Vitamin C for Collagen?

W. GIFFORD-JONES, MD – Everyone is talking about collagen these days, and with good reason. As we age, the body’s production of collagen slows down, which can result not only in aging skin, but also contributes to osteoarthritis, osteoporosis and many other conditions, including declining cardiovascular health. This is where vitamin C comes in. Vitamin C is the single most important water-soluble antioxidant in the human body. Aside from supporting immune health, vitamin C is needed to manufacture collagen, the major component of the body’s connective tissues, including cartilage, tendons, ligaments, bones and most importantly, blood vessels. High doses of vitamin C, combined with lysine, support healthy arteries and overall cardiovascular health. Vitamin C is required to manufacture healthy collagen, the glue that holds coronary cells together, just like mortar is needed for bricks. Lysine, like steel rods in cement, makes collagen stronger. Together they provide healthier arteries and reduce risk of heart attack and stroke. Coronary arteries are under more pressure than any other artery in the body. The heart beats 100,000 times every 24 hours and 2.2 billion times if you live to 70 years of age. Without healthy arteries, this constant pounding causes minute cracks in collagen, resulting in atherosclerosis, blood clots, or rupturing of a weakened artery, resulting in a stroke. As we age, the key to healthy collagen for cardiovascular health, joint health, teeth, gums, wound healing, and more is vitamin C combined with lysine. If that doesn’t convince you, all the beauty experts will also tell you that collagen helps keep skin looking youthful. I’ve been taking high doses of vitamin C and lysine for 20 years following my heart attack. I still enjoy travelling, writing my columns, and I also rappelled down Toronto City Hall to help raise funds for Make-A-Wish® Canada. I turned 94 this year - not bad!

“For heart health and more, I recommend Medi-C Plus.” - W. Gifford-Jones, MD