Vitamin C
Vitamin C is naturally found mainly in fruit, berries and vegetables. We need vitamin C for the body and its functions to function normally. The body cannot produce vitamin C on its own, so it is especially important that we get the vitamin from food. Sometimes dietary supplements are needed to meet the body's vitamin C needs. Are you in need of vitamin C supplements? On this page you will find all our products that contain vitamin C.
Vitamin C helps you and your body by
- Contribute to the normal functioning of the immune system.
- Contribute to maintaining the normal function of the immune system during and after intense physical training.
- Help protect cells against oxidative stress.
- Help reduce fatigue and exhaustion.
- Contribute to normal energy turnover.
- Contribute to the normal functioning of the nervous system.
- Contribute to normal psychological functioning.
- Help regenerate the reduced form of vitamin E.
- Increase iron absorption.
Vitamin C and collagen
Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation, which is important for many functions in the body, such as normal function of cartilage and bone tissue.
Collagen is important for:
- Normal functioning of blood vessels.
- The normal function of the skeleton.
- Normal function in cartilage and bone tissue.
- The normal function of the gums.
- Normal function of the skin.
- Normal function of the teeth.
Which food contains the most vitamin C?
Vitamin C-rich foods are not only good for your health, but they also provide a host of other benefits through the nutrients they contain. Vitamin C is mainly found in fruit and berries, for example in:
- Citrus fruits: Lemons, oranges, grapefruit, limes and tangerines are known to be high in vitamin C.
- Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and cranberries are all excellent sources of vitamin C.
- Bell peppers: Red and green bell peppers contain a lot of vitamin C.
- Broccoli: This vegetable is also rich in vitamin C and also contains other beneficial nutrients.
- Cabbage: Cabbage, such as kale and savoy cabbage, are good sources of vitamin C.
- Mango: Mango contains a significant amount of vitamin C.
- Pineapple: This tropical fruit is a good source of vitamin C.
- Tomatoes: Tomatoes contain vitamin C and are useful in many dishes.
- Potatoes: Both white and sweet potatoes contain vitamin C.
- Dark leafy vegetables: Green leafy vegetables like spinach and kale contain vitamin C along with other nutrients.
- Melons: Watermelon and cantaloupe also contain vitamin C.
- Papaya: This tropical fruit is a good source of vitamin C.
Vitamin C in the body
The uptake of vitamin C into the body occurs through a process involving digestion, absorption and transport. It goes something like this:
- Digestion: When you eat foods that contain vitamin C, such as fruits and vegetables, the process begins in the digestive system. Vitamin C is released from the food during digestion in the stomach and intestines.
- Absorption: Vitamin C is absorbed in the small intestine. The primary form of vitamin C that is absorbed is ascorbic acid. Vitamin C is transported from the gut to the bloodstream, where it can circulate throughout the body.
- Transport in the blood: Vitamin C is transported in the blood to many parts of the body and reaches cells and tissues where it is needed.
- Cellular uptake: Vitamin C is taken up by cells in the body through transport proteins that help regulate the levels of vitamin C in the cells.
- Excretion: Excess vitamin C that is not needed in the body is excreted in the urine. Because vitamin C is water-soluble, the body cannot store it in large quantities, so it is important to get vitamin C regularly through the diet.
Vitamin C and iron
Vitamin C has been shown to increase the absorption of iron from the food we eat. In particular, the absorption of iron that comes from plant-based sources increases.
Vitamin C helps to improve the body's ability to absorb iron in the small intestine by improving its dissolution when the iron is broken down in the body, increasing absorption by turning the iron into a form that is easier for the body to absorb and by reducing the effect of substances that can inhibit iron absorption.
Vitamins and antioxidants
Vitamins and antioxidants are different types of nutrients. Antioxidants are often nutrients such as vitamins and minerals that help protect cells from damage and contribute to the normal functioning of the body. Common to antioxidants is that they prevent the formation and damage from free radicals. There are several substances in the food we eat that work to take care of the excess of free radicals, several are vitamins. Vitamin C is an antioxidant. Other examples of vitamins and minerals that are antioxidants are vitamin C, selenium and beta-carotene.
