Following the news that coronavirus patients in New York are being given high doses of vitamin C after promising reports from China, a number of people have been looking for ways to get more of the vitamin into their diet. With this in mind, we thought we’d take a look at how vitamin C helps you to fight off illness and how you can make sure you’re getting enough of it.
How does vitamin C help fight off illness?
One of the key causes of a weak immune system is a poor diet which doesn’t provide you with the vitamins you need. Vitamin C, in particular, is a crucial nutrient for health which supports the normal function of your immune system in several ways to keep you fit and well.
The main function of the immune system is to protect you against invading agents such as bacteria, viruses and parasites. To do this, it releases different types of white blood cells which lock onto germs and destroy them. Vitamin C helps to stimulate the production and function of these white blood cells so your body can actively fight off infection.
Vitamin C is also an antioxidant which means it defends against unstable atoms in your body called free radicals that can cause several chronic health problems such as cardiovascular and inflammatory disease. By stabilising and removing these free radicals, vitamin C helps your body’s natural defences to prevent diseases whilst helping to reduce damage from inflammation. The vitamin also plays a key role in maintaining healthy skin and blood vessels and helping wounds to heal.
How much vitamin C do I need?
Unlike many animals, humans cannot create or store vitamin C in the body. This means that you need to make sure you’re getting an intake of vitamin C every day - according to the UK Department of Health, the recommended amount for adults is at least 40mg a day. If you’re not regularly getting enough of the vitamin, you risk becoming deficient which can lead to a weakened immune system amongst several other problems such as swollen and painful joints and slow wound healing.
Do I need to take a vitamin C supplement?
Vitamin C can be obtained by eating a number of fruit and vegetables including citrus fruits, leafy greens, tomatoes and peppers. However, you may choose to take a vitamin C supplement in order to ensure you’re maintaining adequate levels to keep you healthy.
Chewable vitamin C vs traditional tablets
For many people, taking traditional pills and capsules can be an unpleasant experience, leading to them either forgetting to take their supplement or choosing not to take it all together. If you find it a chore to take tablets or just want a more enjoyable way of getting the vitamin C you need, chewable gummy supplements may be a good option for you.
Not only are they tastier and fun to consume, making you more likely to remember to take them, but gummy vitamins are also easier for your body to absorb and digest. When you chew your supplement, it gives more opportunity for digestive enzymes in your saliva to break it down, making sure you get as many nutrients as possible. Many vitamins in tablet form don’t digest as well which can lead to issues such as heartburn and nausea if you take them without food.
Get your recommended daily amount with Yumi All Day Energy gummies
If you’re looking for a great tasting chewable supplement that ensures you get the levels of vitamin C you need each day, then our All Day Energy gummies may be perfect for you. Packed with the recommended daily amount of 40mg of vitamin C, the gummies are a great way to keep you fit and well. If you want to give them a try, just use code VITAMINC15 at the checkout for 15% off! 
