![Blog_WhiteBlood_Cells](https://integrativehealthsciences.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/White-Cells-1.png)
White Blood Cells – Image Courtesy of LivOn Labs
The power of Vitamin C immune system supplements are often attributed to the nutrient’s role as an antioxidant. That undersells its value; no other antioxidant can perform the many additional physiological and biological roles that Vitamin C fills. By learning about these 20 critical functions, you’ll understand why so many people take Vitamin C immune system support supplements.
- Vitamin C supports the production of interferons. Interferons are produced when the presence of pathogens is detected. They facilitate the ability of cells to launch protective cellular defenses.
- Vitamin C enhances the function of phagocytes. Phagocytes are a type of white blood cell that envelops pathogens and other dangerous particles. Once the invaders are captured in this manner, they are enzymatically digested.
- Vitamin C supports the cell-mediated immune system response. There are 2 major ways the body can respond to a pathogen: antibody-mediated immunity and cell-mediated immunity. Cell-mediated response refers to the activation of macrophages, natural killer cells, and antigen-specific T-lymphocytes that attack anything perceived as a foreign agent.
- Vitamin C neutralizes oxidative stress by acting as an antioxidant. Oxidative stress has been associated with numerous health threats, which is why so many people take Vitamin C for immune system support when dealing with lifestyle factors that cause oxidative stress.
- Vitamin C supports a healthy immune response achieved with vaccination.
- Vitamin C enhances cytokine production by white blood cells. Cytokines are communication proteins released by certain white blood cells that transmit information to other cells, promoting the immune response.
- Vitamin C inhibits various forms of T-lymphocyte death. T-lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell. They are an integral part of the cell-mediated immune defense system. Vitamin C helps to keep these important cells alive and viable.
- Vitamin C enhances nitric oxide production by phagocytes. Phagocytes, as discussed in #2, are white blood cells that engulf invading microorganisms. Nitric oxide is produced in large amounts in these cells, and it is one of the agents that will kill captured pathogens.
- Vitamin C enhances T-lymphocyte production. As mentioned in #7, these cells are essential to cell-mediated immune responses, and Vitamin C helps them to multiply in number.
- Vitamin C enhances B-lymphocyte production. These white blood cells make antibodies as part of the antibody-mediated immune response. Antibodies are formed in reaction to the initial introduction of an invading pathogen or antigen.
- Vitamin C inhibits neuraminidase production. Some pathogenic viruses and bacteria create neuraminidase, an enzyme that keeps them from being trapped in mucus, one of the body’s natural lines of defense. Inhibiting neuraminidase helps the body optimize this defensive mechanism.
- Vitamin C supports antibody production and activity. Good antibody function is important to a healthy immune system.
- Vitamin C supports natural killer cell activity. Natural killer cells are lymphocytes that can directly attack cells, like tumor cells, and kill them.
- Vitamin C supports localized generation and interaction with hydrogen peroxide. Vitamin C and hydrogen peroxide can kill microorganisms and can dissolve the protective capsules of some bacteria.
- Vitamin C enhances cyclic GMP levels in lymphocytes. Cyclic GMP plays a central role in the regulation of many physiologic responses, including the modulation of immune responses. Cyclic GMP is important for normal cell proliferation and differentiation. It also controls the action of many hormones, and it appears to mediate the relaxation of smooth muscle.
- Vitamin C detoxifies histamine. This effect is important in the support of local immune factors.
- Vitamin C enhances the mucolytic effect. This property helps liquefy thick secretions, increasing the effectiveness of a healthy immune response.
- Vitamin C makes bacterial membranes more permeable to some antibiotics.
- Vitamin C enhances prostaglandin formation. Prostaglandins are hormone-like compounds that control many physiologic processes, including regulating T-lymphocyte function.
- Vitamin C concentrates in white blood cells. Some of the primary cells in the immune system concentrate Vitamin C as much as 80 times higher than the level in plasma.
Vitamin C immune system support supplements are widely available and of varying quality. Some contain more sugar than they do Vitamin C. Others use revolutionary delivery technology to maximize absorption for more immune system benefits.
References
[1] Siegel B, “Enhanced interferon response to murine leukemia virus by
ascorbic acid” Infection and Immunity 1974 10(2):409-410.
[2] Siegel B, “Enhancement of interferon production by poly(rI)-poly(rC) in
mouse cell cultures by ascorbic acid” Nature 1975 254(5500):531-532.
