Which is the best Vitamin C for you?

The most frequent question recently - which is the best vitamin C for you?

As I am working on some researches on supplements, I decided to jot down all that I've found regarding vitamin C. 

There have been a huge increase in vitamin C requirement since the Covid-19 started. Undeniably the efficacy of vitamin C in boosting your immune system have long been proven, thus there are mushrooming choices of vitamin C to be chosen from diverse range of brands with different names and dosage form. Vitamin C is mainly in the form of ascorbic acid, which has equivalent bioavailability to that of naturally occurring ascorbic acid in foods such as orange and guava. There are also other form of vitamin C supplements such as sodium ascorbate, calcium ascorbate, and some other combinations. 

How does vitamin C boost our immunity?

In short, vitamin C stimulates immune system by enhancing T-cell proliferation in response to infection. These T-cells produce large quantities of cytokines, help B cells to synthesize immunoglobulins to control inflammatory reactions. Therefore our body uses extra vitamin C during times of illness or infection.

The question is, which form is the best?

Studies has shown that generally there is no significant difference between different forms in the efficacy, as they all show increase in plasma vitamin C levels. However, it was also concluded that ascorbic acid is the preferred source of supplemental vitamin C.

How do you know which form of vitamin C is used in the supplement? Check the nutrition label. Always go for reliable sources or manufacturers! :)

For those who has been continuously taking vitamin C for some time, do you feel some changes to your body?

Vitamin C, this water-soluble vitamin, is important in forming collagen! Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, found in the bones, muscles, skin, and tendons. I hope you see great change in your skin. Vitamin C plays a critical role in wound repair and healing/regeneration process as it stimulates collagen synthesis. 

It also helps maintain capillaries, and aids in the absorption of iron (essential for blood production). Apart from that, Vitamin C is also required for the biosynthesis of L-carnitine and certain neurotransmitters. 

Note: L-carnitine is an amino acid derivative that transports fatty acids into your cells to be processed for energy. Neurotransmitters help to transmit signals from nerve cells to target cells. *staysane*
One of the most common vitamin C comes in the form of effervescent tablets. This form will be able to provide optimal compatibility, promote superior and rapid absorption, increase a patient's liquid intake and circumvent the difficulty of swallowing large pills.