Lack of vitamin C
There is both mild deficiency and severe deficiency of vitamin C. Severe vitamin C deficiency is also called scurvy and occurs due to an extreme lack of vitamin C in the diet. This severe type of deficiency is rare in most developed countries where the availability of vitamin C-rich foods is high.
Here are some of the symptoms and consequences that can occur with severe vitamin C deficiency:
- Muscle weakness and pain.
- Sores in the mouth and on the skin.
- Dental problems.
- Fatigue and weakness.
- Joint pain.
- Anemia.
Vitamin C and iron
Vitamin C has been shown to increase the absorption of iron from the food we eat. In particular, the absorption of iron that comes from plant-based sources increases.
Vitamin C helps to improve the body's ability to absorb iron in the small intestine by improving its dissolution when the iron is broken down in the body, increasing absorption by turning the iron into a form that is easier for the body to absorb and by reducing the effect of substances that can inhibit iron absorption.
Vitamins and antioxidants
Vitamins and antioxidants are different types of nutrients. Antioxidants are often nutrients such as vitamins and minerals that help protect cells from damage and contribute to the normal functioning of the body. Common to antioxidants is that they prevent the formation and damage from free radicals. There are several substances in the food we eat that work to take care of the excess of free radicals, several are vitamins. Vitamin C is an antioxidant. Other examples of vitamins and minerals that are antioxidants are vitamin C, selenium and beta-carotene.
Lack of vitamin C
There is both mild deficiency and severe deficiency of vitamin C. Severe vitamin C deficiency is also called scurvy and occurs due to an extreme lack of vitamin C in the diet. This severe type of deficiency is rare in most developed countries where the availability of vitamin C-rich foods is high.
Here are some of the symptoms and consequences that can occur with severe vitamin C deficiency:
- Muscle weakness and pain.
- Sores in the mouth and on the skin.
- Dental problems.
- Fatigue and weakness.
- Joint pain.
- Anemia.
How to prevent vitamin C deficiency?
Can vitamin C deficiency be prevented? Yes, vitamin C deficiency can be prevented by including vitamin C-rich foods in the diet. There are many different foods that are rich in vitamin C. Citrus fruits are rich in vitamin C and most vegetables are fortified with vitamin C.
It is especially important for people at risk of vitamin C deficiency to prevent the deficiency through a vitamin C-rich diet. People who are often at higher risk of vitamin C deficiency are the elderly, smokers and people with limited access to nutritious foods.
How should I dose my vitamin C supplement?
If you're considering taking vitamin C supplements, it's important to get the dosage right.
The recommended daily intake of vitamin C may vary depending on factors such as age and gender, for example. Often the recommended dose is somewhere between 75-110 milligrams per day.
You can read more about the recommended daily dose (RDI) on the Swedish Food Agency's website
Which vitamin c supplement should I choose?
We at Elexir Pharma have two vitamin C supplements. Our vitamin C complex 500 mg and vitamin C Time release 1000 mg. Please read more about vitamin C 500 mg here and about vitamin C Time release here . If you want individual advice, you are welcome to contact our customer service and we will help you further.
Frequently asked questions and answers - C vitamin
Vitamin C is needed, among other things, for the formation of collagen, which contributes to the normal function of teeth, skin, cartilage and bone tissue.
Vitamin C is found in many different foods. Examples of typically vitamin C-rich foods are citrus fruits such as oranges and lemons. There is also plenty of vitamin C, most vegetables and berries.
Extra vitamin C should be taken if you do not get enough vitamins from food. There are natural supplements of vitamin C that can help you meet your body's needs. There may also be reason to take extra vitamin C if you need to support, for example, the immune system, collagen formation or iron absorption.
For adults, the daily dose is usually between 75 mg and 110 mg, how high doses you need depends on gender and age. Different daily amounts apply to children and pregnant women. Keep in mind that these are only general recommendations and individual aspects may affect your daily need for vitamin C.
Read more about the Swedish Food Agency's general recommendations here