Does taking vitamin C improve the flu? 5 myths and truths

The nutritionist reveals the main myths and truths about vitamin C supplementation. Find out more!

Although it is not produced by the body, C vitaminalso known as ascorbic acid, it is essential for maintaining the correct functioning of the body, playing important roles, for example, in the immune system, collagen synthesis, iron absorption and antioxidant processes.

You can achieve it through a balanced diet, consuming citrus fruits (orange, lemon, kiwi…) e colorful vegetables (spinach, peppers, broccoli…), and also from integration. And when we talk about this, many doubts end up arising: is it true that foods contain more vitamins than supplements? Does taking vitamin C improve the flu? Should we take it every day?

Subsequently, at the invitation of Consumer Healthcare at Sanofi, the Rodolfo Camargo, nutritionist and supplement specialist, explains a few minutes and the truth. Watch!

DOES TAKING VITAMIN C IMPROVE THE FLU? 5 MYTHS AND TRUTH

Taking vitamin C improves flu

Myth.

If you heard it taking vitamin C improves flu and coldsbe aware that there are no studies that demonstrate this effect.

Although in reality help strengthen the immune system and the produce white blood cells, the nutrient does not kill viruses or other invaders when they are already installed in the body, acting only in prevention, if ingested regularly in adequate quantities. Therefore, it makes no sense to resort to vitamin C only after infectionas it does not serve as a treatment.

Whether through food or supplementation, the ideal is provide vitamin to the body every day. Even in cases where the body is not deficient in this nutrient, Rodolfo recommends repeated intake.

“In this way, in the case of flu, for example, the extent of the infection will be lower, since the immune system will be better prepared, thanks to the adequate levels of vitamin C present in the body,” he says.

The absorption of vitamin C obtained from food is better than that from tablets.

Myth.

The body is unable to identify the origin of vitamin C. By the time it reaches the intestine, it has already been digested by the stomach, becoming chyme, a pasty mass that forms after digestion. Since then the intestine has been unable to recognize whether the vitamin comes from a food or a pill it is absorbed in the same way by the body.

“What happens is that the amount of vitamin C found in foods is generally less than that found in tablets, which allows it to be 100% absorbed. As in some tablets, the amount may be higher than the absorption limit ( on average 500 mg), the body will not be able to fully absorb this nutrient,” says the professional.

Daily consumption of collagen is ineffective if there is a deficiency of vitamin C in the body.

REAL.

After collagen has been ingested by the human body, breaks down into amino acids. Subsequently, the amino acids must be rebuilt to become collagen again, i.e. they must be synthesized.

In other words, if vitamin C is missing, this synthesis does not occur. compromising the correct production of collagen by the body.

Older adults need more supplements.

REAL.

Over time, for reasons of taste, it is normal for older people to have more difficulty doing this consume foods rich in vitamins and minerals. Therefore, to ensure that they are up to date with the necessary dose, it is essential consider integrationalways with the guidance of a healthcare professional.

Furthermore, it is interesting that they supplement vitamin C due to the antioxidant powerensuring a better quality of life.

Women need more supplements than men.

Myth.

In some vitamin supplements intended for women it is possible to observe the presence of vitamins and minerals that help the strength and growth of hair, skin and nail care, for example biotin. Nonetheless, This does not mean that women need more supplements than men.

Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.