, or
simply eliminate the ascorbic acid from the body through the urine
without benefit. This is where taking a supplement can become
problematic. Long-term use can lead to deficiencies from repeatedly
needing to pull from your body in order to use the supplement.
The
best way to make sure you are not putting yourself at risk is to get
your vitamin C through your diet by eating raw fruits and vegetables
throughout the day. However, if you do want to get a supplement to help
get your recommended daily intake make sure they are of a high quality.
Since this vitamin breaks down and becomes useless when heated (hence
the raw recommendation above), look for a supplement that has been cold
pressed processed from natural food sources. This will assure you are
getting both your body and dollar’s worth.