VITAMIN C

Collagen – Most people don’t realise that the reason they suffer from joint and bone problems is not that they lack calcium, but because they have weak collagen. Collagen is probably the most crucial component of the body. Today we know that collagen forms a meshwork that connects every part of the body. 

Collagen is what holds together our skin, cartilage, bones, muscles, tendons, fascia, blood vessels, as well as the fibres, filaments and tubules that interconnects the entire body. To produce collagen the body utilises some key nutrients – amino acids, MSM (methyl sulphonyl methane) and also Vitamin C. Deficiency of Vitamin C creates problems related to the connective tissue. 

Scurvy is the name for chronic deficiency of Vitamin C and those suffering from the condition bleed easily, lose their teeth and suffer pains and weakness of bones and muscles. 

While Scurvy is no longer a problem today, many people have a subclinical deficiency of Vitamin C. They have enough not to suffer from Scurvy, but not enough to thrive. And this leads to problems such as Joint and bone pain, muscle wasting and other issues. 

Immunity – Vitamin C helps with the maturation of our immune cells. The immune cells (leukocytes and lymphocytes) are responsible for fighting infection, preventing allergies and regulating inflammation. Several studies show a link between low levels of vitamin C and respiratory diseases.

Smoking – One of the ways smoking causes harm to the body is by destroying Vitamin C, and Vitamin C is the one nutrient that can help reduce the harmful effects of cigarette smoke.  Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant capable of neutralising the harmful toxins in cigarette smoke. People who continue to smoke should take adequate Vitamin C daily.