Vitamin C is an essential vitamin, meaning it can’t be produced by the body. Nevertheless, it has many roles in your body and has been linked to impressive health benefits.

ANEMIA

Anemia due to iron deficiency is common. It can occur in women or may occur in individuals with hemorrhoids, colon polyps or even worse, colon cancer. Once the cause is identified, a physician may recommend iron supplementation. When taking iron, vitamin C should also be taken as this will help improve absorption of the iron and help reduce the constipation side effect of iron.

CANCER

Could help prevent and treat cancer. Vitamin C has been shown to kill various cancer cells. However, when taken orally, the benefits have not been as strong. Several studies have shown that intravenous vitamin C can elevate blood levels more than oral dosing and overall is well tolerated by cancer patients.

CATARACT

Cataracts are a clouding of the lens that occurs as one ages. The good news is this can be prevented. A study showed that a diet high in fruits, vegetable and vitamin C could help prevent cataracts from forming.

COLLAGEN

Vitamin C plays a significant role in collagen formation, the main component of arteries and skin. Collagen is also important to keep teeth healthy. Studies show a diet high in foods containing vitamin C are good for the skin, teeth and bones. Consuming a diet rich in vitamin C is a good way to optimize this important antioxidant. Consumption of vitamin C when taken orally along with collagen protein showed significant improvement in skin health after 12 weeks. In addition, application of topical vitamin C directly to the face and other parts of the body is helpful in protecting the skin against sun damage.

HEART

As one ages the risk for heart disease, which can result from clogged arteries and also manifest itself in the form irregular heartbeats increases. The choices we make on a daily basis will impact the future version of ourselves. Non-tobacco smokers have vitamin C blood levels that are 4 times greater than smokers. This likely explains why smoking increases one’s risk for heart disease and accelerates aging. Clogged arteries are also known as a condition where blood flow is affected.

MEMORY

Vitamin C may also be helpful for maintaining memory. It also helps to prevent oxidative damage to the hippocampus, the part of the brain involved in memory.

COLD

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid has been recommended to help prevent the common cold for decades. To this day there still is no cure for the common cold, but a 2014 study showed that vitamin C could reduce risk for developing a cold and also reduced the duration of the cold when compared to other pills.

BLOOD INFECTION

A blood infection or sepsis, can result in severe illness and sometimes death. The infection can start anywhere in the body but frequently a blood infection starts from an infection in the lungs (pneumonia), urine (urinary tract) or skin. Vitamin C could help reduce inflammation in those with blood infections.