Why in news?
Recent studies highlight vitamin C's benefits for skin health and lung protection from air pollution. Eating vitamin C-rich foods like kiwifruit increases skin thickness and collagen production more effectively than topical products. Research also shows it may reduce lung inflammation caused by PM2.5 particles.
Lung Protection
- Vitamin C supplementation mitigates oxidative stress and inflammation from fine particulate air pollution in mouse and human tissue studies.
- It enhances antioxidant enzymes like SOD2 and GPX4, preserving lung function, though consulting a doctor is advised before high doses.​
Cancer Research
- High-dose intravenous vitamin C combined with chemotherapy doubled survival from 8 to 16 months in stage 4 pancreatic cancer patients in a phase 2 trial.
- Similar benefits appeared in glioblastoma trials, improving tolerance to treatment.​
What Is Vitamin C?
- Scientific name: L‑ascorbic acid or ascorbate
- Nature: Water‑soluble antioxidant vitamin
- Sources: Citrus fruits, strawberries, kiwi, bell peppers, broccoli, kale, spinach
- Daily requirement: ~75 mg for women, ~90 mg for men
Key Health Benefits
- Boosts immunity: Supports production and protection of white blood cells
- Collagen synthesis: Essential for skin, cartilage, tendons, and wound healing
- Iron absorption: Helps prevent iron deficiency anemia
- Cardiovascular health: May lower blood pressure and reduce heart disease risk
- Antioxidant role: Protects cells from free radical damage
- Memory protection: Linked to reduced risk of cognitive decline
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