When it comes to keeping the body's metabolic processes running smoothly for optimum health vitamin C has a hand in a vast number of vital functions. Any of the body's organs, tissues or cells deprived of this extremely wonderful nutrient would soon start to go awry in functioning.

Vitamin C as an immune system builder

The white blood cells are involved in immune defence: They kill off the unwanted foreign matter that invades the body. The types of white blood cells involved in immunity are called the T-cells and macrophages, which vitamin C is involved in the making of. If the immune defence failed to perform its function, then toxicity and disease sets in.

Vitamin C as an antioxidant

Damage to the body's organs, tissues and cells happen by means of reactive molecules called free radicals. These free radicals can cause damage by oxidation. They may come from environmental toxins such as heavy metals, noxious hydrocarbons; herbicides, fungicides, pesticides...or a whole range of chemicals like, for example, nitrosamines from nitrates found in factory Processed foods. Smokers take in free radicals when inhaling...The extent of the damage caused by oxidation can range from ageing to a number of chronic conditions such as cancer and cardiovascular disease.

Vitamin C in the maintenance of collagen

Collagen can be found in connective tissue. Skin, bone, teeth intervertebral disks, tendons, ligaments, cartilage and heart valves...are some of the connective tissues that contain collagen. Without collagen our tissues would not have anywhere near their structural integrity or togetherness. Therefore, a lack of this vital protein could cause some serious illnesses.

Studies have shown that collagen deficiency has been linked to a lack of vitamin C in the diet. Vitamin C has an involvement in the making of collagen in the body.

Disk herniation

Intervertebral disks exist in between the backbones. They cushion the backbones during movement, acting as shock absorbers. Due to excessive wear and tear and a lack of vitamin C, the outer surrounding of the intervertebral disk becomes less tough and worn, forming pinholes. This allows the inner soft material to find its way on the outside, causing it to make contact with the nerves around the spinal column. This can be quite painful. However, from a Japanese study it suggests that frequent intakes of vitamin C can remedy the situation by strengthening the intervertebral disks and returning their structural integrity.

Vitamin C and common colds prevention

The trick to preventing the common cold is to mega-dose with high amounts of vitamin C the moment when you feel that ickle-tickle in your throat and then carry on with further high doses, allowing for bowel tolerance... Mega-dosing with vitamin C as a way of preventing the common cold and its exact methodology can be found through searching Google.

-All the above benefits through taking vitamin C have been well documented and proven.