The Benefits Of Collagen Peptides With Hyaluronic Acid & Vitamin CCollagen peptides with hyaluronic acid and vitamin C have gained popularity in the wellness and beauty industry for their numerous health benefits. These powerful ingredients work synergistically to promote youthful skin, support joint health, and boost overall well-being. In this article, we’ll delve into the science behind collagen peptides, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C, and explore their individual roles as well as their combined effects. If you’re interested in a collagen protein powder suitable to support healthy skin and other health benefits, keep reading!

Understanding Collagen Peptides, Hyaluronic Acid & Vitamin C

In dietary supplements, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and collagen peptides form a potent triad that reinforces health and beauty from within. Their combined effects are far-reaching, addressing health aspects from skin well-being to joint support. In a collagen supplement, like an unflavored collagen powder supplement, collagen peptides serve as building blocks, restoring bodily tissues and promoting skin elasticity. Hyaluronic acid powder, often termed the ‘fountain of youth’, retains moisture boosting skin hydration and vibrancy. Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant, aids in the production of collagen while fighting free radicals. Together, these three ingredients present a comprehensive approach to health and wellness, far superseding their individual effects and creating a superior collagen supplement.

Collagen Peptides

Collagen peptides, also known as hydrolyzed collagen, are small protein fragments obtained by breaking down the molecular bonds between individual collagen strands. These molecules are highly bioavailable, meaning they are easily absorbed and utilized by the body. Collagen, a significant protein in the human body, contributes to the health of skin, hair, nails, joints, and even the gut lining. In terms of benefits, collagen peptides primarily support skin health. They help maintain skin elasticity and hydration, thereby reducing the signs of aging such as wrinkles and sagging. Additionally, these peptides play a crucial role in joint health by promoting the regeneration of cartilage, which can potentially alleviate joint pain and discomfort. Collagen peptides also contribute to bone health, making them beneficial for individuals at risk for bone diseases like osteoporosis. When it comes to supplements, collagen peptides are increasingly being incorporated due to their easy absorption and various health advantages. These supplements are often available in powder form that can be mixed into liquids, making them a convenient addition to daily routine. Notably, many supplements now pair collagen peptides with other beneficial ingredients like hyaluronic acid and vitamin C, further enhancing their beneficial properties.

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid, sometimes referred to as hyaluronate, is a clear, gooey substance naturally produced by your body. Its primary function is to retain water, keeping your tissues well-lubricated and moist. The greatest amounts of it are found in your skin, connective tissues, and eyes. Hyaluronic acid has a variety of uses. Many people take it as a supplement, but it’s also used in topical serums, eye drops, and injections. One of the most well-known benefits of hyaluronic acid is its ability to keep skin glowing, and it looks youthful. It achieves this by maintaining moisture in the skin. With its unique ability to hold and retain a large amount of moisture (up to 1000 times its weight in water), hyaluronic acid helps to prevent the effects of aging. In addition to skin health, hyaluronic acid plays a crucial role in joint health. It’s present in the joints where it acts as a shock absorber and helps to keep joints well-lubricated, reducing joint pain and discomfort. In the world of supplements, hyaluronic acid is often combined with collagen peptides. This combination can be particularly beneficial, as it not only promotes skin moisture and elasticity but also supports joint health. Just like collagen peptides, hyaluronic acid supplements come in various forms, making it a flexible addition to a health-conscious lifestyle.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble nutrient that plays a vital role in several bodily functions. Found in a variety of foods such as citrus fruits, strawberries, bell peppers, and spinach, Vitamin C is renowned for its powerful antioxidant properties. The health benefits of Vitamin C are many and far-reaching. As an antioxidant, it protects the body’s cells from harmful molecules called free radicals, which contribute to aging and diseases like cancer. Vitamin C is also crucial in the body’s production of collagen, aiding in the maintenance of healthy skin, blood vessels, tendons, ligaments, and bones. Furthermore, it plays a vital role in the absorption of iron and enhances the immune system, helping the body ward off diseases and infections. In terms of supplements, Vitamin C is widely used and often combined with other key nutrients for increased efficacy. In the case of collagen peptides and hyaluronic acid, Vitamin C’s role in collagen production enhances the benefits these supplements provide for skin, joint, and bone health. Consequently, several wellness and beauty brands incorporate Vitamin C in their collagen and hyaluronic acid supplements, making them even more potent. Just like collagen peptides and hyaluronic acid, Vitamin C supplements are available in various forms, including tablets, capsules, powders, and chewables, catering to individual preferences and lifestyle needs.

