Does our immune system need vitamin C?

food – immune system – virus - vitamin c - defences - microorganismsOur immune system is a complex natural system that protects the body against all kinds of attackers: viruses, bacteria, fungi, toxic substances, etc. We can count on this defence system from birth (innate immunity) and it builds itself up throughout our entire lives through contact with our environment (acquired immunity). There are several factors, however, which can impact how the immune system functions, such as a lack of sleep, stress, a bad diet, a lack of vitamins (A, C, D, E) or even malabsorption of certain nutrients. In order for our immune system to function optimally, we must maintain it by providing the right conditions. 

What role does vitamin C play?

Vitamin C is known for playing an essential role in helping our immune system function. It also helps protect our cells against oxidant stress.

Where do we get it from?

Human beings are incapable of producing vitamin C on their own. We can only get it from food. The daily adult requirement is around 110 mg/day. Healthy adults can meet this daily requirement through food alone if they eat food rich in vitamin C every day, such as fruit and vegetables (citrus fruit, red fruits, kiwi fruit, peppers, fennel, parsley, etc.) and potatoes.

Meeting your requirements is important

Only the daily varied consumption of fruit and vegetables can help us meet our nutritional vitamin C requirements. But because vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin, our bodies are unable to store large quantities of it. People who do not regularly consume vitamin C are advised to take a vitamin C-based nutritional supplement to ensure a sufficient daily intake. We should also remember that pollution, smoking, fighting an infection and exposure to microorganisms (such as viruses and bacteria) increase our vitamin C requirement.

Nutritional supplements containing vitamin C

Taking a vitamin C-based nutritional supplement such as Vitamin C500 Trenker is a good idea. Taking two tablets a day provides you with 1000 mg of vitamin C.

This ensures a good daily vitamin C intake and helps our body defend itself when needed.