Smokers Have Higher Vitamin C Needs Than Nonsmokers.
If you're a smoker or someone who is around cigarettes regularly, you might be surprised to learn that your body requires more Vitamin C than those who don't smoke. While this may seem counterintuitive, it is because smoking depletes the body of Vitamin C at a faster rate, which can lead to a deficiency if you're not getting enough of this essential nutrient.
How Does Smoking Affect Vitamin C Levels?
When you smoke, you're inhaling a variety of harmful chemicals that can damage your body in many ways. One of the ways that smoking affects your body is by reducing your levels of Vitamin C. This is because the chemicals in cigarettes increase the production of free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can damage cells and tissues throughout the body. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps to neutralize these free radicals and protect the body from their harmful effects, but when you smoke, your body requires more Vitamin C to combat the increased amount of free radicals.
How Much More Vitamin C Do Smokers Need?
The amount of extra Vitamin C that smokers need is not clear-cut and can vary depending on factors such as the number of cigarettes smoked, the length of time a person has been smoking, and overall health. However, studies have shown that smokers may require up to 35mg more Vitamin C per day than nonsmokers to maintain healthy levels of this nutrient.
What Are the Consequences of Vitamin C Deficiency?
If your body doesn't get enough Vitamin C, you may experience a range of negative health effects. Vitamin C deficiency can weaken the immune system, making it harder for your body to fight off infections and illnesses. It can also cause scurvy, a disease that results in symptoms such as fatigue, muscle weakness, joint pain, and bleeding gums.
How Can Smokers Get More Vitamin C?
The best way for smokers to get more Vitamin C is to eat a diet rich in this nutrient. Foods that are high in Vitamin C include citrus fruits, strawberries, kiwi, bell peppers, broccoli, and tomatoes. It is also possible to take Vitamin C supplements, but it is important to talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement regimen.
Conclusion
Smokers have higher Vitamin C needs than nonsmokers because smoking depletes the body of this essential nutrient at a faster rate. Vitamin C is important for protecting the body from the damaging effects of free radicals and maintaining a healthy immune system. If you're a smoker, make sure to eat a diet rich in Vitamin C or talk to your doctor about taking supplements to ensure that your body gets the amount of this nutrient that it needs.