Why is Vitamin C important for Women 40 yrs Plus?

Vitamin C - otherwise known as Ascorbic Acid

One of the more well-known vitamins and plays a role in many important bodily functions. As this group is of the water soluble kind, any excess or that which is not used in the body is passed through via the urine. Overdoses of vitamin C have not been recorded as serious, however it is recommended to maintain the normal daily allowance of 60mg per day per adults.

Benefits of Vitamin C:

• Crucial in the control of the condition of our skin. The antioxident effects of Vitamin C would be its most important function as if the free radicals (oxidents) in our system are not controlled, they can cause significant damage cells. We would experience problems with our skin and in turn other body parts. Imagine how the exterior of a car is damaged by rust, so too do these free radicals damage our skin.
• It is vital to our body's ability to produce collagen, which maintains the condition our skin. The presence of collagen delays the onset of wrinkles and saggy skin by holding its elasticity, which is extremely important as we age.
• Provides the ability for the body to repair tissues and allow wounds to heal more quickly.
• It is necessary for the process involved with metabolizing folic acid, iron, tyrosine and phenylalanine. The body cannot properly utilize carbohydrates without Vitamin C. It is also needed to synthesize fats and proteins.
• Assist in the recovery from the effects of a cold more quickly. It does not prevent a cold from developing, but it can alleviate the symptoms. This is accomplished by increasing the production of white blood cells and antibodies.
• Strengthens artery walls and makes them better able to resist the development of plaque build-up. It increases the bone marrow's ability to produce red blood cells and hemoglobin. And Vitamin C assists in keeping the nervous system healthy.
• Studies on the ability of Vitamin C to slow down and possibly even prevent the formation of cataracts are ongoing and are inconclusive however are showing promising results.

Sources of Vitamin C:

The major sources of vitamin C are found in fruits such as oranges, tangerines, limes, guava, lemons, papayas, strawberries, black currants, grapefruit and mangoes. Many vegetables also contain Vitamin C including collard greens, sweet and hot peppers, broccoli, tomatoes, brussel sprouts, cabbage, potatoes, kale, spinach, and watercress. These fruits and vegetables are best eaten raw to preserve the vitamin content. Exposure to light and steam unfortunately break down the vitamin C.

Symptoms of a Vitamin C Deficiency:

The most notable condition associated with a Vitamin C deficiency is Scurvy, a condition that used to affect sailors who spent long periods at sea. Mouth problems such as bleeding gums and teeth becoming loose are early symptoms of Scurvy and as it progresses, muscles become weak and joints become painful.

Other signs that the body may be experiencing a deficiency of Vitamin C include frequent infections, prolonged colds, easily bruised body parts, painful and/or swollen joints, nose bleeds, and anemia symptoms including tiredness and loss of skin color.

Should you feel that you are deficient in Vitamin C, please consult your doctor and undergo a blood test.

Extra Care for Smokers:

We are aware from media coverage over the past several years that smoking does more than damage the lungs. Tests have also shown that smoking also triggers the formation of free radicals which "eat up" vitamin C in the body. Therefore, smokers are advised to consume 110mg of this vitamin daily, compared with 75mg advised for non-smokers.

Another obvious reason that smokers require greater amounts of vitamin C along with other nutrients is the fact that smoker's diets may not be as nutritious as it could be. This may be partly due to the fact they light up instead of enjoying a healthy snack, and also that smoking suppresses one's appetite.

Obviously, the best thing to do would be to quite the cigarettes, but in the meantime, ensure a vitamin C supplement is taken daily. It is also advised to supplement with extra amounts of vitamin E and selenium, which will lower the levels of free radicals in the body.

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