[3] Geber W, Lefkowitz S, Hung C, “Effect of ascorbic acid, sodium
salicylate, and caffeine on the serum interferon level in response to viral
infection” Pharmacology 1975 13(3):228-233.
[4] Dahl H ,Degre M, “The effect of ascorbic acid on production of human
interferon and the antiviral activity in vitro. Acta Pathologica et
Microbiologica Scandinavica. Section B” Microbiology 1976 84(5):280-284.
[5] Stone I, “The possible role of mega-ascorbate in the endogenous synthesis
of interferon” Medical Hypotheses 1980 6(3):309-314.
[6] Karpinska T, Kawecki Z, Kandefer-Szerszen M, “The influence of ultraviolet
irradiation, L-ascorbic acid and calcium chloride on the induction of
interferon in human embryo fibroblasts” Archivum Immunologiae et Therapiae
Experimentalis 1982 30(1-2)33-37.
[7] Nungester W, Ames A, “The relationship between ascorbic acid and phagocytic
activity” Journal of Infectious Diseases 1948 83:50-54.
[8] Goetzl E, et al, “Enhancement of random migration and chemotactic response
of human leukocytes by ascorbic acid” The Journal of Clinical Investigation
1974 53(3):813-818.
[9] Sandler J, Gallin J, Vaughan M, “Effects of serotonin, carbamylcholine, and
ascorbic acid on leukocyte cyclic GMP and chemotaxis” The Journal of Cell
Biology 1975 67(2 Pt 1):480-484.
[10] Boxer L, et al, “Correction of leukocyte function in Chediak-Higashi
syndrome by ascorbate” The New England Journal of Medicine 1976
295(19):1041-1045.
[11] Ganguly R, Durieux M, Waldman R, “Macrophage function in vitamin
C-deficient guinea pigs” The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 1976
29(7):762-765.
[12] Anderson R, Dittrich O, “Effects of ascorbate on leucocytes. Part IV.
Increased neutrophil function and clinical improvement after oral ascorbate in
2 patients with chronic granulomatous disease” South African Medical Journal
1979 56(12):476-480.
[13] Anderson R, Theron A, “Effects of ascorbate on leucocytes. Part III. In
vitro and in vivo stimulation of abnormal neutrophil motility by ascorbate”
South African Medical Journal 1979 56(11):429-433.
[14] Anderson R, et al, “The effects of increasing weekly doses of ascorbate on
certain cellular and humoral immune functions in normal volunteers” The
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 1980 33(1):71-76.
[15] Anderson R, et al, “The effect of ascorbate on cellular humoral immunity
in asthmatic children” South African Medical Journal 1980 58(24):974-977.
[16] Dallegri F, Lanzi G, Patrone F, “Effects of ascorbic acid on neutrophil
locomotion” International Archives of Allergy and Applied Immunology 1980
61(1):40-45.
[17] Corberand J, et al, “Malignant external otitis and polymorphonuclear
leukocyte migration impairment. Improvement with ascorbic acid” Archives of
Otolaryngology 1982 108(2):122-124.
[18] Patrone F, et al, “Effects of ascorbic acid on neutrophil function.
Studies on normal and chronic granulomatous disease neutrophils” Acta
Vitaminologica et Enzymologica 1982 4(1-2):163-168.
Cunningham-Rundles S, “Effects of nutritional status on immunological function”
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 1982 35(5 Suppl):1202-1210.
[19] Oberritter H, et al, “Effect of functional stimulation on ascorbate
content in phagocytes under physiological and pathological conditions”
International Archives of Allergy and Applied Immunology 1986 81(1):46-50.
[20] Levy R, Schlaeffer F, “Successful treatment of a patient with recurrent
furunculosis by vitamin C: improvement of clinical course and of impaired
neutrophil functions” International Journal of Dermatology 1993 32(11):832-834.
[21] Levy R, et al, “Vitamin C for the treatment of recurrent furunculosis
in patients with impaired neutrophil functions” The Journal of Infectious
Diseases 1996 173(6):1502-1505.
[22] Ciocoiu M, et al, “The involvement of vitamins C and E in changing
the immune response” [Article in Romanian] Revista Medico-Chirurgicala a
Societatii de Medici si Naturalisti din Iasi 1998 102(1-2):93-96.
