I’m sick! What’s the best vitamin C for me?
Vitamin C has long been the go-to to prevent colds and flu and support your immune system. Consuming foods rich in vitamin C will go a long way to boosting your immunity through the winter months. The best forms of vitamin C are found in oranges, red and green capsicum, kale, brussel sprouts, broccoli, guava and kiwi fruit. However, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) the average Australian is not consuming adequate amounts of fruits and vegetables with only 49.8% aged 18 years and over meeting the guidelines for recommended daily serves of fruit (2 or more) and vegetables (5 or more). Taking vitamin C supplements may support you in times when you are not eating enough fruit and vegetables.
Vitamin C is known as ascorbic acid. There are also two other types of ascorbic acids called mineral ascorbates: sodium ascorbate and calcium ascorbate. These mineral salts are less acidic than vitamin C and can be good to use if you are prone to stomach upsets which are exacerbated by vitamin C. Caution should be taken when using these mineral ascorbates so check with your general practitioner if the recommended dietary intakes of sodium ascorbate or calcium ascorbate are right for you.