The human body can be compared to a machine that has many different parts and has different roles to play in keeping an individual alive and healthy. Every part of the body is important for its overall function. For the body to function properly, it needs organic nutrients that we call vitamins. Vitamins are nutrients needed for the health of the body. When food enters the body without or lacks vitamins, there is a weakening of the immune system which leads to illness.
What is Vitamin C?
Vitamin C or also known as ascorbic acid is an important nutrient that helps in wound healing, controlling of infections and repair & maintenance of cartilage, bones and teeth. It is also important in the synthesis of collagen and several hormones in the body. It is more popular as a boost-resistance and antioxidant that fights harmful free radicals that may damage our cells. These free radicals are molecules that can play a role in the development of cancer, heart diseases & other disease states.
Good sources of vitamin C can be found in fruits and vegetables such as citrus fruits, strawberries, broccoli, brussel sprouts, kale, spinach, potatoes, and peppers.
Benefits of Vitamin C to our body:
1. Strengthen the immune system
One of the most well-known benefits of Vitamin C is that it strengthens our immune system or resistance. It is necessary for the normal production of white blood cells that the body is resistant to infections. As an antioxidant, this vitamin strengthens the skin so that germs do not immediately damage it. Vitamin C deficiency is said to contribute to poor health outcomes in different disease states. As an example, patients with low Vitamin C levels are more prone to developing Pneumonia and recovery time from any illness may take longer.
2. Protection against diseaseVitamin C and its versions such as sodium ascorbate are antioxidants that protect children’s bodies against the harmful free radicals in the environment caused by pollution, which in turn protects them from easily acquiring infections
3. Prevention of iron deficiency
Iron is an important nutrient in the body because it is needed for the production of red blood cells and the delivery of oxygen to various parts of the body. Vitamin C supplements help speed up the absorption of iron from our diet. It also facilitates the conversion of poorly absorbed iron (from plant-based sources) into a form that is easily absorbed by the body. Because of this, people at-risk of iron deficiency are encouraged to eat foods rich in Vitamin C and take supplements such as iron and ascorbic acid.
This vitamin also plays a big role in the repair and strengthening of the bones and teeth of children.
Since children love to play and explore, it is inevitable that they will sometimes be injured or have cuts. Vitamin C helps their body make collagen which can facilitate wound healing by supporting new blood vessel formation and granulation/healing tissue formation on the wound.
In this time of pandemic, many are worried for children and are looking for vitamins that can help maintain the health of children and siblings. An important step for children is to make sure they have enough vitamin C available from healthy foods and vitamin supplements.
For any questions regarding the nutrients for your child, feel free to schedule a consultation with one of our pediatricians at Medgate. We are open 24/7, even on holidays.
References
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/the-benefits-of-vitamin-c-why-your-child-needs-it/