Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is probably the best-known vitamin! Renowned for its many benefits, it is hugely popular these days. In particular, it helps maintain immunity and promote tone and vitality. Convinced of its essential role for the body, this vitamin was also the first supplement in our range!
Today, find out everything you need to know before starting your vitamin C treatment!
What is vitamin C?
Like many vitamins, the body needs vitamin C to stay in good shape. In fact, vitamin C acts in particular as an antioxidant with an essential role in maintaining the immune system and fighting against cellular stress induced by free radicals.
But this water-soluble vitamin cannot be manufactured or stored by the body. To meet our needs, we must therefore draw on it from our diet (from fruits and vegetables) or take it in the form of food supplements.
What are the main sources of vitamin C?
Humans, unlike animals and some mammals, cannot synthesize vitamin C. Therefore, we can obtain it through our diet. Vitamin C is found in a wide variety of fruits and vegetables.
The best food sources of vitamin C: oranges, red and green peppers, strawberries, kiwis, broccoli and Brussels sprouts.
Recommended intake of vitamin C
The recommended daily intake of vitamin C is as follows:
- Children: 60-100 mg
- Adolescents and adults: 110 mg
However, these doses are sometimes controversial because they only correspond to the minimum threshold allowing any discomfort to be avoided.
It should be noted that the needs are higher in the following cases:
- in the elderly;
- in pregnant women;
- in people suffering from certain specific pathologies;
- in smokers or people who consume alcohol;
- in people who engage in intense physical activity.
We recommend our Liposomal Vitamin C:
- ✅ 90 capsules
- ✅ Better absorption ("liposomal" quality)
- ✅ No flavors or chemical dyes
- ✅ Made in France
What are the benefits of vitamin C?
It supports the immune system
The immune system is the system that protects the body from harmful agents in the environment. Thanks to its antioxidant action, vitamin C helps support this “shield”. It promotes the mobilization of white blood cells that are responsible for protecting the body from potential unwanted invaders.
It promotes tone and vitality
Thanks to its role in the synthesis of neurotransmitters in the brain and nervous system, vitamin C is an excellent way to combat temporary fatigue and restore the body's vitality!
It fights against damage caused by free radicals
Vitamin C is one of many antioxidants that help protect the body from damage caused by harmful molecules called free radicals, including toxic chemicals like cigarette smoke.
Free radicals can build up in the body and contribute to the premature aging of our body cells. Free radicals are formed when the body is exposed to pollution or is subjected to intense physical exertion, for example.
It contributes to the structure of the skin and joints
Vitamin C participates in the process of polymerization (synthesis) of collagen fibers. Collagen is a protein that plays a vital role in the maintenance and regeneration of bone mass, tendons, ligaments, blood vessels, and the deep layer of the skin.
It provides elasticity and strength to the various organs and tissues of our body. Vitamin C therefore helps the body form scar tissue and contributes to wound repair.
It increases the assimilation of iron
Vitamin C improves iron absorption. This property is important because iron is an absolutely essential mineral for the body, which requires it for the production of hemoglobin and the regulation of brain and muscle functions. Adequate iron absorption is therefore necessary to avoid anemia and fatigue.
Iron isn't the only nutrient that can be absorbed more efficiently with the help of vitamin C.
It contributes to the functioning of the nervous system
Vitamin C plays an important role in the synthesis of neurotransmitters, which are essential elements for the proper functioning of the brain. By participating in the synthesis of these molecules, it helps to support attention and reduce stress as well as promote sleep.
How to choose the right vitamin C food supplement?
Vitamin C is a fragile vitamin, which easily deteriorates when exposed to heat and light. To supplement your diet and have a balanced intake of vitamin C, taking it in the form of a food supplement can be interesting. Here are the selection criteria to watch out for:
Natural or synthetic vitamin C?
Vitamin C comes in two forms: natural and synthetic. The natural form is found in fruits and vegetables.
As for the synthetic form, it is obtained in the laboratory, it can take two different forms: D-ascorbic acid and L-ascorbic acid. Only L-ascorbic acid is properly assimilated by the body.
So, which form should you choose? Each has its advantages:
Although less concentrated in vitamin C than synthetic forms, acerola generally contains 17% vitamin C, and this type of supplement is a way to naturally increase your vitamin C intake. But given its low vitamin C content, it is better to supplement with synthetic vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid).
If you want a high-dose vitamin C supplement, the synthetic form is for you since it contains... 100% vitamin C! You can then turn to supplements such as vitamin C in capsules , in liposomal form.
Regardless, since the natural and synthetic forms are chemically identical, there is no difference in bioavailability between the two.
Powder, capsules, liposomal: which dosage form should you choose?
Vitamin C Powder
This is the "classic" oral form of vitamin C (or L-ascorbic acid), synthesized from corn and composed of translucent microcrystals soluble in water.
This format is generally offered in a 500 g or 1 kg pot, it is not practical if you want to have a pot that you want to take everywhere with you (work, vacation, or other travel).
Vitamin C in capsules
This is vitamin C powder packaged in capsules. This format has two advantages: easy use because there is nothing to measure and minimal bulk. So you can take your supplement with you everywhere!
Liposomal vitamin C
Liposomal vitamin C is a lipid-soluble (fat-soluble) form of vitamin C. Liposomes are tiny microscopic “bubbles” created from phospholipids that act as carriers to deliver active agents directly into cells and tissues.
Taken in capsules, this latest generation (liposomal) form guarantees optimal bioavailability of vitamin C. It is particularly recommended for people with a fragile intestine.
Vitamin C: contraindications
Vitamin C is an essential vitamin for everyone to have because of its major role in the human body.
Please note, however, that vitamin C is not recommended for people with kidney failure.
