Immunity Support Focus: Vitamin C

A number of nutrients play key roles in supporting immune health, including vitamin C. Here's what you need to know about how this essential nutrient functions within the body.

What Is It?

• A water-soluble nutrient also known as ascorbic acid
• Isn’t created or stored within the body, so must be obtained through one’s diet
• Found in a variety of produce including citrus fruit and tomatoes

How Does It Support Immune Health?

• Stimulates production and function of several types of immune cells^{†The information provided is not an endorsement of any product, and is intended for educational purposes only. NaturesPlus does not provide medical advice and does not offer diagnosis of any conditions. Current research on this topic is not conclusive and further research may be needed in order to prove the benefits described. The conditions and symptoms described may be indicative of serious health problems, and therefore should be brought to the attention of a qualified healthcare practitioner.}
• Helps protect immune cells from free radicals^{†The information provided is not an endorsement of any product, and is intended for educational purposes only. NaturesPlus does not provide medical advice and does not offer diagnosis of any conditions. Current research on this topic is not conclusive and further research may be needed in order to prove the benefits described. The conditions and symptoms described may be indicative of serious health problems, and therefore should be brought to the attention of a qualified healthcare practitioner.}

What Are Its Other Functions?

• Serves as an antioxidant, a substance that neutralizes free radicals, throughout the body^{†The information provided is not an endorsement of any product, and is intended for educational purposes only. NaturesPlus does not provide medical advice and does not offer diagnosis of any conditions. Current research on this topic is not conclusive and further research may be needed in order to prove the benefits described. The conditions and symptoms described may be indicative of serious health problems, and therefore should be brought to the attention of a qualified healthcare practitioner.}
• Needed for many enzymatic reactions, including those that produce the structural protein collagen^{†The information provided is not an endorsement of any product, and is intended for educational purposes only. NaturesPlus does not provide medical advice and does not offer diagnosis of any conditions. Current research on this topic is not conclusive and further research may be needed in order to prove the benefits described. The conditions and symptoms described may be indicative of serious health problems, and therefore should be brought to the attention of a qualified healthcare practitioner.}
• Higher levels have been linked to reductions in cardiovascular risk^{†The information provided is not an endorsement of any product, and is intended for educational purposes only. NaturesPlus does not provide medical advice and does not offer diagnosis of any conditions. Current research on this topic is not conclusive and further research may be needed in order to prove the benefits described. The conditions and symptoms described may be indicative of serious health problems, and therefore should be brought to the attention of a qualified healthcare practitioner.}

What Supplemental Forms Are Best?

• Most effective in the company of synergistic plants—such as rose hip, acerola or amla—or other sources of phytonutrients called bioflavonoids
• Available in strengths up to 2,000 mg and in a number of varieties that include specialized formulations such as buffered vitamin C and esterified C
• Available as flavored chewable
• Children’s formulations also available

What Else Should I Know?

The British Navy started giving lemons to sailors in the 1700s to ward off a serious disorder called scurvy, which was later discovered to be caused by severe vitamin C deficiency