It’s common knowledge that vitamin C–or ascorbic acid–can help keep us healthy during cold, flu, and COVID season. But, what else can ascorbic acid do for our bodies? And how can we get vitamin C with IV therapy? At Vitality IV, powered by the BioMed Center of New England, our team knows four little-known facts about vitamin C that might surprise you.
We’re ready to share them with you now, but don’t wait until you’re done reading this article to schedule your IV infusion. Call our team today at 401-443-4007 or contact us online here!
Vitamin C and Iron Are Friends
Iron deficiency leads to a condition known as anemia. People who are anemic experience dizziness, fatigue, and lightheadedness as a result of low iron.
Typically, medical professionals recommend iron supplements for people with anemia. However, research suggests that our bodies cannot easily absorb iron without sufficient ascorbic acid.
Therefore, if you’re taking an iron supplement, make sure you’re getting enough vitamin C to metabolize it. Otherwise, your iron supplements may not be as beneficial as you think.
Ascorbic Acid Can Turn Back the Clock
Collagen supplements and powders are becoming more popular. This is because collagen gives us a more youthful glow by improving our skin, joint, bone, and cartilage health. However, our bodies cannot properly metabolize collagen without ascorbic acid.
Taking collagen supplements without sufficient vitamin C does not allow our bodies to convert collagen into a bioavailable form. Subsequently, taking collagen without ascorbic acid may not deliver the health benefits you’re looking for. So, if you’re trying to reduce the effects of aging with collagen, then make sure you’re getting enough ascorbic acid.
Ascorbic Acid and Healing
Humans have been using ascorbic acid to combat diseases, like scurvy, for centuries. This led scientists to question exactly how and why vitamin C prevents scurvy.
Research suggests that healing, particularly wound healing, requires ascorbic acid at every step of the healing process. Without sufficient ascorbic acid, our bodies cannot synthesize collagen, which is the foundational protein for our connective tissues. And when our bodies can’t synthesize collagen, our connective tissues begin to break down.
Subsequently, without enough collagen in our connective tissues, our old wounds will reopen. Thus, vitamin C is the reason why scurvy–an ascorbic acid deficiency–can be prevented with citrus fruits.
Citrus Fruits Aren’t the Only Way to Get Vitamin C
Scurvy launched citrus fruits into the Vitamin C Hall of Fame, but they aren’t the only source of ascorbic acid. Many other foods contain vitamin C, such as:
- Broccoli
- Kale
- Strawberries
- Green and red bell peppers
- Peas
- Kiwis
However, a 2021 study found that getting ascorbic acid from supplements and food may not be the best way to get this special vitamin. The study states that administering ascorbic acid intravenously allows our bodies to maximally absorb it. In turn, IV infusion therapy for vitamin C encourages our bodies to prevent and shorten the duration of illness more effectively.
At Vitality IV, many of our IV infusions contain ascorbic acid. However, our BioImmune infusion is unique to our other infusions. This is because we can adjust the amount of vitamin C in the BioImmune cocktail depending on our patients’ unique health needs. Talk about taking control of your healthcare!
IV Infusion Therapy in Providence, RI
You might not be suffering from scurvy, but we believe you could benefit from a little more tender, loving vitamin C. Schedule your IV infusion therapy consultation with our compassionate team today! You can reach our Providence, RI, IV therapy clinic at 401-443-4007 or online here.