The Synergistic Effects of Collagen Peptides, Hyaluronic Acid & Vitamin C

When collagen peptides, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C are combined, their effects on the body are enhanced. These ingredients work together to promote collagen production, support skin health, and improve joint mobility and flexibility. Collagen peptides provide the building blocks for collagen synthesis in the body. By supplementing with collagen peptides, you can help replenish collagen levels, leading to improved skin elasticity, reduced wrinkles, and enhanced joint health. Hyaluronic acid plays a crucial role in retaining moisture in the skin. When combined with collagen peptides, it helps hydrate the skin from within, resulting in a plumper and more youthful appearance. Vitamin C acts as a powerful antioxidant, protecting the skin from free radicals and oxidative damage. It also plays a key role to enhance collagen synthesis, ensuring that the body has an adequate supply of this essential protein.

How These Ingredients Work Together

When collagen peptides, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C are combined, they create a powerful synergy that enhances their individual benefits. Collagen peptides, as mentioned earlier, provide the necessary building blocks for collagen synthesis. When combined with hyaluronic acid, they work together to improve skin hydration and elasticity. Hyaluronic acid helps retain moisture in the skin, while collagen peptides support the production of collagen, resulting in a more youthful and supple complexion. Additionally, the inclusion of vitamin C further enhances the effects of collagen peptides and hyaluronic acid. Vitamin C acts as a catalyst in collagen synthesis, ensuring that the body has a sufficient supply of collagen for healthy connective tissues. It also acts as a potent antioxidant, protecting the skin from environmental damage and promoting a more radiant complexion.

Health Benefits of Collagen Peptides

Skin Health and Anti-Aging

Collagen peptides are widely recognized for their anti-aging properties. They can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, promote skin elasticity, and improve overall skin texture and tone. But did you know that collagen peptides do more than just improve the appearance of your skin? Studies have shown that they can actually increase the production of other proteins, such as elastin and fibrillin. These proteins are essential for maintaining skin firmness and elasticity, giving you a youthful and radiant complexion. Furthermore, collagen peptides have been found to stimulate the production of hyaluronic acid, a substance that helps the skin retain moisture. This can result in plumper, more hydrated skin, reducing the appearance of dryness and dullness.

Joint Health and Mobility

Collagen peptides not only benefit your skin, but they also support joint health and improve mobility. By stimulating the production of cartilage in the joints, collagen peptides can help reduce joint pain and stiffness. Research has shown that collagen supplementation can have a positive impact on symptoms associated with osteoarthritis, such as joint discomfort and limited range of motion. This is because collagen peptides provide the building blocks necessary for the regeneration and repair of cartilage, which is essential for maintaining healthy joints. In addition to promoting cartilage production, collagen peptides also help reduce inflammation in the joints. This can further alleviate pain and improve overall joint function. Moreover, collagen peptides have been found to support the production of synovial fluid, a lubricating substance that helps reduce friction between the joints. This can enhance joint mobility and flexibility, allowing you to move more freely without discomfort. So, not only can collagen peptides improve the appearance of your skin, but they can also provide relief for joint pain and stiffness, allowing you to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle.

The Role of Hyaluronic Acid in Skin Hydration

Hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance in the body, plays a crucial role in maintaining skin hydration and elasticity. Its exceptional ability to attract and retain moisture makes it a popular ingredient in skincare products. When applied topically, hyaluronic acid penetrates the skin and binds to water molecules, creating a reservoir of hydration. This helps to improve skin moisture levels, resulting in a plumper and more youthful appearance. As we age, our natural hyaluronic acid levels decrease, leading to drier and more dehydrated skin. This decline in hyaluronic acid contributes to the formation of fine lines, wrinkles, and a loss of elasticity. However, by supplementing with hyaluronic acid, we can replenish these levels and promote optimal skin hydration.

Hyaluronic Acid for Skin Elasticity

In addition to its hydrating properties, hyaluronic acid also plays a vital role in maintaining skin elasticity. It helps to support the structure of the skin by providing a cushioning effect between collagen and elastin fibers. Collagen and elastin are proteins that give the skin its strength and elasticity. Hyaluronic acid works synergistically with these proteins, helping to maintain their integrity and preventing the breakdown of collagen fibers. By preserving the elasticity of the skin, hyaluronic acid helps to minimize the appearance of sagging and promotes a more youthful complexion. It also aids in the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles, giving the skin a smoother and firmer texture.

