Vitamin C
Five functions of vitamin C
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- One important function of Vitamin C is the formation and maintenance of
collagen, the basis of connective tissues, which is found in skin,
ligaments, cartilage, vertebral discs, joint lining, capillary walls, and
the bones and teeth.
- Ascorbic acid also helps thyroid hormone production, and it aids in
cholesterol metabolism, increasing its elimination and thereby assisting in
lowering blood cholesterol.
- Ascorbic acid may activate neutrophils, the most prevalent white blood
cells that work on the frontline defense in more hand-to-hand combat than
other white blood cells. It also seems to increase production of
lymphocytes, the white cells important in antibody production and in
coordinating the cellular immune function.
- Ascorbic acid acts as a detoxifier and may reduce the side effects of
drugs such as cortisone, aspirin, and insulin; it may also reduce the
toxicity of the heavy metals lead, mercury, and arsenic.
- Vitamin C also decreases the production of histamine, thereby reducing immediate allergy potential.