Family Life Chiropractic Center

🌿 Wellness Wednesday: Your Vitamin A, B, C’s
Everyone talks about Vitamin C during cold season, but how many of us actually know what this nutrient does beyond “boosting immunity”? Today's goal is to give a look at the science behind Vitamin C!

💪 What Does Vitamin C Actually Do?

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is way more than an immune booster. It’s a multitasking antioxidant that helps your body:
🧬 Build collagen by keeping your skin, joints, and tissues strong
🩸 Heal wounds and repair damaged cells
🛡 Protect cells from oxidative stress (aka daily wear and tear)
🥦 Absorb iron from plant foods (key for preventing anemia)
💡 Support immune function at a cellular level, not just when you’re sick

⚠️ What Happens If You’re Deficient?

A true deficiency (called scurvy) is rare, but even mild shortages can leave you feeling off. Signs include:
Fatigue or sluggishness
Weak immune response
Dry or rough skin
Easy bruising or slow healing
Bleeding gums (in more serious cases)

🍓 Good Food Sources:

Citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, grapefruit)
Kiwi, strawberries, papaya, mango
Bell peppers, broccoli, Brussels sprouts
Kale, spinach, tomatoes

💡 Pro tip: Eat your produce raw or lightly steamed to get the most Vitamin C punch! Vitamin C is abundant in fresh fruits and veggies, but it’s also fragile, breaking down with heat and storage.

✅ Recommended Daily Intake:

Men: 90 mg
Women: 75 mg (higher during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or illness)
Smokers: +35 mg/day

💊 Most people meet their needs through food, but supplements can help when diet or lifestyle falls short. Always check with your healthcare provider before starting any new vitamin routine.