Vitamin C is one of the most commonly recommended supplements for seniors. While research shows it won’t stop you from getting sick, it may lessen the severity or duration of some illnesses, including the common cold. It also offers a bevy of other benefits. Read on to find out why adding vitamin C to your diet can help you stay healthy. As always, check with your doctor before adding any supplement to your routine.
According to the Mayo Clinic, “vitamin C is a nutrient your body needs to form blood vessels, cartilage, muscle and collagen in bones.” Previous studies from decades ago suggested vitamin C’s ability to successfully treat or prevent the common cold. However, more recent research points towards the use of vitamin C supplements to shorten the duration of the common cold and reduce symptom severity.
Vitamin C might also help slow age-related macular degeneration, which is one of the leading causes of vision loss in seniors, according to recent research. It’s also an antioxidant. It helps protect your body from free radicals or unstable molecules, which are attributed to causing cancer, heart disease and other conditions.
The human body can’t produce vitamin C, which is why consuming it from either the foods we eat or the supplements we take, is important. Oranges are a clear winner with providing vitamin C but many other fruits and vegetables also offer a strong dose. Consider these foods:
- Citrus fruits
- Cruciferous vegetables
- White potatoes
- Strawberries
- Guavas
The recommended dietary allowances for vitamin C is 90mg per day for adult males and 75mg per day for adult females. However, the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database indicates that vitamin C is likely safe when used below doses of 2000 mg daily. Make sure to discuss your intake with your doctor to ensure you ingest the right amount for your health and well-being, and to ensure there are no interactions with other medications you are taking.
