Vitamin C & Vitiligo: Should you include or avoid it?

Vitiligo is a skin disease that manifests as loss of the cells that impart color to the skin (aka melanocytes) in certain areas of the skin, causing it to be discolored. These discolored skin patches may be found anywhere on the body. The disease affects men and women equally and can occur at any stage of life.

Decades of research has attempted to unearth the factors that can help can help prevent and treat this rather unsightly skin disease. The researchers have found that vitamin C is of prime importance in the management of this skin disorder. The effects of vitamin C in the management and prevention of vitiligo are manifold. It helps recover the skin color by exerting its anti-oxidant potential as well as by avoiding the stimulation of immune system.

Anti-Oxidant Potential of Vitamin C

The destruction of the melanocytes has been attributed to the oxidative stress exerted on these cells by certain factors like free radicals, eventually causing them irreversible oxidative damage. These free radicals are generated as a result of environmental stress; such as excessive UV radiation and pollution. The levels of antioxidants (substances that help prevent the oxidative damage) in people suffering from vitiligo have been found to be abnormally low¹. Ultimately, the cells are unable to cope and start deteriorating. Vitiligo ensues.

Vitamin C possesses potent anti-oxidant properties and blocks the harmful effects of oxidants on melanocytes, so that the oxidative damage can be stopped in its tracks before reaching the irreversible stage. The cells start stabilizing themselves and can even recover their main function: imparting color to the skin. No wonder, repigmentation of the skin has been observed in many clinical trials carried out to gauge the efficacy of vitamin C in the treatment of vitiligo².  Often, vitamin C is used in combination with vitamin E; as both possess anti-oxidant properties.

Immune-placating Effect of Vitamin C

Another mechanism by which melanocytes are damaged is through auto-immune destruction. The immune system marks the melanocytes as a possible threat and start destroying them³.  The genetic composition of a person plays a large role in this regard.

Vitamin C acts as an immunomodulator and helps prevent the formation of inflammatory mediators which ultimately trigger the immune system, thereby protecting the pigment producing cells.

Lesser known of its functions is the role of vitamin C in the synthesis of melanin, the skin-coloring pigment. It is required for the metabolism of tyrosine, phenylalanine, and dihydroxyphenylalanine, which are crucial for the synthesis of melanin⁴.

Vitamin C for Vitiligo

Since the levels of vitamin C are depleted in people with vitiligo, dietary supplementation with vitamin C has been shown to play a vital role in its treatment.  Dietary sources rich in Vitamin C include citrus fruits, Brussels, broccoli, kale, red peppers etc.

The problem is that whilst eating a nutrient dense diet is a great start, unfortunately it may no longer be enough…

The soils we use to grow our food are not the same as they were just a few decades ago.

Nutrient data analysis found that average vitamin C levels in crops reduced by 30 percent from 1975 to 1997, and it’s likely we’ve seen even more depletion in the 20 years since then.

Conventional supplements don’t look too promising either…

To cut costs, many manufacturers source cheap, low quality ingredients that end up being difficult for your body to absorb.

Some even estimate absorption rates as low as 15%. They may be inexpensive, but in many cases you’re essentially purchasing glorified sugar pills…

Intravenous vitamin C is another option, but costs hundreds of dollars at a time (not to mention the time constraints and the issue of dealing with needles).

Where Can You Get INCREDIBLE Vitamin C?

We researched the best sources of vitamin C that don’t sacrifice on quality (or cost hundreds of dollars per serving) and I now highly recommend new Purathrive Micelle Liposomal Vitamin C

Why is it the best?

Let’s take a closer look at some of the main features of Micelle Liposomal Vitamin C…

To ensure maximum bioavailability Micelle Liposomal Vitamin C is put together in a three step process:

STEP 1 – Vitamin C Fermentation

PuraTHRIVE uses an all-natural fermentation process to produce a high quality form of vitamin C, L-Ascorbic Acid (which is easier for your body to absorb & use than the synthetic version, D-Ascorbic Acid).

STEP 2 – Acid Buffering for Easy Digestion

To counteract the low pH of Ascorbic Acid and avoid stomach upset, it is buffered with a natural bicarbonate downstream process, allowing the vitamin C to react with natural Potassium Bicarbonate and release CO₂. This neutralizes the vitamin C to make it easy to digest & utilize.

STEP 3 – Micelle Liposomal Encapsulation & Delivery

For the finishing touch, vitamin C is encapsulated into tiny, nano-sized micelles, which are further enveloped in liposomes – healthy fat cells that shield the tiny vitamin C micelles from the hostile environment and absorption barriers found in the human gut and increase bioavailability up to 140X.

>> The most potent oral liposomal Vitamin C money can buy

 

Scientific References

1. Koca R, Armutcu F, Altinyazar HC, Gürel A. Oxidant‐antioxidant enzymes and lipid peroxidation in generalized vitiligo. Clinical and experimental dermatology. 2004 Jul 1;29(4):406-9.
2. Jalel A, Soumaya GS, Hamdaoui MH. Vitiligo treatment with vitamins, minerals and polyphenol supplementation. Indian journal of dermatology. 2009 Oct;54(4):357.
3. Sehgal VN, Srivastava G. Vitiligo: Auto‐immunity and immune responses. International journal of dermatology. 2006 May 1;45(5):583-90.
4. Lerner AB. Metabolism of phenylalanine and tyrosine. Advances in Enzymology. 2009 Sep 10;14:73-128.