Importance of vitamin C for women

The addition of vitamin C will support collagen production, reducing the risk of iron deficiency anemia and stress.

Most of the properties of vitamin C are helpful in boosting immunity for both sexes. However, this nutrient also brings some attractive effects for women only. Here are the benefits that you get if you take vitamin C daily.

Supports collagen production

Collagen makes up 30% of the protein in the body and is found in bones, muscles, skin, and tendons. According to Medical News Today , collagen helps keep skin healthy and elastic. Many studies also show that vitamin C is an essential nutrient in the healing of connective tissue. However, collagen levels decline as people age. Therefore, vitamin C supplementation plays an important role.

A diet rich in vitamin C-rich foods like oranges, kiwis, and chili peppers will help a lot. Photo: Freepik

During pregnancy and lactation

Not only helps strengthen the immune system and reduce the risk of iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy, vitamin C is also key to the physical development of the fetus. Specifically, this vitamin will support collagen production, strengthen healthy tissues and heal wounds. Some studies also show that pregnant women are more likely to have pregnancy complications if they are deficient in vitamin C.

Reduce stress

Stress can affect digestive function, immune system, hormone production, menstrual cycle and fertility in women. According to medical experts, vitamin C helps reduce levels of stress hormones, improving physical and emotional well-being.

Reduce the risk of heart disease

Supplementing with vitamin C has been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease by helping to lower levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol and high triglycerides in the blood. Moreover, regular vitamin C supplementation also helps the body reduce the rate of abnormally high blood pressure thereby limiting some important risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

Enhance iron absorption

According to the American Medical Association, vitamin C is the only dietary ingredient other than animal tissue that has been shown to promote iron absorption. Therefore, vitamin C supplementation may help women improve iron absorption and reduce the risk of anemia in those prone to iron deficiency.

Anti-aging

According to WebMD , vitamin C has antioxidant properties, which can be beneficial in the aging process. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition examined the link between this micronutrient intake and skin aging in 4,025 women aged 40-74. The results showed that people with higher intakes of vitamin C had reduced conditions such as the appearance of wrinkles, dryness, and skin aging.

Vitamin C is found in many citrus fruits, tomatoes, potatoes, red and green peppers, kiwis, broccoli, strawberries, Brussels sprouts and cantaloupe,...

Generally, vitamin C is safe for most people. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that women take vitamin C supplements at 75 mg per day. For pregnant women it is 85 mg and for lactating women it is 120 mg per day.