Vitamin C and COVID- Good/ Bad?

Should you take a Vitamin C supplement?

Vitamin C is an antioxidant, which means it can protect the body from oxidative stress. The immune system may induce oxidative damage when active to destroy a pathogen. This shows that vitamin C may be able to mitigate the damage caused by the disease-fighting mechanism.

It also supports the growth of white blood cells, which helps to maintain a healthy immune system. Vitamin C's antioxidant properties may also aid in the battle against inflammation.

Vitamin C, often known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble nutrient. Because it is water-soluble, it cannot be stored in the body and must be consumed on a regular basis.

Vitamin C is found in fruits and vegetables such as oranges and lemons.

However, when taken in excess…

The absorbed Vitamin C is converted to oxalate in the body and excreted by the kidneys after consumption. Vitamin C in high amounts has been used to boost immunity and speed wound healing. The body normally responds to a high dose by limiting absorption and boosting oxalate loss in urine.

However, in certain people, oxalate can build up in the kidneys, leading to kidney failure or kidney stones. This is more frequent in patients who have intestinal problems and already have kidney disease. This is not that common but can happen in one out of three hundred cases.

I’d suggest you explore food sources to get vitamin C. You may also use supplements but cycle it out every few weeks. Don’t consistently have a vitamin C supplement and depend on it.

There are natural sources of vitamin C that can protect you against covid. You will find vitamin C abundantly in guavas, oranges, kiwifruit, lemons, and many more natural food sources. These also come with phytosterols to keep your immune function up.

What does science say?

According to current research, vitamin C may help minimize the severity of COVID-19-related problems, but it may not treat or prevent the illness itself.

It is safe to say that in a minimum standard, vitamin C supplements will help you fight through the pandemic but studies also suggest that it has affected individuals leading to kidney diseases.

According to a 2018 study, large doses of vitamin C supplements had shown side effects in many individuals. The majority of vitamin C side effects were reported during oral absorption. Diarrhea, stomach pain, kidney stones, and enamel erosion when chewing are among them.

Trust this helps,

Roshni Sanghvi.