What is Vitamin C?
Vitamin C IV Therapy
Vitamin C, scientifically known as ascorbic acid, is an essential nutrient and a powerful antioxidant. It plays a vital role in numerous physiological processes, including immune function, collagen synthesis, and cellular protection. This water-soluble vitamin is naturally present in various fruits and vegetables, including oranges, strawberries, bell peppers, and broccoli.
Why supplementation is important
Humans, unlike most animals, cannot produce or store Vitamin C, making dietary intake or supplementation essential. Vitamin C is more than just an immunity booster; it’s integral to maintaining overall health. Its role as an antioxidant helps protect cells from oxidative damage caused by free radicals. At the same time, its contribution to collagen production supports skin, bones, and connective tissues.
What Does Vitamin C Do?
Vitamin C is involved in a broad range of biological functions critical to maintaining health and preventing disease. Below are some of its key roles:
1. Supports the Immune System
Vitamin C supports the production and activity of white blood cells the body’s frontline defence against infections. It also helps reduce inflammation, which can weaken immune defences.
Vitamin C supports the production and activity of white blood cells the body’s frontline defence against infections. It also helps reduce inflammation, which can weaken immune defences.
2. Promotes Collagen Synthesis
Collagen is the protein responsible for the structure and elasticity of skin, tendons, cartilage, and blood vessels. Vitamin C is a co-factor in the enzymatic reactions that produce collagen, making it essential for wound healing and skin health.
3. Neutralises Free Radicals
As a potent antioxidant, Vitamin C protects cells from oxidative damage caused by free radicals. This is particularly important during periods of illness or stress, which can increase oxidative stress in the body.
4. Enhances Iron Absorption
Vitamin C improves the absorption of non-heme iron from plant-based foods, helping to prevent iron deficiency anaemia. It also plays a role in recycling Vitamin E, another antioxidant.
5. Boosts Energy and Reduces Fatigue
Vitamin C helps combat fatigue and maintain overall vitality by supporting energy-yielding metabolism.
6. Protects Nervous System Health
Vitamin C contributes to the normal functioning of the nervous system and psychological well-being.
Signs of Vitamin C Deficiency
Deficiency in Vitamin C can lead to a variety of symptoms, including:
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Dry skin and hair
- Frequent infections
- Slow wound healing
- Easy bruising and bleeding gums
- Anaemia
The Science Behind
Vitamin C IV Therapy
Oral Vitamin C absorption is limited by the gastrointestinal system, with only a fraction of the ingested dose being absorbed. Higher doses often result in diminished absorption and excess Vitamin C being excreted through urine, making it challenging to achieve therapeutic blood concentrations.
Vitamin C IV therapy circumvents these limitations by delivering the nutrient directly into the bloodstream. This allows for much higher concentrations in the blood and tissues, which can produce effects not achievable through diet or oral supplements.
High blood concentrations of Vitamin C achieved through IV therapy promote increased uptake into cells, where it acts as an antioxidant and co-factor for critical enzymatic reactions.
Vitamin C exhibits pro-oxidant properties at very high concentrations that selectively target abnormal cells, such as cancer cells while sparing healthy cells. This has been studied as a potential adjunctive treatment in cancer therapy.
By providing a steady supply of Vitamin C, IV therapy enhances the synthesis of collagen, which is critical for tissue repair and skin health, including reducing the appearance of wrinkles.
High-dose Vitamin C can significantly lower oxidative stress markers, particularly in individuals with chronic illnesses or inflammatory conditions.
What Are the Benefits of Vitamin C IV Therapy?
- Strengthens Immune system (ideal during cold and flu season)
- Improves skin health (including helping to reduce the appearance of wrinkles & scars)
- Increases energy levels
- Accelerates recovery for athletes and individuals healing from surgery or injury.
- Provides support for managing symptoms of certain chronic conditions, such as inflammation or oxidative stress.
- Antioxidant protection
Enquire Today
To learn more about our Vitamin C IV Therapy, please request an appointment at info@nuutro.co.uk