Bursting Myths of Vitamin C

1. Vitamin C Cures COVID
   With no scientific claim backing this statement it might come as a shock to many of the individuals who believed on the forwarded WhatsApp messages. Since the common cold and COVID are both respiratory diseases, this myth came into existence. Vitamin C is an antioxidant and immune booster to some extent; therefore, it has the ability to protects the body from viral attacks to some extent. However, this does not prove the claim that it is a cure for COVID. A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCT) was performed to investigate the role of vitamin C and its impact in patients affected by COVID-19 however no significant changes were noted with vitamin C administration in patients with COVID-19

2. Vitamin C is Only Effective for Immunity Boost

Market advertisements only show you only the one side of the many benefits that come with the daily consumption of Vitamin C. Unknown to the general public, apart from aiding in boosting the  immune system,  vitamin C is involved in the synthesis of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine, which are involved in controlling brain function and mood regulation. Vitamin C promotes iron absorption, hormonal balance, nervous system protection, collagen synthesis, and other benefits. Vitamin C also plays an important role of an anti – oxidant, which means that it nullifies free radicals produced by the body’s natural metabolism as well as by exposure to environmental stress factors such as ultraviolet radiation and environmental pollution. Other benefits which have been recorded state that it not only helps to improve immunity, but it also aids in cell differentiation, skin health improvement, blood vessel regulation, faster healing of wounds, and reducing uric concentrations in the body to effectively stop gout. Excess uric acid in the blood can solidify and accumulate in joints resulting in gout, a particularly painful form of arthritis. Several studies have linked vitamin C supplements with lower uric acid levels.

3. There’s No Consumption Limit for Vitamins C

Since Vitamin C is not stored in the body, excess amounts are excreted by the system therefore reducing the risk of an overdose. However excessive consumption of this vitamin, on the other hand, may result in kidney stones, stomach upset, and diarrhea. The recommended daily allowance for men is 90 mg and 70 mg for women, though 2000 mg per day is considered the safe upper limit of consumption for both the genders. Research shows incremental benefits at these higher-potency Vitamin C doses for things like blood pressure. A large meta-analysis of nearly 30 randomized controlled trials discovered that high-potency daily vitamin C supplementation (500 mg, 1,000 mg, 

and higher) resulted in improved systolic and diastolic blood pressure, a key cardiometabolic health indicator.

4. Citrus is The Only Source of Vitamin C:

Contrary to the popular belief, Vitamin C is not only obtained in the from citrus fruits, but there are plants which are a better of source for the same. Although citrus fruits are an excellent source of vitamin C, but bell pepper is at the top of the list. A cup of chopped raw red peppers contains 200-300 milligrams of vitamin C. This is about 100 milligrams more than a cup of orange juice. Fruits and vegetables such as broccoli, cantaloupe, melons, sprout, pineapples, oranges, cabbage, kiwi, strawberries, papayas tangerines and grapefruits are also good sources. 

In addition to providing twice the recommended daily intake of vitamin A and seven times the recommended daily intake of vitamin K, kale serving provides 80.4 mg of vitamin C. Nutrient powers also provide significant amounts of minerals and fatty acids. 

 Studies show that eating papaya helps clean the sinuses, lighten the skin, and strengthen the bones. One cup of serving provides 88.3 mg of Vitamin C. 

 Broccoli, packed with fibers, provides 132 mg of vitamin C and 30 calories  per serving.