Key Takeaways
Vitamin C is a multi-functional nutrient that supports many aspects of health. You can get it through diet, supplements, or both.
Vitamin C supports immune health by meeting your body's essential nutritional needs.
Most people can meet their body's Vitamin C needs through a diet that includes sufficient fruits and vegetables, but supplements are also an option.
Vitamin C supports a whole host of body functions: immune health,1 collagen production,2 antioxidant protection,3 iron absorption,4 heart health,5 and brain function6—and even skin health7 (it can be applied topically). While its direct effect on the immune system continues to be studied,8 its aggregate benefits contribute to a strong, supported, functioning body.
If you’re thinking of taking Vitamin C for immune health, here’s our 101.
It’s an ongoing question in the medical field: Does taking vitamin C actually help your immune system? Well, it’s a little complicated.While more recent studies are less conclusive about the claim that vitamin C can directly impact specific immune outcomes, it cannot be denied that general, daily intake of Vitamin C supports your body’s many functions and helps optimize your overall health.However, by acting as an antioxidant and supporting your body’s essential functions, vitamin C does .To clarify:
How much Vitamin C you need depends on your age, sex, and certain lifestyle factors. While you are consuming a balanced diet (especially if they’re foods like oranges, bell peppers, or the occasional kiwi), you may still have gaps in your necessary intake.
The daily recommended intake for adults is 75–90 mg.10 However, if you’re in the category of people who might not be getting enough of the vitamin for various reasons—for instance, people who eat very few fruits and vegetables,11 older adults with limited diets, and people with conditions that might affect nutrient absorption—then supplementation can help ensure adequate Vitamin C intake.
As a supplement, AG1’s formula contains over 500 mg of Vitamin C, which is 556% of the recommended daily value—an amount that will surpass your baseline needs and ensure you’re getting enough, even with varying lifestyle factors and nutritional needs.
Many fruits and vegetables are natural Vitamin C sources. Here are some tasty foods that will boost your vitamin C while providing a little diversity in your diet:
Consuming Vitamin C is a smart part of your consistent effort to care for your overall well-being. Prioritize it daily (and if you’re already drinking AG1, you know it’s in the formula every day) to help you function your best on many biomolecular levels.
For more information on which foods have the most vitamin C, head to nutrition.gov for certified nutritional content.
Our recommendation: Fill up on fruits and vegetables. But if you can’t or don’t eat certain foods, supplements can help minimize the gaps and your vitamin goals.