Can vitamin C boost immunity?
Disease description:
Hello doctor, my younger cousin previously contracted H1N1 influenza. Although he has recovered now, he still feels a bit unwell. I've heard that vitamin C can boost the immune system. Could you please tell me if vitamin C really helps improve immunity?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Aihua
Answer: Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is an essential water-soluble vitamin for the human body. It plays a significant role in promoting overall health and has a notable effect on improving immunity. Vitamin C performs multiple functions in the body, many of which are related to the immune system, demonstrating a close relationship between the body's immune system and vitamin C. It helps promote the secretion of adrenal corticosteroids, thereby enhancing immune responses, reducing inflammatory reactions, inhibiting viral replication, improving the body's immunity, and facilitating recovery of the internal environment. In addition, vitamin C can suppress the formation of free radicals, preventing the inactivation of antigen-antibody interactions. It also promotes antibody production within the body, strengthens the function of the immune system, helps resist infections, and enhances both resistance and immunity. In summary, vitamin C can effectively boost the body's immune function.
