Vitamin C and immune function
Carr AC, Maggini S
Published in Nutrients, Vol. 9, pp. 1211
Methodology
Comprehensive narrative/systematic review of human and mechanistic evidence on vitamin C in innate and adaptive immunity, epithelial barrier function and respiratory infection.
Key Findings
Vitamin C supports epithelial barrier function, accumulates in neutrophils and enhances chemotaxis, phagocytosis and microbial killing; deficiency impairs immunity and raises infection susceptibility, and infection in turn depletes vitamin C status.
Conclusions
Adequate vitamin C intake (100-200 mg/day) is required for optimal immune function, and supplementation appears able to both prevent and help treat respiratory and systemic infections.
Limitations
Review rather than pooled analysis; much of the mechanistic evidence is in vitro; clinical benefit is largest in deficient or stressed populations.
Supplements Studied
Vitamin C contributes to immune defense by supporting various cellular functions of both the innate and adaptive immune system.
Outcomes Measured
It is a potent antioxidant and a cofactor for a family of biosynthetic and gene regulatory enzymes.
Vitamin C accumulates in leukocytes and supports NK cell and phagocyte function
Vitamin C supports epithelial barrier function, accumulates in neutrophils and enhances chemotaxis, phagocytosis and microbial killing; deficiency impairs immunity and raises infection susceptibility, and infection in turn depletes vitamin C status.
Vitamin C supports epithelial barrier function, accumulates in neutrophils and enhances chemotaxis, phagocytosis and microbial killing; deficiency impairs immunity and raises infection susceptibility, and infection in turn depletes vitamin C status.
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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Disclosures
Funding
Bayer Consumer Care (co-author affiliation)
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen.