Embarking on a transformative journey towards vibrant health begins with a single, yet crucial step: awareness. “Triumphing Over Vitamin C Deficiency: A Journey from Awareness to Vibrant Health” is more than just a guide; it’s an enlightening expedition into the heart of wellness. Vitamin C, a cornerstone of health, often goes unnoticed in its absence, yet its deficiency can be a silent adversary affecting millions. This narrative not only spotlights the perils of overlooked vitamin C deficiency but also celebrates the remarkable resilience of the human body when properly nourished.

Through a blend of scientific insights and real-life transformations, we navigate the intriguing world of vitamin C—from its fundamental role in bodily functions to innovative ways of supplementation. Join us as we unravel the mysteries of this essential nutrient and guide you through a spectrum of vibrant health, illuminated by the power of vitamin C.

What is vitamin C deficiency?

Vitamin C deficiency, how do we recognize it? What can we do to prevent it or treat it? Liposomal Vitamin C by OPTIMUNITY may be the answer.

Vitamin C deficiency is also known as scurvy, and is usually associated with socioeconomic status and/or limited access to healthy food. This results in vitamin C deficiency which presents as a low serum concentration of vitamin C and can lead to a range of signs and symptoms.

Vitamin C storage in the body

A small amount of vitamin C is found within white bloods cells, adrenal glands, and the pituitary gland, there is very limited amount of vitamin C storage in the body. [2]

Total body storage of vitamin C is 1500mg and deficiency occurs after that level is reduced to less than 350mg [1]. OPTIMUNITY has a serving dose of 1500 mg, and is designed to be optimally absorbed through its liposomal delivery. Perfect for vitamin C delivery and storage.

Because we do not store vitamin C very well in the body, we need it in our diets EVERYDAY! either in the foods that we eat or most of the time through the supplements we take!

Vitamin C deficiency is also known as Scurvy. Scurvy was made infamous by pirates and British sailors. They usually fell ill with scurvy due to the inability to keep foods rich in vitamin C from spoiling on long voyages. (also their lack of supplements)

Vitamin C deficiency was described in 1550 BC as:

“the mouth feels bad; the gums are detached from the teeth; blood runs from the nostrils… ulcerations on the legs; some of these heal…skin is thin.” [2]

As you can see, the previous quote alone, makes me vigilant to take vitamin C supplement, and make sure I am getting the dietary need of vitamin C. Loose teeth?! – YUCK!

Risk factors of vitamin C deficiency include: [2]

• Alcoholism
• Babies only fed cow’s milk
• Seniors with limited diets
• People of lower socioeconomic class that cannot afford a variety of fruits and vegetables
• smokers
• People with eating disorders
• Diabetics
• Individuals with gastrointestinal issues like inflammatory bowel disease.
• restrictive diets and food allergies

Symptoms of vitamin C deficiency according to Merck:

• Follicular hyperkeratosis
• coiled hair
• perifollicular hemorrhages
• gums may become: purple, swollen, spongy, and bleed easily
• teeth may become loose
• secondary infections
• wounds heal poorly and tear easily
• spontaneous hemorrhages may occur
• poor immunity
• iron deficiency anemia
• fatigue, weight gain, and mood changes

Why is it so easy to become Vitamin C deficent?

Many people are vitamin C deficient due to the fact that humans lost the ability to synthesize ascorbate (AKA vitamin C) in our livers. Most animal species are able to synthesize vitamin C in their livers. Due to a random genetic mutation in humans, we can no longer do this; we need it in our diets! [1]

“Vitamin C acts as a powerful antioxidant that plays a role in many functions in optimal health and prevention of disease.”

Carr AC et al.

Vitamin C is absorbed well in small quantities, uptake of vitamin C is done through sodium-dependent vitamin C transporters (SCVT-1). SCVT-1 is easily saturated which allows for limited absorption. [1]

Loss of vitamin C

• Vitamin C is then excreted in the urine
• Next, re-uptake by the renal tubules of the kidney
• further loss through oxidation of ascorbic acid which can undergo further oxidative decomposition.

“If it is so easy to become vitamin C deficient, how can I prevent Vitamin C deficiency before symptoms even start?”

A person needs to be without vitamin C for 8-12 weeks before they become severely deficient; you have time! But, prevention is key to thwarting off these terrible symptoms of vitamin C deficiency. So it is important to take supplements of vitamin C.

Furthermore, Vitamin c is also heat-sensitive; cooking preparations can remove the nutritional value from fruits and vegetables. Obviously, It is so important to eat a well balanced diet. But, with busy modern lives supplements help us “supplement” the nutritional value we are lacking from our foods.

Overdose of vitamin C

According to the Mayoclinic the recommended daily amount for vitamin C is 65 to 90 milligrams (mg) a day. The upper limit, that is still safe, for you to take is 2,000 mg a day.

Vitamin C is very unlikely to be harmful unless taken its such large amounts! More than you can get in a supplement unless you took the whole bottle (which I know you won’t.)

A VERY large amount, much more than 2,000 mg a day may cause minor and temporary symptoms.

These symptoms include (but are not limited to):

• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Heartburn
• Abdominal cramps
• Headache
• Insomnia

I personally take 1500 mg a day with OPTIMUNITY and I have been doing this for years now. My blood work is always optimal according to my doctor. (Speak to YOUR doctor) before starting any supplements.

Frequently asked questions: