Suggesting to increase vitamin C intake if overweight
New University of Otago, Christchurch research has identified, for the first time, exactly how much extra vitamin C humans need to ingest, relative to their body weight, to maximise their immune health.
The study, based in New Zealand, has found that for every 10 kilograms of excess weight a person carries, their body needs an extra 10 milligrams of Vitamin C daily, which will help to optimise their immune health.
Its novel findings have important implications for public health internationally, particularly in light of the current COVID-19 pandemic, as vitamin C is an important immune-support nutrient and vital in helping the body protect itself from severe viral illnesses.
Although no studies have been carried out as yet specific to dietary intake for COVID-19, researchers suggest these findings could potentially help heavier people better protect themselves from such illnesses.
image credit- shutterstock