{"id":152427,"date":"2026-05-25T12:45:53","date_gmt":"2026-05-25T10:45:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/encanto.it\/uncategorized\/vitamina-c\/"},"modified":"2026-08-01T13:17:58","modified_gmt":"2026-08-01T11:17:58","slug":"vitamina-c","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/encanto.it\/en\/food-supplements\/vitamins\/vitamin-c\/vitamina-c\/","title":{"rendered":"Vitamin C"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wpb-content-wrapper\"><p>[vc_row row_height_percent=&#8221;0&#8243; override_padding=&#8221;yes&#8221; h_padding=&#8221;4&#8243; top_padding=&#8221;3&#8243; bottom_padding=&#8221;2&#8243; overlay_alpha=&#8221;50&#8243; gutter_size=&#8221;3&#8243; column_width_percent=&#8221;100&#8243; shift_y=&#8221;0&#8243; z_index=&#8221;0&#8243; content_parallax=&#8221;0&#8243; uncode_shortcode_id=&#8221;117847&#8243;][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/1&#8243;][vc_column_text border_color=&#8221;accent&#8221; border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; uncode_shortcode_id=&#8221;156268&#8243; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1779705809823{border-top-width: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 4px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 15px !important;}&#8221; border_color_type=&#8221;uncode-palette&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h1>Vitamin C<\/h1>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=&#8221;170061&#8243;]<\/p>\n<h2>Vitamin C \u2013 chemically known as L-ascorbic acid \u2013 is an essential water-soluble vitamin: the human organism is unable to synthesize it on its own, unlike almost all other mammals, because of an evolutionary mutation that deactivated the enzyme L-gulonolactone oxidase, which is necessary for the last step in its biosynthesis. It must therefore be introduced exclusively through diet or supplementation. <\/h2>\n<h2 style=\"font-weight: normal;\">It is one of the most studied micronutrients in the world \u2013 with more than 60,000 dedicated scientific publications \u2013 and one of the few with a large number of EFSA-approved health claims. Despite this notoriety, subclinical Vitamin C deficiency is more prevalent than previously thought in Western populations, particularly among smokers, the elderly, people with diets low in fresh fruits and vegetables, and during periods of increased need. <\/h2>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text text_color=&#8221;color-jevc&#8221; uncode_shortcode_id=&#8221;954608&#8243; text_color_type=&#8221;uncode-palette&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"color: #d02d24;\">Food sources<\/h2>\n<p style=\"font-size: 18px;\">The richest food sources of Vitamin C are citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, grapefruit), kiwifruit, strawberries, red and yellow peppers \u2013 which contain concentrations up to three times higher than oranges \u2013 broccoli, Brussels sprouts, fresh parsley, and sea buckthorn berries, among the most concentrated plant sources of it. Cooking and exposure to air significantly degrade Vitamin C: up to 50\u201390% of the content can be lost through prolonged cooking or improper food storage. <\/p>\n<h2 style=\"color: #d02d24;\">Mechanism of action and main functions<\/h2>\n<p style=\"font-size: 18px;\">Vitamin C acts through two main mechanisms:<\/p>\n<ul style=\"font-size: 18px; line-height: 1.8;\">\n<li><strong>Enzyme Cofactor<\/strong> \u2013 Vitamin C is essential for the activity of numerous enzymes. The best known role is as a cofactor of prolyl and lysyl hydroxylases, the enzymes that modify procollagen during its synthesis. Without an adequate supply of Vitamin C, the Collagen produced is structurally unstable and cannot properly form the three-dimensional fibers that provide strength and integrity to skin, blood vessels, bone, and cartilage. This is the mechanism behind scurvy-the disease of severe Vitamin C deficiency.   <\/li>\n<li><strong>Water-soluble Anti oxidant<\/strong> \u2013 Vitamin C is the major water-soluble antioxidant in plasma and tissues. It neutralizes free radicals in the aqueous compartment, protecting lipids, proteins and DNA from oxidative stress. It cooperates with Glutathione-the main endogenous antioxidant-and with Vitamin E in the antioxidant chain: Vitamin C regenerates the reduced (active) form of Vitamin E after its oxidation.  