Some supplements have just a fleeting moment in the spotlight, but vitamin C is one that everyone knows about and has probably taken. Especially if you're coming down with a cold! Renowned as your go-to for immune system support since the 70s, when US biochemist Linus Pauling discovered a daily dose of this antioxidant powerhouse was an excellent way to keep the sniffles at bay. Vitamin C vitamins can also help to limit the duration and severity of the bothersome bugs doing the rounds according to studies.
So far, so predictable, but did you know that immunity isn't the only reason to top up your C levels? A regular vitamin C supplement can also boost your heart and gut health,  help your body cope in stressful situations, prevent you from becoming anaemic, and even give you a radiant, glowing complexion!
But do you really need to take a supplement? And what's the most effective way to get your vitamin C vitamins (spoiler alert it's a vitamin C Patch, shop ours here), read on to find out!
Why do you need to take vitamin C vitamins anyway?
It's a fair question, surely if you eat plenty of vitamin-C-rich fruit and veg (like kiwi, mango, and… Brussel sprouts – which are packed with C – who knew?!), there's no need for vitamin C vitamins?
Unfortunately not, because vitamin C is water-soluble, which means that it dissolves in water and is delivered to the body’s tissues, but isn't well stored. So for optimum levels, you'll need to top up daily, through diet or supplements.
However, a diet jampacked with C-rich foods often isn't enough, because fruit and veg won't always reliably contain the high levels of vitamin C it should. For example, research shows that in the last 50 years, the amount of vitamin C in fruits like raspberries has dropped by 15% (want to learn more about why fruit and veg is less nutritious than it used to be? Check out our blog here).
Throw in the fact that many of us have trouble absorbing all the nutrients in our food due to common conditions like IBS, and you can see that it's well worth topping up with a supplement if you want to enjoy all the benefits vitamin C can offer.
Which is the most effective way to take your vitamin C vitamins?
Because Vitamin C is water soluble, you'll appreciate that if you take your vitamin C vitamins as an oral supplement, a lot of the dose will be excreted. Your body can't store the excess vitamin C, so your digestive system and liver will filter out all the vitamin C that can't be used immediately. This means it can be really tricky to keep your C levels topped up with oral supplements.
In contrast, our vitamin C patches deliver the nutrients directly into your bloodstream via the skin. So less active ingredient is lost, because it completely bypasses your gut. Perhaps even more importantly, our super clever patch nanotechnology means that small amounts of vitamin C are delivered gradually, throughout the day. Much easier for your body to make use of than a large oral dose, and ideal for maintaining a steady level of vitamin C each day.
So, now you know the most efficient way to top up, discover just some of the reasons you should be taking vitamin C:
1. Stronger gums and teeth:
Remember learning about sailors eating lemons to keep scurvy at bay? That's because vitamin C vitamins can boost collagen synthesis, a must for improving the strength and structure of the connective tissue in your gums.
Vitamin C also promotes wound healing and has antioxidant properties, which will help gum disease resolve faster (alongside ace flossing and dental hygiene of course!). Healthier gums mean your teeth can better withstand the huge pressures put on them from chewing without getting loose or falling out. Making vitamin C a must to keep you smiling!
2. Vitamin C vitamins help support your adrenals and how you respond to stress:
You need optimum levels of vitamin C to support your adrenal glands when they produce hormones like cortisol and adrenaline which are made by your body in response to stress. Vitamin C works by protecting your adrenal glands from the oxidative stress caused by the constant production of stress hormones.
If you're under more stress than usual, the vitamin C in your adrenals can quickly be depleted, so if you've got a lot on at work, or you're feeling generally stressed out, it's well worth topping up your vitamin C vitamins. C will also help your body make more carnitine, which helps with energy production and can help give you a boost when you're feeling wiped out.
3. Brighter, healthier skin:
When applied topically, vitamin C is associated with a fresher, clearer complexion because it inhibits melanin production, and can help to fade dark spots and scars. But it's a good idea to use skincare alongside vitamin C vitamins, so you can glow from within!
Taking a Vitamin C supplement reduces the impact of the free radicals our skin is exposed to every day from UV and pollution. It will also boost the collagen production of your skin, which can help promote firmness, elasticity, and less wrinkles! Sound good? We'd recommend our Collagen Plus patch which contains the ideal amount of both collagen and vitamin C. Pop one on and just wait for the compliments!
4. Improved heart and gut health:
Vitamins c vitamins don't just support your skin and gums, they are also crucial to keep the tissues inside your body healthy too – including your gut lining! Taking this vitamin can help prevent a leaky gut by strengthening your gut wall, and its anti-inflammatory properties can soothe conditions like IBS.
Research also suggests vitamin C can relax and support your blood vessels, which helps to regulate blood flow and pressure and prevents clots. It's also linked with reducing the build of plaque in your arteries and lowering the amount of bad cholesterol in your blood.
5. Reduced risk of developing anaemia:
If you want to protect yourself from iron deficiency (one of the most common deficiencies in UK women) make sure you're taking vitamin C vitamins alongside your iron supplement. Vitamin C enhances iron absorption by converting iron into a more absorbable form for the body and also counteracts iron inhibitors like caffeine, tannins, and calcium.
Our Iron Plus patches have done the hard work for you, by combining iron with vitamin C in one easy-to-use patch. Get yours here.