Hyaluronic Acid and Wrinkle Reduction

Several studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of hyaluronic acid in reducing the appearance of wrinkles. Its ability to attract and retain moisture in the skin contributes to a plumping effect, which helps to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles. Furthermore, hyaluronic acid helps to improve the skin’s natural protective barrier. By preventing moisture loss, it enhances the skin’s ability to retain hydration, resulting in improved overall skin health and a reduction in the visible signs of aging. When used in skincare products, hyaluronic acid can provide both immediate and long-term benefits. Its hydrating and wrinkle-reducing properties make it a valuable ingredient in anti-aging formulations.

Vitamin C as a Powerful Antioxidant

Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that is well-known for its powerful antioxidant properties. It is an essential nutrient that our bodies cannot produce, so we must obtain it through our diet or supplements. Antioxidants are substances that help protect our cells from damage caused by free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can lead to oxidative stress and contribute to various health problems.

Vitamin C and Immune Function

One of the key roles of vitamin C is its contribution to immune function. Our immune system is responsible for defending our bodies against harmful pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses. Vitamin C plays a crucial role in supporting immune function by promoting the production of white blood cells and antibodies, which are essential for fighting off infections and illnesses. Furthermore, vitamin C acts as an antioxidant in the immune system, helping to protect immune cells from oxidative damage. This ensures that our immune cells can function optimally and effectively combat any foreign invaders that may enter our bodies.

Vitamin C and Skin Health

Aside from its immune-boosting properties, vitamin C also plays a vital role in maintaining healthy skin. Our skin is constantly exposed to environmental stressors, such as pollution and UV radiation, which can cause oxidative damage and accelerate the aging process. Vitamin C acts as a potent antioxidant for the skin, neutralizing free radicals and protecting it from oxidative stress. Additionally, it stimulates collagen synthesis, a protein that provides structure and elasticity to the skin. By promoting collagen production, vitamin C helps improve skin firmness and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Moreover, studies have shown that vitamin C can enhance the skin’s natural defense mechanisms. It boosts the skin’s ability to repair and regenerate damaged tissues, leading to a healthier and more resilient complexion.

The Bottom Line

In essence, both Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin C are profound contributors to skin health and overall well-being. Hyaluronic acid, with its hydration and skin-elasticity maintenance prowess, and Vitamin C, with its potent antioxidant properties and role in supporting immune function, underscore the importance of their inclusion in our skincare and dietary regimen. Add of this into a collagen supplement and you have the winning ticket! By understanding and harnessing the power of these essential ingredients, we can promote healthier, resilient, and more youthful skin, thereby enhancing our overall quality of life.

Organixx Clean Sourced Collagens blend contains five types of collagen from four sources. What’s more, it’s combined with targeted nutrients such as zinc, vitamin C, and vitamin B6 which specifically enhance the bioavailability and potency of collagen. Clean Sourced Collagens is formulated from the ground up to enhance and support your body’s natural ability to heal and rebuild itself from the INSIDE out.

Organixx Clean Sourced Collagens
Back-to-School Immune Defense for Parents
 

Video Transcript:

It’s back-to-school season. And I want to share with you some tips to help you fortify and bolster your immune system. Because when kids go back to school, we will often see an increase in doctor’s appointments, where folks are getting some colds or viral invasions that are just related to all the kids going back to school. And increasing our immune defense mechanism is going to be helpful in keeping you healthy and well with the start of school.

Fortify Your Immune System

So, I’m going to share with you some options for you to add to your catalog of resources that will both modulate and balance your immune response, as well as fortify your system, so that you are stronger immune-wise and can easily combat any type of viral invasion. This is also highly effective for any of my long COVID haulers or anybody who is dealing with post-COVID infection that might already have a weaker, a less modulated immune system. 

Vitamin C, Zinc, and Elderberry

So, my first recommendation here, I really, really love the Immunity 3. This is a fantastic supplement because it has both vitamin C, it has zinc, and then it has the immunity blend – this is the amazing blend of camu camu and elderberry. And the camu camu is very high in the vitamin C content. So, you are going to be getting a natural hit of vitamin C, and it actually is one of the best sources from a natural plant-derived source for vitamin C. So, Immunity 3 is a really good compliment to your everyday routine and just helping to balance your immune state.

And zinc is also another supplement that, actually it’s a mineral that we will add in to help at the beginning of that immune response. So, if you aren’t consuming any type of zinc or you’re not getting a lot of zinc in your dietary everyday requirements, maybe you’re not eating a lot of meat or are more vegetarian based, we have a really good zinc arginine and zinc glycinate. So, it’s a 50/50 blend, which is really good – assorted forms of zinc are always good to balance things out. So, I recommend Immunity 3. This is fantastic.