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"font-size: 18px;\">Among other documented functions:<\/p>\n<ul style=\"font-size: 18px; line-height: 1.8;\">\n<li><strong>Immune system support<\/strong> \u2013 Vitamin C accumulates in high concentrations in leukocytes, particularly neutrophils, and supports their bactericidal function. Stimulates the production and function of lymphocytes and interferes with the replication of some viruses. <\/li>\n<li><strong>Absorption of non-heme Iron<\/strong> \u2013 reduces ferric iron (Fe\u00b3\u207a) to ferrous (Fe\u00b2\u207a), the gut-absorbable form, significantly increasing the bioavailability of plant-derived iron. Simultaneous intake of Vitamin C with non-heme iron-rich foods can increase its absorption by 2-3 times. <\/li>\n<li><strong>Synthesis of neurotransmitters and hormones <\/strong>\u2013 t is a cofactor in the synthesis of catecholamines (adrenaline, noradrenaline), carnitine, and some neuropeptides.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Support Collagen synthesis in the skin<\/strong> \u2013 stimulates fibroblasts to produce Collagen and inhibits metalloproteinase that degrades it. It is one of the rationales for the use of Vitamin C in nutricosmetic formulations. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 style=\"color: #d02d24;\">Marine Collagen and Vitamin C: a necessary synergy<\/h2>\n<p style=\"font-size: 18px;\">The combination of Marine Collagen and Vitamin C is one of the most widely used and scientifically sound combinations in skin nutraceuticals. The Collagen introduced through supplementation is hydrolyzed into peptides, which are absorbed and used as a substrate for the synthesis of new endogenous collagen. However, this synthesis requires Vitamin C as an essential cofactor. Without an adequate supply of Vitamin C, Marine Collagen supplementation produces reduced effects: the substrate is available, but the enzyme that processes it does not function optimally. The combination of these two active ingredients is therefore more effective than the sum of the two components taken individually.    <\/p>\n<h2 style=\"color: #d02d24;\">Glutathione and Vitamin C: the antioxidant chain<\/h2>\n<p style=\"font-size: 18px;\">Vitamin C and Glutathione work synergistically within the cellular antioxidant network. Reduced Glutathione (GSH) can regenerate oxidized Vitamin C (dehydroascorbic acid) back to its active form; in turn, Vitamin C preserves Glutathione from oxidation, sparing its consumption in tissues. In anti-aging and skin health formulations, the combination of Vitamin C + Glutathione + Marine Collagen is among those with the strongest rational basis.  <\/p>\n<h2 style=\"color: #d02d24;\">Zinc and Vitamin C: immunity and healing<\/h2>\n<p style=\"font-size: 18px;\">The Zinc + Vitamin C combination is the most classic in immune support formulations. The two nutrients have complementary mechanisms of action: Vitamin C supports leukocyte function and antioxidant response; Zinc is a cofactor of enzymes involved in T-lymphocyte maturation and innate immune response. Both contribute to normal immune system function with EFSA-approved claims.  <\/p>\n<h2 style=\"color: #d02d24;\">The forms available for formulation<\/h2>\n<p style=\"font-size: 18px;\">Vitamin C is available in numerous forms for supplement formulation, with relevant differences in gastric tolerability, bioavailability, and application:<\/p>\n<ul style=\"font-size: 18px; line-height: 1.8;\">\n<li><strong>Pure ascorbic acid<\/strong> \u2013 the most common and least expensive form. Identical to Vitamin C produced by the body. Absorbed effectively at moderate doses (up to 200 mg per single intake). Can be irritating to the gastric mucosa at high doses or on an empty stomach.   <\/li>\n<li><strong>Mineral ascorbates (sodium ascorbate, calcium, magnesium)<\/strong> \u2013 salts of ascorbic acid with neutral pH. Better tolerated gastrically than pure ascorbic acid, with equivalent bioavailability. Calcium ascorbate also provides calcium; magnesium ascorbate provides magnesium-elements to be considered in the balance of the overall formulation.  <\/li>\n<li><strong>Ester-C (calcium ascorbate with metabolites)<\/strong> \u2013 patented form with improved gastric tolerance profile and evidence of prolonged tissue retention compared to standard ascorbic acid. Suitable for high-dose protocols. <\/li>\n<li><strong>Liposomal Vitamin C<\/strong> \u2013 ascorbic acid is encapsulated in phosphatidylcholine liposomes that improve its gastric stability and transport across the intestinal wall, increasing bioavailability \u2013 particularly at high doses, where active transport becomes saturated. Data on advanced liposomal formulations show higher bioavailability than standard ascorbic acid at the same dose. Cost is significantly higher: justified in high-need settings, less necessary for ordinary daily supplementation at moderate doses.  <\/li>\n<li><strong>Vitamin C with bioflavonoids<\/strong> \u2013 association with citrus flavonoids (hesperidin, rutin) that in in vitro studies show synergistic effects on absorption and antioxidant activity. Clinical evidence on increased bioavailability in vivo remains mixed. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<blockquote>\n<p style=\"font-size: 18px;\">Intestinal saturation of Vitamin C occurs around 200 mg per single dose: higher doses are absorbed in decreasing percentages and excess is excreted with urine. To optimize absorption at high doses, it is preferable to divide the daily intake into several doses throughout the day rather than taking a single high dose. <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<h2 style=\"color: #d02d24;\">EFSA Claims approved<\/h2>\n<p style=\"font-size: 18px;\">Vitamin C has one of the largest heritages of health claims approved by EFSA under EC Regulation 1924\/2006:<\/p>\n<ul style=\"font-size: 18px; line-height: 1.8;\">\n<li><em>\u00abVitamin C contributes to the normal function of the immune system\u00bb<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>\u00abVitamin C contributes to normal Collagen formation for normal function of bones, cartilage, teeth, gums, skin and blood vessels\u00bb<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>\u00abVitamin C contributes to normal energy metabolism\u00bb<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>\u00abVitamin C contributes to the normal functioning of the nervous system\u00bb<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>\u00abVitamin C contributes to normal psychological function\u00bb<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>\u00abVitamin C contributes to the reduction of fatigue and fatigue\u00bb<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>\u00abVitamin C contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress\u00bb<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>\u00abVitamin C contributes to normal iron metabolism<\/em>\u00bb \u2013 one of the few claims that make explicit the synergy with another nutrient<\/li>\n<li><em>\u00abVitamin C contributes to the restoration of the reduced form of Vitamin E<\/em>\u00bb \u2013 claim formalizing the antioxidant synergy with Vitamin E<\/li>\n<li><em>\u00abVitamin C increases iron absorption\u00bb<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<blockquote>\n<p style=\"font-size: 17px;\"><em>At very high doses (greater than 1 g per day on a prolonged basis), Vitamin C may increase the risk of calcium oxalate kidney stones in predisposed individuals, and may interfere with some diagnostic tests. High doses may cause gastrointestinal effects such as osmotic diarrhea. <\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<blockquote>\n<p style=\"font-size: 17px;\"><em>Always remember that it is important to consult a health care professional before starting any new supplement or treatment.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Vitamin C is essential for immunity, Collagen synthesis, and antioxidant protection. Available forms, EFSA claims, bioavailability, and differences between ascorbic and liposomal acid. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":18,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[814,164,167],"tags":[671,673,722,781,800],"class_list":["post-152427","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-vitamin-c","category-food-supplements","category-vitamins","tag-functional-supplements","tag-nutraceuticals","tag-antioxidants","tag-longevity","tag-vitamins"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/encanto.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/152427","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/encanto.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/encanto.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/encanto.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/18"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/encanto.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=152427"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/encanto.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/152427\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":153386,"href":"https:\/\/encanto.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/152427\/revisions\/153386"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/encanto.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=152427"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/encanto.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=152427"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/encanto.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=152427"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}