Vitamin C Why So Important for Women’s Health

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)  is an essential vitamin, meaning our body can not produce it. So the only way we can have vitamin C in our body is to eat it.  

Ascorbic acid is required for numerous metabolic functions including the activation of folic acid, conversion of cholesterol to bile acids, conversion of proteins to amino acids in the body and the transformation of amino acids to neurotransmitters (our feel-good hormones). 

Ascorbic acid supports the epithelial barrier function of the skin, and it is involved in collagen synthesis. Yes, that means more wrinkles, if you are low in ascorbic acid.

Collagen is also required to keep our connective tissues stable and robust, e.g. our ligament and tendons, heart muscle and blood vessels. This is particularly important for menopausal women who are at higher risk of cardiovascular disease. Collagen is also essential for bone formation and strength, making it a necessary vitamin for menopausal women as they are at increased risk of bone disease.

Ascorbic acid is used in the liver detoxification pathways that are used to detoxify the body, including heavy metals.  Ascorbic acid is used within our immune system, contributing to both our innate and adaptive immune system.

It is a powerful antioxidant that protects the body from free radical damage, as a  scavenger against nitrogen oxide and oxygen species, such as superoxide radical ion, hydrogen peroxide, the hydroxyl radical, and singlet oxygen.

Increased levels of reactive oxygen species due to decreased serum levels of ascorbic acid leads to increased oxidative stress. High oxidative stress is linked to, impaired fertilization, deficient oocyte maturation and development of endometriosis (Mumford et al., 2016).

Ascorbic acid is also essential for fertility as it stimulates placental trophoblastic steroidogenesis, resulting in the production of oestrogen and progesterone. Progesterone is required in pregnancy to maintain the uterus lining and placenta growth. Studies have shown low levels of ascorbic acid and α-tocopherol (vitamin E)  in women recurrent spontaneous abortions (Chatuphonprasert et al., 2018).

For menopausal women, studies have shown and the steady decline of circulating ascorbic acid serum levels (Wiacek et al., 2013). And supplementation of high doses of ascorbic acid has been shown to reduce blood pressure and anxiety in menopausal women and women suffering from premenstrual syndrome.

To ensure you get enough vitamin C increase your intake of vitamin C rich food like citrus fruit, kiwi fruit, strawberries, mango, papaya and vegetables like broccoli, Brussel sprouts, leafy greens, potatoes and tomatoes.  Or consider taking a  Vitamin C supplement.

For advice on how to increase your dietary intake of vitamin C or for supplement advice book an appointment today.

References

Chatuphonprasert, W., Jarukamjorn, K., & Ellinger, I. (2018). Physiology and pathophysiology of steroid biosynthesis, transport and metabolism in the human placenta. In Frontiers in Pharmacology (Vol. 9, Issue SEP). Frontiers Media S.A. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2018.01027

Mumford, S. L., Browne, R. W., Schliep, K. C., Schmelzer, J., Plowden, T. C., Michels, K. A., Sjaarda, L. A., Zarek, S. M., Perkins, N. J., Messer, L. C., Radin, R. G., Wactawski-Wende, J., & Schisterman, E. F. (2016). Serum antioxidants are associated with serum reproductive hormones and ovulation among healthy women. Journal of Nutrition, 146(1), 98–106. https://doi.org/10.3945/jn.115.217620

Wiacek, M., Zubrzycki, I. Z., Bojke, O., & Kim, H. J. (2013). Menopause and age-driven changes in blood level of fat- and water-soluble vitamins. Climacteric, 16(6), 689–699. https://doi.org/10.3109/13697137.2012.742504