Fermented Functional Mushrooms

The other supplement that I recommend is the 7 Mushrooms [formerly 7M+]. This gives you the mushroom potency to help modulate and regulate your immune system. And one of the fantastic things that we see in this particular blend is its fermented mushroom extracts, which means the fermentation process actually heightens the bioavailability of the mushroom compounds. And mushrooms, categorically, are very good at helping regulate and modulate an either underactive or overactive immune system.

So, I’m going to share with you some of my favorite mushrooms you’re going to find in here. There’s turkey tail, you’re going to find chaga, we have maitake, we have lion’s mane, we have shiitake, reishi. We have the fruiting bodies as well. And this is just so powerful at helping support your immune response mechanism. 

Multiple Systems Support with Magnesium

And when it comes to fighting viruses and any type of ick that you might be exposed to, one of the most important nutrients that we all tend to have lacking in our body is magnesium. So, magnesium, adding a really good magnesium blend, like the Magnesium 7, that has assorted forms of magnesium to support the assorted muscle groups and organ and glandular soft tissue requirements… we actually require magnesium in over 600 body enzymatic reactions. So, when we’re deficient, there’s obviously a deficiency when it comes to our immune response.

Recommended Supplementation Even if Your Household Doesn’t Include Kids

So, these three are very powerful at supporting your immune system, especially with return of school. And even if you don’t have kids, kids are going to be around, they’re shopping, they’re in stores or in restaurants, they’re going to be everywhere, and so it’s always a good idea if you have children in your family or it’s back-to-school season for your household to just bolster your immune system.

So, those are my tips for you today, and I’m very excited that you should be starting the beginning of school season, bolstered and modulated to help support and get you over any type of viral or bacterial influences that come with the return-of-school season. 


Organixx Immunity 3 gives you natural immune system support against harmful viruses & bacteria, including the common cold, influenza, and sinusitis. This ultimate 3-in-1 immune support supplement provides 3 powerhouse nutrients in one convenient daily formula: organic camu camu (vitamin C), organic elderberry & 2 forms of zinc.

Immunity 3
The Number-One Plant-Based, Organic Source of Vitamin C
 

Video Transcript:

Today, I want to talk to you about an amazing plant-based powerhouse of vitamin C called camu camu. Camu camu is the number-one plant-based vitamin C powerhouse. This is an amazing Amazonian berry and like many other medicinals from the Amazonian, the amazing potency of this berry is by far one of the best ways for us to add in natural, organic, plant-based vitamin C into our bodies. In fact, this has 50 times the vitamin C of other plant-based vitamin Cs.

Vitamin C Provides Immune Support

If you’re looking to strengthen your resiliency to any type of viral or bacterial invasion or any type of COVID infection, adding camu camu will be very beneficial to your body. And I’m excited to share that we have in the Organixx Immunity 3, the camu camu is at the highest potency that is going to really support and benefit your body. So let me share with you some other amazing, powerful benefits of adding camu camu to your daily life. And you can take this every day.

So, one of the things we often associate vitamin C with is your immune state, and it is very powerful at helping support your immunity, but there are several ways that it does this. And this is really unique that you are not going to find in let’s say a vitamin C from an orange or even a synthetic, which are, I recommend avoiding synthetic vitamin Cs. They’re not bioavailable, and it’s harder for the body to absorb them and assimilate and make them potent in the way we want to use them.

Vitamin C Supports our Adrenal Glands and Stress Response

So vitamin C directly supports our adrenal glands. And this is really amazing because our adrenal glands, that’s our fight or flight stress response system. Those glands are responsible for registering how we deal with stress every day. And what we know is when we experience higher stress levels, we actually have spikes in cortisol that actually increases insulin levels as well.

This is just this whole stress responsive mechanism. We’re hardwired as cave women and cave men to respond this way. One of the things, if we’re in that fight or flight stressed out state for longer periods of time, we have extensive cortisol production. Well, that ends up draining the adrenals of a critical nutrient that supports them. And guess what? It’s vitamin C. So camu camu can be very beneficial for supporting your stress response mechanism. And it supports the adrenal glands, which has overwhelmingly complex high benefits there. And I’ll share with you some complexities to those benefits here shortly.

