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Vitamin C Article Differences Essay

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The abundance of pseudo-scientific literature on the Internet often obscures the kernels of truth about nutritional supplements. For example, research does substantiate the role and importance of vitamin C in promoting optimal immune system health. For this exercise, I presented the question, “Does Vitamin C actually boost my immune system? If so, how or why?” The reason why I chose this question is because I have been taking Vitamin C, and do not know if it is worth the investment in the supplements. I want to know if vitamin C’s role in boosting the immune system is scientifically valid or a spurious claim made by those interested in selling me their brand of supplements. Wintergerst, Maggini & Hornig (2006) present the results of a review of literature on Vitamin C, published in a peer-reviewed journal. The Wintergerst, Maggini & Hornig (2006) study is not an experimental research but it is a review of literature detailing the physiological effects and functions of vitamin C, such as its impact on cellular growth, cellular differentiation, and anti-oxidation. Vitamin C serves as an “electron donor” and other immune functions (Wintergerst, Maggini & Hornig, 2006, p. 87). Likewise, vitamin C is integral for the endothelial and leukocyte functions (Wintergerst, Maggini...

87). The authors conclude that adequate intake of vitamin C is necessary for maintaining health.
Although not an experimental study, the Wintergerst, Maggini & Hornig (2006) research is credible because it is peer-reviewed and subtantiated by abundant references to the scientific literature including experimental studies and meta-analyses. On the other hand, an online store selling vitamin supplements called Well Wisdom also offers testimonials about the efficacy of Vitamin C on boosting immune system health. The article in the Well Wisdom store actually admits that vitamin C does not prevent colds, but that it “will definitely help to heal your cold when it sets in,” a statement that is not supported by any references to the scientific literature. Instead, the authors provide a hyperlink to other articles on the website, which has a commercial purpose. The authors also write about how Vitamin C improves skin health, prevents cardiovascular disease, and even fights cancer—a strong and misleading claim.

Both the Wintergerst, Maggini & Hornig (2006) and the Well Wisdom articles could potentially be biased, given that the authors of peer-reviewed article do disclose their funding from the Bayer Corporation’s consumer care division. The…

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References



Robertson, C. (2015). The link between vitamin C and optimal immunity. Life Extension. Retrieved online: http://www.lifeextension.com/magazine/2015/11/the-link-between-vitamin-c-and-optimal-immunity/page-01

Wintergerst, E.S., Maggini, S. & Hornig, D.H. (2006). Immune-enhancing role of vitamin C and zinc effect on clinical conditions. Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism 50(2): 85-94.

“Vitamin C and Immune System: Does it Help?” Well Wisdom. Retrieved online: http://www.wellwisdom.com/vitamin-c-and-immune-system/


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