De la Fuente M, et al, “Immune function in aged women is improved by ingestion
of vitamins C and E” Canadian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology 1998
76(4):373-380.
[23] Glick D, Hosoda S, “Histochemistry. LXXViii. Ascorbic acid in normal mast
cells and macrophages and neoplastic mast cells” Proceedings of the Society for
Experimental Biology and Medicine 1965 119:52-56.
[24] Thomas W, Holt P, “Vitamin C and immunity: an assessment of the
evidence” Clinical and Experimental Immunology 1978 32(2):370-379.
[25] Evans R, Currie L, Campbell A, “The distribution of ascorbic acid between
various cellular components of blood, in normal individuals, and its relation
to the plasma concentration” The British Journal of Nutrition 1982
47(3):473-482.
[26] Goldschmidt M, “Reduced bactericidal activity in neutrophils from
scorbutic animals and the effect of ascorbic acid on these target bacteria in
vivo and in vitro” The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 1991 54(6
Suppl):1214S-1220S.
[27] Washko P, Wang Y, Levine M, “Ascorbic acid recycling in human neutrophils”
The Journal of Biological Chemistry 1993 268(21):15531-15535.
[28] Siegel B, Morton J, “Vitamin C and the immune response” Experientia
1977 33(3):393-395.
Jeng K, et al, “Supplementation with vitamins C and E enhances cytokine
production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells in healthy adults” The
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 1996 64(6):960-965.
Campbell J, et al, “Ascorbic acid is a potent inhibitor of various forms of T
cell apoptosis” Cellular Immunology 1999 194(1):1-5.
[29] Mizutani A, et al, “Ascorbate-dependent enhancement of nitric oxide
formation in activated macrophages. Nitric Oxide: Biology and Chemistry 1998
2(4):235-241.
[30] Mizutani A. Tsukagoshi N, “Molecular role of ascorbate in enhancement of
NO production in activated macrophage-like cell line, J774.1” Journal of
Nutritional Science and Vitaminology 1999 45(4):423-435.
[31] Fraser R, et al, “The effect of variations in vitamin C intake on the
cellular immune response of guinea pigs” The American Journal of Clinical
Nutrition 1980 33(4):839-847.
Kennes B, et al, “Effect of vitamin C supplements on cell-mediated
immunity in old people” Gerontology 1983 29(5):305-310.
[32] Wu C, Dorairajan T, Lin T, “Effect of ascorbic acid supplementation
on the immune response of chickens vaccinated and challenged with infectious
bursal disease virus” Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology 2000 74(1-2):145-152.
[33] Schwager J, Schulze J,
“Influence of ascorbic acid on the response to mitogens and interleukin
production of porcine lymphocytes” International Journal for Vitamin and
Nutrition Research 1997 67(1):10-16.
[34] Rotman D, “Sialoresponsin and an antiviral action of ascorbic acid”
Medical Hypotheses 1978 4(1):40-43.
[35] Ecker E, Pillemer L, “Vitamin C requirement of the guinea pig”
Proceedings of the Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine 1940 44:262.
[36] Bourne G, “Vitamin C and immunity” The British Journal of Nutrition
1949 2:342.
Prinz W, et al, “The effect of ascorbic acid supplementation on some parameters
of the human immunological defence system” International Journal for Vitamin
and Nutrition Research 1977 47(3):248-257.
[37] Vallance S, “Relationships between ascorbic acid and serum proteins of the
immune system” British Medical Journal 1977 2(6084):437-438.
[38] Sakamoto M, et al, “The effect of vitamin C deficiency on complement
systems and complement components” Journal of Nutritional Science and
Vitaminology 1981 27(4):367-378.
Feigen G, et al, “Enhancement of antibody production and protection against
systemic anaphylaxis by large doses of vitamin C” Research Communications in
Chemical Pathology and Pharmacology 1982 38(2):313-333.
[39] Li Y, Lovell T, “Elevated levels of dietary ascorbic acid increase immune
responses in channel catfish” The Journal of Nutrition 1985 115(1):123-131.
[40] Wahli T, Meier W, Pfister K, “Ascorbic acid induced immune-mediated
decrease in mortality in Ichthyophthirius multifiliis infected rainbow-trout
(Salmo gairdneri)” Acta Tropica 1986 43(3):287-289.
[41] Johnston C, Kolb W, Haskell B, “The effect of vitamin C
nutriture on complement component C1q concentrations in guinea pig plasma” The
Journal of Nutrition 1987 117(4):764-768.
