Maintaining endurance is an important thing to always do, especially during the current COVID-19 pandemic. One way that can be done so that the body's immune system remains strong is by taking the right vitamin C supplements.
Vitamin C is a nutrient that is very beneficial for the health of the body. Vitamin C is known to be good for maintaining organ function, repairing damaged body tissues, maintaining healthy skin, bones and teeth, and increasing body resistance.
This vitamin, also known as ascorbic acid, cannot be produced by the body itself, so its intake must always be sufficient to maintain a healthy body.
Lack of vitamin C intake can cause you to get injured easily, your skin feels dry and rough, and problems with your gums and teeth appear. In addition, you will also get tired easily, look lethargic, dizzy, and often experience muscle and joint pain.
Various Sources of Vitamin C
The need for vitamin C in the body can be met by eating foods rich in vitamin C, such as fruits and vegetables.
Some types of fruit that are natural sources of vitamin C are oranges, mangoes, guavas, pineapples, kiwis, tomatoes, strawberries, and papayas. Vitamin C is also widely contained in vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, potatoes, and cauliflower.
Intake of vitamin C can actually be fulfilled if you often eat a variety of fruits and vegetables. However, the density of activity may sometimes make you pay less attention to the type of food consumed, so that the body's need for vitamin C is not met.
In fact, during the adaptation period for this new habit, consuming foods high in vitamin C is a good way to increase the body's resistance to be stronger against Corona virus infection.
Not only from food, you can also meet your daily vitamin C needs by taking vitamin C supplements. However, make sure the supplements you choose have the right content and are good for the body.
Based on the recommendation of the Nutrition Adequacy Rate (RDA) set by the Ministry of Health, the following is the amount of vitamin C intake that needs to be consumed every day:
- Infants and children 0–9 years: 40–45 mg
- Adolescents and adults: 50–90 mg
How to Choose the Right Vitamin C Supplement
If you want to use vitamin C supplements to maintain your immune system, you shouldn't just choose supplements. Here's how to choose the right vitamin C supplement:
1. Comfortable on the stomach
Choose a vitamin C supplement that doesn't contain acid or is acidic non-acidic so it feels more comfortable in the stomach. Moreover, for those of you who do have stomach acid disease.
2. Safe for the kidneys
Besides being comfortable in the stomach, you are also advised to choose supplements that are low in oxalate levels (oxalate). If the level of oxalate in the body is high, this substance can form crystals or stones in the kidneys.
3. Long lasting in the body
So that the intake of vitamin C can be fulfilled for a longer period of time, choose a vitamin C supplement that can last a long time in the body. Some vitamin C supplements have been specially formulated to last longer in the blood, even up to 24 hours. That way, you just need to take the vitamin C supplement once a day.
4. Pay attention to additional ingredients
Before deciding to take a vitamin C supplement, you are advised to first check the additional ingredients contained in the supplement.
For example, if you are reducing sugar consumption, you can choose a supplement that does not contain sugar. In addition, choose a vitamin C supplement that is safe for consumption, especially if you really want to use it in the long term.
The most important thing in maintaining health and endurance is eating a healthy and balanced diet, and getting enough rest. This needs to be done as an effort to protect yourself from various types of diseases, especially during the current COVID-19 pandemic.
Before taking vitamin C supplements, it is recommended that you consult with your doctor to find out the right type of vitamin C supplement and dosage according to your condition. Don't forget to always apply the health protocols that have been set by the government during the adaptation period for this new habit.