Vitamin C, scientifically known as ascorbic acid, is an essential micronutrient naturally present in various foods and available in the form of food supplements. This nutrient plays a crucial role in numerous physiological processes in the human body. Among its main functions, vitamin C facilitates the synthesis of collagen, a structural protein essential for the formation and maintenance of connective tissues, including the skin, tendons, ligaments and blood vessels. It is also fundamental to tissue growth and repair, contributing to the overall health and integrity of the body's various systems.
Vitamin C has powerful antioxidant properties, enabling it to neutralise and reduce the harmful effects of free radicals. These unstable molecules can cause oxidative stress and cell damage, which are implicated in the development of various diseases and the ageing process. By combating these destructive agents, vitamin C helps prevent oxidative damage, strengthening the immune system and contributing to overall health and well-being.
In short, vitamin C is essential for maintaining optimum health and combating the signs of ageing.
Vitamin C is essential for the growth and repair of all types of tissue in the body. It plays a crucial role in healing wounds and maintaining the structural integrity of bones, cartilage, skin and teeth. What's more, vitamin C protects the skin against everyday aggressors such as ultraviolet (UV) rays and atmospheric pollutants, which can cause skin damage and premature ageing.
Recognised as one of the body's most powerful antioxidants, topically applied vitamin C has healing properties for the skin. It promotes the biosynthesis of key proteins such as collagen and elastin, as well as melanin. Collagen and elastin are essential for maintaining the skin's strength, elasticity and structural support, helping to combat the signs of premature ageing. Melanin, responsible for skin pigmentation, plays a role in protecting against UV damage. By increasing the production of these proteins, topical vitamin C can improve skin texture, reduce the appearance of spots or hyperpigmentation, and promote overall skin rejuvenation.
To improve your daily vitamin C intake, include a variety of fruit and vegetables with a high vitamin C content. This approach provides essential vitamins while contributing to a balanced and varied diet.
Choose fruit rich in vitamin C, such as blueberries, cantaloupe, cranberries, grapefruit, kiwis, mangoes, oranges, papayas, pineapples and watermelons.
These vegetables are excellent sources of vitamin C: broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, leafy green vegetables (such as kale and spinach), peppers (including sweet peppers and chillies), spinach, squash, sweet potatoes and tomatoes.
By including these fruits and vegetables in your daily diet, you'll not only enjoy the benefits of vitamin C, but also dietary fibre and other essential nutrients.
Topical vitamin C formulations have grown in popularity in recent years thanks to their proven effectiveness in improving skin health. Vitamin C is easily absorbed by the skin and offers a range of benefits when incorporated into skincare products such as creams, powders and serums.
The effectiveness of topical vitamin C products can vary depending on skin type and specific goals. Your doctor will carry out a thorough skin assessment, which will enable him or her to recommend the vitamin C product best suited to your unique skin condition and desired results.
Topical applications of vitamin C are recognised for their ability to reduce redness, harmonise skin tone, improve overall radiance and delay the appearance of signs of premature ageing.
Supplementation can be an effective way of increasing your vitamin C intake. However, it is essential to consult your doctor or a registered dietician before starting any supplementation. This will ensure that the supplement is suitable for your state of health.
Following a full assessment of your health, eating habits and wellness goals, a daily vitamin C supplement may be recommended. This recommendation will depend on the results of your health assessment and will aim to support your overall health and well-being.
Approaching supplementation with caution and under the guidance of a qualified professional is crucial. This approach ensures that the supplementation strategy is safe, effective and tailored to meet your needs.
The judicious use of vitamin C supplements, under the supervision of health professionals, can be a valuable part of a holistic approach to nutrition and health.
The services described on this site are applicable to Switzerland; there are differences between countries.
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Dr Valeria Romano
Pl. du Molard 5, 1204 Geneva, Switzerland
Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 6pm
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