Even when I wrote the header it’s sounded like a click bait header but the more, I looked into it and re-wording it, the more it made sense to keep it as it is. The reason I am keeping it is because the statistics and research are strong enough evidence to support it. In fact, many clinical studies support it too:

Up to 82% critically ill patients had low Vitamin C values.

In an study conducted and written by: Tomasa-Irriguible, T.M., Bielsa-Berrocal, L. COVID-19: Up to 82% critically ill patients had low Vitamin C values. Nutr J 20, 66 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12937-021-00727-z  

You can read more here: https://rdcu.be/ct5i6

As we know the race to provide a vaccine was essential after scientists found that there were limited natural or therapeutic options for the treatment or prevention of Covid-19.

That said, the study above measured the blood plasma level of patients with Vitamin C  who met the ARDS criteria according to the Berlin definition and the epidemiological study revealed that 82% had low Vitamin C levels.

Did you know?

Humans are the only living mammal that cannot produce their own vitamin C!

Vitamin C, otherwise known as ascorbic acid both strengthens the immune system and helps to fight infections. Not only that but it strengthens bones, helps produce collagen, and keeps skin and joints strong and firm. It is an extremely powerful antioxidant and helps detoxify pollutants. Perhaps it’s most powerful use is protecting against cancer and heart disease and in fact high dose vitamin C is given to cancer patients! Finally, vitamin C helps make anti-stress hormones and helps to convert food into energy.

As the human body cannot produce vitamin C naturally, most people find themselves deficient in this powerful vitamin. Of course, as we all know, vitamin C is found in most fruits and vegetables and a diet lacking in these can seriously undermine your body’s reserve leaving susceptible to illness.

There are of course, tests for vitamin C but the body will also make you aware of this long before the requirement for a test. The most noticeable signs that your body is lacking in Vitamin C include, frequent or recurring colds, a lack of energy, frequent infections, bleeding from the gums or simply tender gums, easy bruising, nosebleeds red pimples or blemishes on the skin and slow wound healing.

So one of the best ways is to eat plenty of fruit and vegetables but this may not give your body the full quote of vitamin C – so as a Nutritionist in London I would recommend supplementation as part of your supplementation regime:

How much?

Recommended Daily Allowance: 60mg

ODA: 2,000mg

Supplementary Range: 800-2,800mg

Toxicity: Taking vitamin C tablet may cause loose stools or bowel movements but this is not a sign of toxicity and will reduce when the dose level is reduced:

Recommended Supplement: 

Best Food Sources: Broccoli (110mg), Bell peppers (100mg), Watercress (60mg), Cabbage (60mg), Cauliflower (60mg), Strawberries (60mg), Tomatoes (60mg) Kiwi Fruit (55mg) Lemons (50mg), Peas (25mg)

I would always encourage you to buy organic versions of each. You can buy organic bags of watercress in any larger Sainsburys store in London and if you don’t have a local health food shop near you, Sainsbury’s do offer a good range of organic produce. If you were having your food delivered to your London address, then I would recommend Ocado for it’s wide range of organic food too.

How to supercharge the power of your vitamin C: Vitamin C can become even more potent and have a bigger impact on your body when combined with bioflavonoids. These can be found in fruit and vegetables. Vitamin C also works with B vitamins to produce energy and works with Vitamin E as a powerful antioxidant.

I hope this gives you a little overview as to how to potect yourself even further against Covid-19 alongside the government recommendations. For more specific assistance with health conditions feel free to reach out to me for a free discovery call to see how I can help. It doesn’t matter where you are in London, we can connect over Zoom or Skype to allow you to have a session from the comfort of your own home.

Get in touch to find out more using the button below or give me a call using the phone number at the top of the page. I look forward to hearing from you, Helen.