Unveiling the secrets of vitamin C: a shield for our health

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is not only essential for preventing scurvy; its role goes much further. In this article we explore the link between vitamin C and cardiovascular disease.

Why vitamin C is vital

Humans are unusual among mammals in that we can't make vitamin C ourselves. This means we depend on a minimum daily intake (100 mg) to avoid diseases such as scurvy, which plagued sailors on long voyages with no access to fresh food. However, reaching these minimum amounts doesn't guarantee optimal health.

From the age of 35 we lose a significant amount of collagen, which weakens artery walls and increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Linus Pauling and the vitamin C revolution

Linus Pauling, winner of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, argued for daily doses of vitamin C of between 2 and 3 grams. According to this view, the optimal dose can vary from person to person.

Despite what some health professionals believe, the idea that high doses of vitamin C can cause kidney stones is, according to this approach, mistaken: it could only happen while excess vitamin C is being excreted in the urine.

Tailoring the dose and busting myths

Working out the optimal dose of vitamin C is an individual process, shaped by each person's needs. A key factor to consider is sugar intake, because glucose and ascorbic acid share the same receptor in the gut. Eating less sugar helps vitamin C absorption, while high doses may interfere with cancer cells' uptake of glucose, offering a possible preventive approach.

The path to a long, healthy life

Vitamin C is emerging as an interesting tool for preventing the most common diseases: cardiovascular disease and cancer. By understanding why the dose should be tailored and clearing up common concerns, we can make this nutrient part of our daily routine. Always speak to a professional before starting supplements.