Should we take Vitamin C when we're sick?

Chemistry For Your Life

#190

In this episode of 'Chemistry for Your Life,' hosts Melissa and Jam delve into the role of vitamin C in the immune system and examine whether taking mega doses of the vitamin can help with common colds. Melissa, a seasoned chemist, explains the chemistry behind oxidation, reduction, and free radicals, and how vitamin C's properties make it crucial for immune function. The discussion also covers historical context, including Linus Pauling's theories, and recent scientific findings on vitamin C's effectiveness. Throughout the episode, Melissa and Jam use analogies and discuss various studies while also previewing future episodes on vitamin C's other benefits and common questions.

00:00 Introduction to Vitamin C and Collagen
00:57 Meet the Hosts: Melissa and Jim
01:43 Podcast Background and Corrections
04:01 Vitamin C Part Two: Immune System and Megadoses
07:56 Chemistry Lesson: Oxidation and Reduction
15:57 Vitamin C's Role in the Immune System
22:18 The Bat Signal Analogy
23:51 Vitamin C and Immune Cells
24:27 Oxidative Stress and Damage
27:02 Vitamin C Deficiency and Cold Symptoms
28:24 Vitamin C and Physical Stress
33:12 Elderberry and Cold Symptoms
36:08 Upcoming Vitamin C Topics
37:14 Summer Plans and Wrap-Up

References from this episode:

1. Biochemistry, 4th edition Garrett & Grisham
2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18505499/
3. https://youtu.be/3e2JYMNS_W4?t=477s
4. https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2019/ob/c9ob01646e
5. https://thispodcastwillkillyou.com/2019/02/05/episode-19-scurvy-thanks-a-lot-evolution/

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