Over a year into the new normal, Filipinos continue to adapt to the various changes due to the current pandemic situation. For most, one of the biggest concerns is to keep their family protected against harmful illnesses, viruses, and even stress.
Despite this growing concern, a huge percentage of Filipinos still lack the daily recommended nutritional intake to fortify their immunity. In 2020, 87.3% of Filipino working adults were reported to be getting inadequate amount of Ascorbic acid, more commonly known as Vitamin C.[1]
Ensuring right levels of Vitamin C is more important than ever, as vitamin deficiency is often associated with poor immunity and a higher risk of getting infected by illnesses and serious diseases like pneumonia.[2]
To address this, Abbott launches the very first Ascorbic Acid Cecon Vitamin C day on May 2, 2021. Abbott joins forces with leading influencers in the Philippines, such as super mom Bianca Gonzales, to help shed light over the importance of regular vitamin C intake for overall health and immunity.
But what makes Vitamin C so essential? Here are a couple of facts you probably do not know about Vitamin C:
1. Vitamin C can be found in foods aside from oranges
Admit it, when you hear Vitamin C, the first thing that comes to mind are oranges. Though the citrus family has long been the poster kids of anything related to Vitamin C, higher concentration of the vitamin can actually be found in other food sources.
For instance, one green chili pepper can provide 55% more vitamin C compared to a medium-sized orange.[3] Other great sources of Vitamin C include guavas, broccoli, kale, and herbs like parsley and thyme.
2. It fights off memory loss as you age
As we get older, it is more challenging for various nerve cells to protect themselves against free radicals, or damage-causing atoms. When free radicals get out of control, cells get damaged faster than they can be repaired.
The good news is that Vitamin C is such a powerful antioxidant that regular intake can help protect our nerve cells and improve cognitive functions even as we age.[4]
3. Vitamin C can aid in weight loss
Did you know that taking an adequate amount of Vitamin C can help in managing body fat? A study done by nutrition specialists reported that the amount of vitamin C in the blood stream is directly related to fat oxidation.[5]
Of course, best results are achieved with a healthy regular Vitamin C habit combined with a balanced diet and an active lifestyle.
4. It accelerates healing
Before antibiotics, Vitamin C was the go-to in terms of curing various diseases. Due to its ability to regenerate collagen in bones, joints and the face, Vitamin C speeds up wound healing as well.[6]
With its role in collagen regeneration, Vitamin C can also reduce skin aging as well as ease arthritis.
5. Humans cannot store Vitamin C
While extremely essential, the human body does not have the ability to produce Vitamin C. The nutrient cannot be stored either and instead gets flushed out of our system within 24 hours.[7]
This makes eating more fruits and vegetables as well as building a habit of taking Vitamin C daily even more important.
Abbott’s Medical Director in the Philippines, Dr. Joel Lao, also stressed the importance of supplementing a healthy diet and active lifestyle with the intake of Vitamin C: “With the increased health risks around Filipinos need to be more aware of the role a daily intake of Vitamin C can have in supporting overall immunity. As an effective antioxidant, a good supplement to retain other nutrients in the body[8] [9], Vitamin C should be an essential part of our daily routine. Cecon Vitamin C Day is a great opportunity to underscore that, along with the importance of having a healthy diet and lifestyle.”
“Abbott’s driving force is to support people live their lives to the fullest. With Cecon’s wide range of products, it is now more convenient for families to maximize their immunity potential through Vitamin C. Whatever your age or lifestyle, there is a Cecon product that can play a role in enhancing one’s overall well-being to help people keep doing what they love and live a full, healthy life,” Dr. Lao added.
Ascorbic acid (Cecon) is a chewable, non-acidic Vitamin C and has a full range of products that address the Vitamin C need of each family member: Ascorbic acid (Cecon 500mg) for adults, Ascorbic acid (Cecon Junior 100mg) for kids, and Multivitamins+Zinc (Cecon Plus) for the added protection needed by adults.
To know more about Cecon Vitamin C Day on May 2, tune in to Bianca’s Instagram @iamsuperbianca for announcements and exciting giveaways.
Ascorbic acid (Cecon) is available online via Lazada and Shopee.
[1] Angeles-Agdeppa, I. (2020, March 2). Food Sources and Nutrient Intakes of Filipino Working Adults. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32268583/
[2] Carr, A. (2017, November 3). Vitamin C and Immune Function. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29099763/
[3] https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/vitamin-c-foods#TOC_TITLE_HDR_6
[4] Perrig W.J. (1997, June 4) The relation between antioxidants and memory performance in the old and very old
[5] https://news.asu.edu/content/vitamin-c-depletion-has-links-lower-fat-oxidation-not-weight-loss
[6] https://www.woundsource.com/blog/vitamin-c-do-daily-mega-doses-accelerate-wound-healing
[7] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/219352#why-we-need-it
[8] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/219352#other-benefits
[9] https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002404.htm