[42] Haskell B, Johnston C, “Complement component C1q activity and
ascorbic acid nutriture in guinea pigs” The American Journal of Clinical
Nutrition 1991 54(6 Suppl):1228S-1230S.
[43] Wu C, Dorairajan T, Lin T, “Effect of ascorbic acid supplementation
on the immune response of chickens vaccinated and challenged with infectious
bursal disease virus” Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology 2000
74(1-2):145-152.
[44] Heuser G, Vojdani A, “Enhancement of natural killer cell activity and T
and B cell function by buffered vitamin C in patients exposed to toxic
chemicals: the role of protein kinase-C” Immunopharmacology and
Immunotoxicology 1997 19(3):291-312.
[45] Horrobin D, et al, “The nutritional regulation of T lymphocyte function”
Medical Hypotheses 1979 5(9):969-985.
[46] Scott J, “On the biochemical similarities of ascorbic acid and interferon”
Journal of Theoretical Biology 1982 98(2):235-238.
[47] Siegel B, Morton J, “Vitamin C and immunity: influence of ascorbate
on prostaglandin E2 synthesis and implications for natural killer cell
activity” International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research 1984
54(4):339-342.
[48] Atkinson J, et al, “Effects of ascorbic acid and sodium ascorbate on
cyclic nucleotide metabolism in human lymphocytes” Journal of Cyclic Nucleotide
Research 1979 5(2):107-123.
[49] Panush R, et al, “Modulation of certain immunologic responses by
vitamin C. III. Potentiation of in Vitro and in vivo lymphocyte responses”
International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research. Supplement 1982
23:35-47.
[50] Strangeways W, “Observations on the trypanocidal action in vitro of
solutions of glutathione and ascorbic acid” Annals of Tropical Medicine and
Parasitology 1937 31:405-416.
[51] Miller T, “Killing and lysis of gram-negative bacteria through the
synergistic effect of hydrogen peroxide, ascorbic acid, and lysozyme” Journal
of Bacteriology 1969 98(3):949-955.
[52] Tappel A, “Lipid peroxidation damage to cell components” Federation
Proceedings 1973 32(8):1870-1874.
[53] Kraut E, Metz E, Sagone A, “In vitro effects of ascorbate on white cell
metabolism and the chemiluminescence response” Journal of the
Reticuloendothelial Society 1980 27(4):359-366.
[54] Robertson W, Ropes M, Bauer W, “The degradation of mucins and
polysaccharides by ascorbic acid and hydrogen peroxide” The Biochemical Journal
1941 35:903.
[55] Nandi B, et al, “Effect of ascorbic acid on detoxification of histamine
under stress conditions” Biochemical Pharmacology 1974 23(3):643-647.
[56] Johnston C, Martin L, Cai X, “Antihistamine effect of supplemental
ascorbic acid and neutrophil chemotaxis” Journal of the American College of
Nutrition 1992 11(2):172-176.
[57] Kastenbauer S, et al, “Oxidative stress in bacterial meningitis in humans”
Neurology 2002 58(2):186-191.
[58] Versteeg J, “Investigations on the effect of ascorbic acid on antibody
production in rabbits after injection of bacterial and viral antigens by
different routes. Proceedings of the Koninklijke Nederlandse Akademie van Wetenschappen.
Series C” Biological and Medical Sciences 1970 73(5):494-501.
[59] Banic S, “Immunostimulation by vitamin C” International Journal for
Vitamin and Nutrition Research. Supplement 1982 23:49-52.
[60] Wu C, Dorairajan T, Lin T, “Effect of ascorbic acid supplementation
on the immune response of chickens vaccinated and challenged with infectious
bursal disease virus” Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology 2000
74(1-2):145-152.
[61] Ericsson Y, “The effect of ascorbic acid oxidation on mucoids and bacteria
in body secretions” Acta Pathologica et Microbiologica Scandinavica 1954
35:573-583.
[62] Rawal B, “Bactericidal action of ascorbic acid on Pseudomonas aeruginosa:
alteration of cell surface as a possible mechanism” Chemotherapy 1978
24(3):166-171.
©2014 LivOn Labs. Content adapted from Primal Panacea by Thomas E. Levy, MD, JD.
Reprinted by permission: LivOn Labs Inc.
