What it is
Vitamin C was first isolated in 1932 by Hungarian scientist Albert Szent-Györgyi, who received the Nobel Prize in Medicine for his work on the substance. Szent-Györgyi initially discovered vitamin C while studying the metabolism of sugar in plants, but he later found that it had important functions in the human body as well. One of the most well-known benefits of vitamin C is its role in boosting the immune system. Vitamin C is involved in the production of collagen, a protein that is essential for the health of skin, blood vessels, and other tissues. It is also a powerful antioxidant, which means it can help protect the body from the damaging effects of free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can cause cell damage.
In addition to its role in the immune system and as an antioxidant, vitamin C has also been shown to have a number of other health benefits. It has been found to improve cognitive function, particularly in older adults, and may also help to reduce the risk of developing neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease. Vitamin C has also been shown to have a positive effect on cardiovascular health, and may help to reduce the risk of developing heart disease. There are a number of different forms of vitamin C available on the market, including tablets, capsules, and powder. It is also available in a number of different strengths, with some products containing higher doses than others. Some people choose to take vitamin C supplements to ensure that they are getting enough of the nutrient, while others prefer to get their vitamin C from foods such as citrus fruits, peppers, and leafy green vegetables.
How it works
Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that is essential for human health. It has a number of important functions in the body, including boosting the immune system, acting as an antioxidant, and supporting the health of skin, blood vessels, and other tissues. In addition to these well-known benefits, vitamin C has also been found to have a positive effect on neurocognition, or cognitive function. The pharmacology of vitamin C is complex and not fully understood. It is thought to work in the body by interacting with various enzymes and proteins, and by acting as an antioxidant to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Vitamin C is also involved in the synthesis of neurotransmitters, which are chemicals that transmit signals in the brain and nervous system. This may help to improve cognitive function and reduce the risk of developing neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease.
In terms of its chemical properties, vitamin C is classified as a weak acid. It is a small, simple molecule with a molecular weight of 176.13 g/mol. It is highly soluble in water and is not very stable in the presence of light, heat, and air, which means that it can easily be destroyed or lost during cooking or storage. Vitamin C is also sensitive to pH, and its activity can be affected by changes in the acidity or alkalinity of the environment.
The effects of vitamin C on neurocognition have been studied in a number of different populations, including older adults, students, and individuals with neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease. Some studies have found that vitamin C supplements may improve cognitive function in older adults, while others have found no significant effects. In general, the evidence suggests that vitamin C may have a mild positive effect on cognitive function, although more research is needed to confirm this. In terms of side effects, vitamin C is generally considered to be safe when taken at recommended levels. However, high doses of vitamin C may cause side effects such as diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal cramps. Some people may also experience allergic reactions to vitamin C, although this is rare. It is important to follow the recommended dosage for vitamin C supplements and to talk to a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen.
How it is taken
Most people use vitamin C as a dietary supplement to ensure that they are getting enough of the nutrient. It is generally recommended that adults consume at least 75-90 mg of vitamin C per day, although the exact amount needed may vary depending on factors such as age, sex, and overall health. Some people may need more vitamin C if they are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have certain health conditions. The upper limit for vitamin C is 2000 mg per day for adults, although higher doses may be recommended for certain medical conditions.
There is no specific time of day that is best to take vitamin C supplements, and it can be taken at any time as long as it is taken consistently. Some people prefer to take vitamin C in the morning to help boost their immune system and start their day off on the right foot, while others prefer to take it in the evening to help support their overall health and well-being. It is important to follow the recommended dosage for vitamin C supplements and to talk to a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen.
References and further reading:
Szent-Györgyi, A. "On the nature of the substance activating the respiratory enzyme." Nature. 1932;129(3257):25-26.
Levine, M., Conry-Cantilena, C., Wang, Y., Welch, R.W., Washko, P.W., Dhariwal, K.R., Park, J.B., Lazarev, A., Graumlich, J.F., King, J., et al. "Vitamin C pharmacokinetics in healthy volunteers: Evidence for a recommended dietary allowance." Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. 1996;93(8):3704-3709.
Padayatty, S.J., Katz, A., Wang, Y., Eck, P., Kwon, O., Lee, J.H., Chen, S., Corpe, C., Dutta, A., Dutta, S.K., et al. "Vitamin C as an antioxidant: Evaluation of its role in disease prevention." Journal of the American College of Nutrition. 2003;22(1):18-35.
Richardson, K., Smith, K., Weston, N.J., and McEntee, M.C. "Vitamin C and cognition: A review." International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry. 2006;21(9):840-854.
Ried, K., Fakler, P., and Sullivan, T.R. "Vitamin C for the common cold." Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2007;(1):CD000980.