Vitamin C Supports Gut Health

The other thing that we see with vitamin C is it directly supports our gut health and specifically camu camu in the 50 X form, we notice that we find patients, and this has been clinically studied, that our immune state lies in our gut. 80% of our immunity is in our digestive process. And camu camu, the vitamin C in camu camu, is very pro-digestive-process supportive. We see clinically individuals who suffer from weakened immunity, and these could be folks who have autoimmunity, individuals who’ve undergone cancer radiation, individuals that have repetitive infections and just have weakened immune state, or are recovering from a viral or bacteria infection. They need extra vitamin C.

Vitamin C at high doses can heal and supports closing in the gaps in our small intestine. We know that condition as leaky gut. So it can help support the healing of leaky gut, which helps benefit an assortment of health and wellness conditions that can plague the body and weaken immunity. But most critically, it also, in that healing process, can help our absorption. So you heal your gut, you absorb better, and it improves and lifts your immunity. It improves and lifts your stress state within your body, the physiological and biochemical support of your body.

Camu Camu is Antagonistic to Strep Strains

And here’s the other thing. It has been proven, particularly the vitamin C that we find in camu camu, has been proven to be antagonistic to strep strains. And if you’re not sure what strep strains are, basically streptococcus is a particular unhealthy bacteria. We often will see it in the oral passageway. Sometimes we’ll see inoculation where we will see streptococcus in the small and large intestine, and it can plague us. It’s commonly the culprit behind strep throat. It can be behind laryngitis. It can be behind an assortment of ailments. Vitamin C at high doses is antagonistic, meaning it helps support an environment where strep strains cannot exist. So it supports your immune state.

Camu Camu Helps Balance Hormone Levels

And lastly, one of the things that the impact to the adrenal glands, the positive impact for ladies, we see that women who have imbalanced menstrual cycles, camu camu can highly benefit those phases of the menstrual cycle.

And we often know ovulation is the middle point, but the latter point – the luteal phase – that tends to be the problematic phase. That’s a phase that needs greater quantities of progesterone. And when we’re under stress or we have hormonal imbalances, often progesterone will be low. And the ratio between estrogen and progesterone – it’s supposed to be a three-to-one – that often gets imbalanced. Well, vitamin C high doses that supports the adrenal glands stops the leaching that occurs in the body where the body is stealing, literally taking progesterone and converting it into something else that’s useful for the stress response mechanism.

And that actually is something we see very frequently with women that test high cortisol or have cortisol imbalances. And I do testing in my clinic, so I’ve seen thousands of results and it’s very common where women will have high later-day cortisol levels. And they also have basement-level progesterone. And that ends up leading to having shorter menstrual cycles, irregularity.

And vitamin C, by supporting the adrenals, ends up supporting the progesterone production in the body, which lengthens the luteal phase. So, this also comes into play for women of all ages – women who might be having infertility issues, maybe miscarriages, and women going through perimenopause and menopause.

So, camu camu is awesome for a multitude of reasons, and you can find it in our Organixx Immunity 3. So, I hope you’ll check it out and come back and let us know how it works for you.


Organixx Immunity 3 gives you natural immune system support against harmful viruses & bacteria, including the common cold, influenza, and sinusitis. This ultimate 3-in-1 immune support supplement provides 3 powerhouse nutrients in one convenient daily formula: organic camu camu (vitamin C), organic elderberry & 2 forms of zinc.

Immunity 3
6 Significant Ways Vitamin C Supports a Strong Immune System

While probably everyone has heard that vitamin C is good for colds, there are many ways vitamin C supports the immune system and promotes optimal health. Read on to discover just how your body uses vitamin C and why getting your daily dose of vitamin C is a good idea.  

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is an essential water-soluble micronutrient. Essential means you can’t live without it. Since it can’t be made or stored in the body, you need to consume vitamin C regularly [1]. Thankfully, many common fruits and vegetables contain plentiful amounts of vitamin C, including: 

However, these fruits and vegetables lose vitamin C when heated or stored for long periods of time. So, it’s important to consume them as fresh as possible and cook them very lightly, if at all.  

Vitamin C Is a Powerful Antioxidant 

Vitamin C has long been known to be a potent antioxidant that protects fats, proteins, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids in the body’s cells from damage by free radicals [2].

how-free-radicals-oxidative-stress-damage-cells

Free radicals are unstable chemicals that are made in your body during normal metabolic processes. However, they are also generated in response to environmental pollutants. An excess of free radicals, if left unchecked, can damage your body’s cells. The end result of this damage? Disease formation and aging.

