Do the Athletes Need to Take Vitamin C?

Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), when getting into the body, helps all organs and systems to function normally. With a sufficient amount of it, immunity increases, the risk of cardiovascular diseases decreases, and the level of glucose in the blood decreases. With the help of Vitamin C, antibodies are produced in the body, the work of leukocytes improves. Its participation is also necessary for the formation of interferon, which fights viruses and reduces the risk of cancer.

Ascorbic acid is an important component of hormone synthesis in the adrenal glands. With constant stress, the level of Vitamin C is significantly reduced, which reduces the efficiency of the adrenal glands. Also, it is necessary for neurotransmitters (brain hormones) to normal functioning. In particular, this acid is involved in the conversion of tryptophan to serotonin, and tyrosine to dopamine and adrenaline. How can it help those who do sports? Let’s find it out.

What can happen if you have a vitamin C deficiency?

A decrease in the amount of ascorbic acid in the body leads to many negative consequences. Here is some of them: deterioration of the condition of the hair (they become dry, often split), gum problems (inflammation and bleeding), peeling and roughness of the skin, deterioration of tissue regeneration processes, joint problems, a slowdown in metabolism and, as a result, possible weight gain, decreased immunity, weakening of the enamel of the teeth, muscle pain.

Vitamin C is found in many foods that we take on a daily basis. They are rich in rose hips, black currants, green parsley, spinach, citrus fruits, etc.

The amount of ascorbic acid contained in food is sufficient only to replenish its minimum amount in the body. For a therapeutic effect, it must be obtained from the outside. Some fruits also reduce the concentration of ascorbic acid by breaking down its molecules with ascorbinose.

Vitamin overdose is possible when consuming 12,000 mg per kilogram of body weight. On average, this is more than 840 g of ascorbic acid per day. It is quite difficult to consume such an amount of vitamins per day. Ascorbic acid is water-soluble and does not accumulate in the body.

How does it help athletes?

Athletes pay attention to ascorbic acid because of its positive effect on protein assimilation and participation in the synthesis of protein structures. With a sufficient amount of ascorbic acid in the body, the rate of formation of lean muscle mass increases. This is especially evident in old age. Also, Vitamin C is an excellent anabolic agent. It inhibits the production of cortisol and the peroxidation process that damages muscles. Vitamin C is taken before exercise to reduce catabolism and provide muscle protection.

For athletes undergoing strenuous physical activity, Vitamin C helps to strengthen the immune system and allows the body to recover faster after exercise. Also, ascorbic acid works as an antioxidant that protects cells from free radicals. It also allows you to improve your emotional state and somewhat increase the speed of reaction.

During sports competitions, the intake of ascorbic acid is especially relevant, as it allows you to reveal additional capabilities of the body, increasing its energy reserves. It also reduces the risk of overstrain and breakdown, which is very important during intense competitions.

Sports nutrition must include Vitamin C. To find it visit the My Protein website.

WANT TO RECEIVE PERSONAL, STYLISH SUGGESTIONS TO YOUR EMAIL?

FILL OUT THE FOLLOWING FORM: