The benefits of vitamin C supplements come in its higher doses
Though found in foods, the benefits of vitamin C supplements can come from beyond the recommended daily intake amount. It’s been advised that more good than harm can come with the ingestion of large doses. It’s one of the few supplements that we can take that’s both safe and effective.
According to the findings of one study, benefits of vitamin C supplements include lessening cold and flu symptoms by up to 85 percent. Vitamin C supplements don’t make cold and flu symptoms worse, so there’s no reason not to take it when we’re sick. With that said, there’s also zero evidence that the vitamin is a preventative treatment for reducing the risk of getting sick.
If you’re one of the many who stock up on Airborne or other high vitamin C supplements, you’re not alone. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) states that roughly 35 percent of adults in the United States take vitamin C-containing multivitamins, and 12 percent take a separate vitamin C supplement. The NIH recommends a daily 75 milligrams of vitamin C for women and 90 milligrams for men.
It’s great to know that vitamin C supplements are widely available and reasonably priced. While immune health is the most well-known of vitamin C’s possible benefits, other benefits of vitamin C supplements include the following:
- bone health support
- combat inflammation
- collagen formation support
- iron absorption enhancement
- scurvy prevention
Other than immunities, vitamin C may reduce risks of chronic diseases and blood uric acid levels, along with managing high blood pressures and protecting memory and thinking as we age. It can also improve iron absorption and protect against gout attacks.
There’s even better news for those already practicing good diets. If you eat vitamin C-rich foods like citrus, bell peppers, tomatoes, and kiwis, you’re likely getting enough vitamin C and don’t require the benefits of vitamin C supplements. Remember that each person has different needs, so consult with a healthcare provider to help determine your personal vitamin C intake levels.