Antioxidant, collagen co-factor, immune support — essential at every level
Expert View
Dr. Rhonda Patrick
Key points
Vitamin C is an essential cofactor for prolyl and lysyl hydroxylase — enzymes required for collagen cross-linking; without it, collagen cannot be properly formed
Acts as a potent water-soluble antioxidant — neutralises free radicals in plasma and intracellularly
Supports immune function by stimulating proliferation and differentiation of lymphocytes
Humans cannot synthesise vitamin C (unlike most animals) — entirely dietary
500mg twice daily (1g total) is the Rhonda Patrick recommendation for antioxidant and immune benefit; excess is excreted harmlessly