Vitamin C also reinforces your body’s defenses by regenerating the dietary antioxidant vitamin E and the innate antioxidant glutathione [3]. 

Vitamin C and Immune Support 

More than half a century of research shows that vitamin C also supports multiple aspects of our immune system [4,5]. On the other hand, vitamin C deficiency results in impaired immunity and higher susceptibility to infections.  

Common Causes of Vitamin C Deficiency

Unfortunately, vitamin C deficiency is a major problem among Americans. Some of the most common reasons for this include [6]:  

Smokers Need More Vitamin C Than Non-Smokers

businesswoman-looking-at-phone-smoking-cigarette

For instance, both smokers and passive smokers have been shown to have significantly lower vitamin C levels than non-smokers. This is likely because oxidants in cigarette smoke speed up vitamin C metabolism [7,8,9].

Low Vitamin C Levels Found in People With Type 2 Diabetes

Similarly, high levels of oxidative stress caused by higher than normal blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia) may be responsible for the lower than average vitamin C levels seen in patients with type 2 diabetes [10-12].

Indeed, a systematic review and meta-analysis of 22 randomized controlled clinical trials with over 900 participants showed that vitamin C supplementation lowered blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes when taken for more than 30 days [13].

Inflammation & Infection Deplete Vitamin C Levels

Infections also deplete vitamin C levels because of the oxidative stress caused by high levels of inflammation.

For instance, patients with acute respiratory infections, such as pulmonary tuberculosis and pneumonia, have lower than normal vitamin C levels [14]. Not surprisingly, patients with acute respiratory infections given vitamin C supplementation fared significantly better than control patients [15].

The Immune System: An Overview 

To understand how exactly vitamin C enhances your immunity, let’s first take a closer look at the immune system and its two basic components, the so-called “innate” and “adaptive” responses.  

Innate Immunity

Innate immunity includes physical and chemical barriers, along with cellular and protein components that provide an immediate defense [16].

antigens-antibody-pathogen

This innate response is not specific for any particular antigen, but it can differentiate between foreign entities and its host, or “self”. An antigen is any substance that causes your immune system to make antibodies against it.

An antibody is a protective protein made by your immune system in response to a specific antigen, and its job is to recognize and bind to that antigen. 

Further, the innate immune response is highly conserved, even in the simplest animals, indicating that it is crucial for survival

Adaptive Immunity

Adaptive immunity is typically seen in the immune system of higher animals, including humans. This response consists of antigen-specific reactions mediated via T-cells and B-cells. T-cells, also known as T-lymphocytes, are a type of white blood cell that help to determine the specificity of the immune system’s response to antigens.  

b-cell-and-t-cell-adaptive-immune-system-response

B-cells, or B-lymphocytes, are a type of white blood cell that are formed in the bone marrow. Upon encountering an antigen, they produce antibodies. Because your body contains millions of T- and B-cells, many of which carry unique receptors, it can respond to virtually any antigen.  

The adaptive response is much more precise than the innate response, but it can take several days or weeks to develop. Further, the adaptive response keeps track of every antigen it encounters, so that exposure to the same antigen months or even years later leads to a rapid and vigorous immune response. 

Vitamin C and Immunity 

Your immune system is a complex, interactive network of specialized cells, proteins, and chemicals, which protects your body from disease-causing invaders such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, as well as abnormal cells that arise in your own body [17].

woman-at-kitchen-counter-with-healthy-food-looking-for-recipes-on-laptop

Immune mechanisms are by necessity constantly active and therefore need to be maintained properly with energy sources and essential micronutrients to keep them in good working order [18].

Insufficient levels of vitamins, minerals, and trace elements in your body can lead to suppressed immunity. This makes you more vulnerable to infections – which, in turn, worsens your nutritional status, setting in motion a vicious downward spiral.  

Vitamin C Supports Immune System Function on 2 Levels

Vitamin C plays a crucial role in supporting multiple aspects of your immune system [19,20]. Along with other micronutrients, it contributes to the body’s natural defenses on two out of three levels. Specifically, vitamin C: 

  1. Enhances the skin’s ability to function as a physical barrier against external invaders, along with vitamins A, E, and the trace element zinc.  
  2. Works together with vitamins A, B6, B12, D, E, and folic acid and the trace elements iron, zinc, copper, and selenium to support the protective actions of various immune cells

In other words, deficiency of vitamin C and other vitamins and trace elements mentioned above is likely to lead to the immune system functioning less efficiently, making you more vulnerable to infections.  