97 Comments
viagra online prescription
WALCOME
taimey gay dating https://datinggayservices.com/
cialis pharmacy
WALCOME
viagra generic
WALCOME
cheap female viagra online
WALCOME
viagra 1 tablet
WALCOME
tadalafil citrate liquid
WALCOME
viagra buy online
WALCOME
viagra prescription
WALCOME
sale cialis
WALCOME
canadian generic viagra
WALCOME
merck ivermectin
transformation resilience recommend
buy viagra online in australia
WALCOME
cheap female viagra pills
WALCOME
stromectol 6mg near me
race colonoscopy affect
viagra for sale no prescription
WALCOME
ivermectin human dose chart
introduce hemochromatosis label
stromectol and antiparasitic
who ruptured disk anniversary
generic cialis no prescription
WALCOME
viagra pills for sale nz
WALCOME
female viagra ich
WALCOME
cheap zithromax pills
20 Reasons to Take Vitamin C for Immune System Support – Integrative Health Sciences Institute
ivermectin price
20 Reasons to Take Vitamin C for Immune System Support – Integrative Health Sciences Institute
best place to buy viagra online 2017
WALCOME
female viagra for sale?
WALCOME
viagra versus cialis
WALCOME
cialis genérico
WALCOME
stromectol for ulcer
subject blood pressure difficulty
cheapest place to buy generic viagra
WALCOME
best way to use viagra
WALCOME
order hydroxychloroquine online canada
investigate primary osteoporosis though
sildenafil coupon
WALCOME
ivermectin uses
history blood vessels visit
acyclovir medication prices
20 Reasons to Take Vitamin C for Immune System Support – Integrative Health Sciences Institute
ivermectin dosing for scabies
pursue defibrillation along
viagra canada
WALCOME
sildenafil aurogra dosage
20 Reasons to Take Vitamin C for Immune System Support – Integrative Health Sciences Institute
cialis 20mg usage
tadalafil 10mg price
ivermectin use in the usa
journal duodenitis juice
stromectol pi
toward central nervous system stare
ivermectin price comparison
speech phenylpropanolamine public
buy viagra online usa
WALCOME
viagra meaning
WALCOME
viagra low cost
during ganglion cyst overlook
viagra prescriptions over internet
WALCOME
where can i get viagra in south africa
regularly bronchiole father
where to buy viagra without doctors
WALCOME
viagra connect walgreens
WALCOME
cialis vs viagra
WALCOME
rising cost of pharmaceuticals
effective carcinogen internet
women take viagra
WALCOME
viagra women
WALCOME
buy tadalafil online no prescription
aids ophthalmoscope charge
viagra walmart
WALCOME
hydroxychloroquine 200mg for sale
voter demineralization budget
goodrx viagra
WALCOME
can you buy viagra otc in canada
trend lumbar puncture another
soolantra for sale
adequate subcutaneous tissue accurate
natural viagra recipe
WALCOME
cialis 10mg dosage
cialis 10mg dosage
viagra tablet
WALCOME
tadalafil generic 10mg
border transfusion sheet
cialis cost 20mg
cialis cost 20mg
female viagra pill
WALCOME
sildenafil prices
sildenafil prices
ivermectin drug insert
20 Reasons to Take Vitamin C for Immune System Support – Integrative Health Sciences Institute
where can i buy over the counter viagra
authority coronary spasm respond
viagra vs.levitra
WALCOME
viagra sildenafil
WALCOME
viagra cost
WALCOME
2d sex games https://cybersexgames.net/
viagra price
WALCOME
cheap viagra
WALCOME
online viagra
WALCOME
hims sildenafil
WALCOME
tadalafil cheap online
tadalafil cheap online
zithromax 250 mg
zithromax 250 mg
comprar viagra
comprar viagra
cialis 20mg uk
cialis 20mg uk
does viagra expire
does viagra expire
mobic medicine information
mobic medicine information
who manufactures cialis
who manufactures cialis
metronidazole dosage
metronidazole dosage
azithromycin 250mg
azithromycin 250mg
sumycin
sumycin
augmentin chills
augmentin chills
break augmentin
break augmentin
flagyl medications
flagyl medications
cephalexin kids
cephalexin kids
omnicef allergy
omnicef allergy
cephalexin used
cephalexin used
bactrim antibiotic
bactrim antibiotic
celebrex cause ulcers
celebrex cause ulcers
3covered
2password
viagra
viagra
revatio
revatio