JawaPos.com – During the Covid-19 pandemic, vitamin C is most sought after and plays an important role in supporting our immune system. However, consumption of vitamin C if not as recommended or excessive, can also trigger various symptoms and discomfort in the stomach.
Nutritionist dr. Rita Ramayulis, DCN, M. Kes., who is also the administrator of the Indonesian Nutritionist Association (Persagi) and Chair of the Indonesian Sport Nutritionists Association (ISNA) explained the role of vitamin C as an essential nutrient that the body needs every day and must be imported from outside. In addition to acting as an antioxidant and increasing the absorption of minerals such as calcium and iron, vitamin C has five specific roles in immunity.
What are the benefits of vitamin C?
First, it moves neutrophils (white blood cells that help fight infection) to the infected tissue so that the infection can be treated immediately. Second, accelerate the production of cytokines as the main message material for the body to be infected or not. Third, activate the work of white blood cells in consuming bacteria or other antigens.
Fourth, accelerating the increase in the number of B cells and T cells (immunoglobulins) which are in charge of remembering the structure of certain viruses. Fifth, during a pandemic or not, vitamin C plays a role in the body’s defense and we should not be in a condition of vitamin C deficiency.
“However, it turns out that the consumption of vitamin C must be appropriate, and not arbitrary, because instead of strengthening immunity, it turns out that in certain people it can actually trigger other problems, especially if you have a sensitive stomach,” said dr. Rita in a written statement, KALBE Nutritionals HiC1000, Monday (18/10).
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Editor: Nurul Adriyana Salbiah
Reporter: Marieska Harya Virdhani
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