Next, let’s take a look at 6 key ways that vitamin C can support your immune system. 

#1 – Vitamin C Enhances the Skin’s Barrier Function 

skin-barrier-function-normal-and-disrupted

Your skin acts as a very effective barrier against bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. Both laboratory and preclinical studies suggest that vitamin C enhances the skin’s barrier function [21].  

For instance, we are continuously exposed to ozone. Ozone cannot penetrate our skin, but it can cause significant skin damage because of its ability to induce oxidative damage caused by free radical generation [22].  

Fortunately, our skin contains relatively high levels of vitamin C, especially in the outermost layer, or epidermis, and in the layer beneath it, or dermis [23,24]. This is important for the skin to carry out its function effectively because supplementation with vitamin C has been shown to enhance the skin’s ability to neutralize free radicals [25].

In other words, vitamin C can protect against oxidative skin damage induced by environmental toxins such as ozone, especially in combination with vitamin E [26-28].

For example, along with a form of vitamin E known as alpha tocopherol, vitamin C was seen to reduce sunburn-induced skin inflammation in volunteers [29].

#2 – Vitamin C Speeds Up Wound Healing 

For your skin to act as an effective barrier against external invaders, any damage, such as wounds, must be repaired quickly and efficiently. Interestingly, an acute deficiency of vitamin C – a condition known for centuries as scurvy – manifests as bleeding gums, bruising, and impaired wound healing.

These symptoms are believed to be the result of insufficient vitamin C compromising its role as a co-factor for various enzymes that stabilize collagen in the skin [30]. Collagen, the most abundant protein in the body, is one of the major building blocks of bones, skin, muscles, tendons, and ligaments, and literally holds your body together.   

wound-healing-doctor-placing-bandage-on-knee

In laboratory experiments, vitamin C has been shown to increase the expression of wound healing mediators, speeding up tissue remodeling and wound healing [31,32].

Promisingly, supplementation with large doses of vitamin C and oral antioxidant supplements (including vitamin C) was seen to reduce the time required for wound healing in patients with pressure sores and pressure ulcers, as well as in trauma patients with disorders in wound healing [33-35]. 

Levels of vitamin C in the blood drop significantly after surgery, especially in surgical intensive care unit (ICU) patients, possibly because of greater demand caused by increased oxidative stress [36]. Vitamin C supplementation is recommended to normalize levels in these patients.  

#3 – Vitamin C Is Essential for Neutrophil Function 

White blood cells are an integral part of the immune system and protect your body against foreign invaders. They are also important for wound healing [37].

For instance, white blood cells known as neutrophils are your body’s primary defenders against invading pathogens. They have powerful antimicrobial actions, so their job is to prevent wounds from becoming infected [38].

To achieve this, neutrophils migrate to the wound site or site of infection where they literally attack and swallow invading microorganisms, subjecting them to an array of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antimicrobial proteins to kill them.  

Interestingly, neutrophils are known to accumulate relatively high levels of vitamin C within themselves. This is believed to be essential for them to carry out their functions properly, while also protecting them from oxidative stress-induced damage [39-41].

Chemotaxis Is Reduced by Vitamin C Deficiency

neutrophils attacking invader

When the skin is wounded, neutrophils swarm to the wound site in response to inflammatory signals. This process of migration, known as chemotaxis, has been shown to be reduced by vitamin C deficiency [42].

Neutrophils in patients suffering from severe and recurrent infections also showed reduced chemotaxis, which was restored by high doses of vitamin C [43-45]. In general, white blood cells in patients with severe infections showed an impaired ability to get rid of invading pathogens [46,47].

After they have killed any invading organisms present, neutrophils undergo programmed cell death (known as apoptosis) and get engulfed in their turn by other immune cells known as macrophages [48].

Macrophages are large, specialized immune cells that recognize, engulf, and destroy infected, cancerous, damaged, and dead cells in the body. This process of macrophages disposing of dead neutrophils helps to end the inflammatory episode and limits the local damage neutrophils can otherwise cause to the surrounding healthy tissue. Interestingly, in laboratory experiments, neutrophils from vitamin C-deficient mice were not recognized and engulfed by macrophages [49].

Supplementation with dietary or gram doses of vitamin C has been shown to enhance many of the functions of neutrophils in healthy people, especially if they had inadequate vitamin C levels to begin with [50,51]. For instance, in a study in elderly women, supplementation with 1 gram/day vitamin C, in combination with vitamin E, was seen to enhance neutrophil functions, including chemotaxis [52].

