Viridian Horseradish & Garlic Complex 90 Capsules

What does vitamin C do for the immune system?

While vitamin C is involved in a lot of essential functions it has deservedly won its reputation as an essential nutrient for a healthy immune system. In humans, diet is the sole source of vitamin C through a wide variety of fruits and vegetables that are rich in this vitamin - believe it or not acerola cherry delivers more than 10 times the amount of vitamin C compared to oranges!

Vitamin C has been shown to inhibit viral replication and may reduce the severity of the common cold. A recent study suggested that vitamin C may prevent the common cold and shorten the duration of symptoms, however it has long been confirmed that vitamin C works in three ways to support the immune system;

• By increasing white blood cells & antibodies, which target the virus.
• By helping clear spent white blood cells to maintain tissue health.
• By boosting collagen synthesis, which strengthens skin & tissue membranes so the virus can’t enter the body as easily.

Some evidence suggests that during times of stress, vitamin C is excreted at a significantly increased rate. Thus, a higher intake of vitamin C is required for immune protection when the body is overworked.

Are there any side effects to vitamin C?

One negative side effect of continued large doses of usual forms of vitamin C is gastrointestinal discomfort and diarrhoea. These effects are due in large part to the acidity of ascorbic acid itself.