Vitamin C is one of the best known vitamins for being able to fend off colds. It is needed for a healthy immune system, wound healing, bleeding gums, healthy skin and the absorption of iron.
It is also one of the building blocks for collagen, the support structure 
for your skin. Failing to get enough vitamin C can cause inflammation of the gums, scaly skin, nosebleed, painful joints, and other problems associated with scurvy. As vitamin C helps with the absorption of iron, it is important you include some vitamin C rich foods in your diet while increasing foods containing iron. As vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, studies have shown it can reduce your risk of cancers that strike the mouth or digestive tract.
Covid
While all of the above is important for day-to-day living, new research concludes “in our cohort of patients with COVID-19-associated ARDS (acute respiratory distress syndrome), vitamin C status is very low. Given the potential role of vitamin C in sepsis and ARDS, there is gathering interest of whether supplementation could be beneficial in COVID-19.”
A report published today in the Nutrition Journal shows 82% of critically ill COVID-19 intensive care patients have low to undetectable vitamin C levels.
You might want to get your Vitamin C levels checked!
Vitamin C can be found in the following foods:
- Fruits – oranges, lemons, grapefruit, limes, kiwis, strawberries, & melons
- Vegetables – broccoli, carrots, sweet potato, peppers, tomatoes & dark green veg
Recipes containing vitamin C:
- Honey & Lemon Soother
- Sweet Potato & Red Lentil Soup
- Berry and Chia Smoothie
- Chicken & Ginger Stir Fry
Supplementing vitamin C:
While it is always better to get our nutrients through food, that’s not always an option and Vitamin C is often a nutrient we must top up through supplements. Poor soil quality, fruit and veg picked before they are ripe, and the length of time a fruit or veg can potentially sit on our shelves, all damage the nutritional content of our foods!