#4 – Vitamin C Supports the Production of Lymphocytes 

Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell typically found in lymph and include natural killer (NK) cells, T-cells, and B-cells. NK cells are specialized immune cells that do not attack invading organisms directly but instead destroy the body’s cells that have either become cancerous or infected with a virus.  

types-of-lymphocytes-t-lymphocytes-b-lymphocytes-nk-natural-killer-lymphocytes

Interestingly, T- and B- cells also accumulate vitamin C within themselves, which protects them against oxidative stress-induced damage [53].

In laboratory experiments, vitamin C has also been shown to support the development and proliferation of T-cells [54-56], and NK cells [57], along with increasing the production of antibodies by B-cells [58]. For instance, supplementation with high doses of vitamin C was seen to significantly boost antibody production in young, healthy men as well as in the elderly [59,60].

#5 – Vitamin C Enhances Cytokine Expression 

Cytokines are small, short-lived proteins that are secreted or released by one cell which acts on itself or another cell, thereby acting as chemical messengers.

Once secreted, a cytokine binds to a specific protein molecule, known as a receptor, on the surface of its target cell, triggering a signaling cascade. This signal ultimately reaches the nucleus of the cell, resulting in changes in gene and protein expression that changes how the target cell functions. 

Cytokines play an important role in reproduction, growth and development, and injury repair, and especially in the immune system. Cytokine production by immune cells in response to infection and inflammation trigger the maturation, growth, and responsiveness of specific immune cell populations [61].

Cytokines can be either pro- or anti-inflammatory. In laboratory experiments, vitamin C has been shown to enhance the expression of some cytokines while lowering the expression of others [62].

#6 – Vitamin C May “Detoxify” Histamine 

If you have allergies, you’re likely very familiar with histamines and their effects. Histamine is a compound that’s involved in local immune responses and inflammation. It’s made by certain types of white blood cells in the body in response to antigens in the case of allergies as well as in response to infectious pathogens.

man-sneezing-in-a-tissue-outdoors-blowing-nose-pollen-allergy

Histamine causes capillaries – thin-walled blood vessels located just under the skin – to become dilated and leaky.  

Laboratory studies in animals show that vitamin C depletion is associated with higher histamine levels, and that supplementation with vitamin C lowers histamine levels, indicating that vitamin C may act to “detoxify” histamine [63-65]. Healthy men and women given vitamin C supplements also showed lowered histamine levels [66,67].

Can Vitamin C Actually Prevent Colds? 

Does taking large doses of vitamin C protect against the common cold? That was the important question that researchers from the Cochrane Collaboration (a prestigious international network of researchers) set out to answer in a study published in 2013.

The researchers analyzed 29 studies involving more than 11,000 children and adults [68]. Unfortunately the conclusion they came to was “no” – taking vitamin C doesn’t prevent you from getting a cold. They also found that starting to take vitamin C after becoming sick with a cold also didn’t have an impact.  

What the research did reveal, however, is that:

legs-of-athlete-runner-training-outside-in-winter

Interestingly, when people exposed to short periods of very strenuous physical activity in extremely cold temperatures – such as marathon runners or soldiers doing winter exercises – started taking vitamin C two to three weeks beforehand, their risk of getting a cold was seen to be reduced by about 50%

The researchers had this to say about their findings, which only looked at placebo-controlled trials testing 0.2 g/day or more of vitamin C.  

“Given the consistent effect of vitamin C on the duration and severity of colds in the regular supplementation studies, and the low cost and safety, it may be worthwhile for common cold patients to test on an individual basis whether therapeutic vitamin C is beneficial for them [69].”

Finding the Best Source of Vitamin C 

Generally, daily supplementation of 100-200 milligrams (mg) of vitamin C is considered sufficient.

Each serving of new Organixx Immunity 3 provides you with 110 mg of whole food (not synthetic) vitamin C from organic camu camu grown in the Amazon rainforest.

This 3-in-1 immune support supplement also includes 200 mg of organic elderberry which has potent antiviral and antimicrobial properties, along with 15 mg of zinc from two forms (zinc arginate & zinc glycinate) for better absorption and higher tolerability.


Organixx Immunity 3 gives you natural immune system support against harmful viruses & bacteria, including the common cold, influenza, and sinusitis. This ultimate 3-in-1 immune support supplement provides 3 powerhouse nutrients in one convenient daily formula: organic camu camu (vitamin C), organic elderberry & 2 forms of zinc.

Immunity 3