Antioxidants to Supplement- Vitamin C
May 2nd, 2008
Vitamin C
Antioxidant functions: As a water-soluble antioxidant, vitamin C is in a unique position to “scavenge” aqueous peroxyl radicals before these destructive substances have a chance to damage lipids. It works along with vitamin E and the enzyme glutathione peroxidase to stop free radical chain reactions.
Immune system function: Vitamin C can enhance the body’s resistance to an assortment of diseases, including infectious disorders and many types of cancer. It strengthens and protects the immune system by stimulating the activity of antibodies and immune system cells such as phagocytes and neutrophils.
Other processes: Vitamin C contributes to a variety of other biochemical functions. These include the biosynthesis of the amino acid carnitine and the catecholamines that regulate the nervous system. It also helps the body to absorb iron and to break down histamine, the inflammatory component of many allergic reactions.
How much for antioxidant activity: Free radical pathology may occur when the body’s antioxidant mechanisms cannot keep pace with the rate at which free radicals and other oxidants are being formed. To supply the body with enough antioxidant power, R.F. Cathcart, a clinical practitioner who has treated patients with vitamin C, believes each person should take the vitamin up to his or her “bowel tolerance” level. Simply put, this is the level just below the daily dosage that would cause you to have diarrhea. The more severe the toxicity from oxygen radicals, the more vitamin C one can tolerate.
