Our body needs to metabolise protein and fat to create many essential compounds within our brain and body.
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Protein
Proteins are the building blocks of all living tissue and provide important roles in growth and development. Protein is involved with enzymes, hormones, DNA, muscle contraction, connective tissue and transportation of molecules.
Vitamin C is part of an enzyme needed for protein metabolism that ensures these processes can occur [1]. Vitamin C also protects proteins from damage with its antioxidant activity [2].
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Fat
Fats are an essential nutrient for energy and maintaining health of the nervous system and every cell within our body. Fats are also the backbone of creating hormones.
Vitamin C aids metabolism of fats as an enzyme cofactor and aids in the transport of fatty acid into cells, where they are then created into energy [3]. Higher vitamin C intake has also been linked with burning more fat during exercise than those with lower vitamin C levels [4].
Metabolism References
- University of Michigan. (2020). Vitamins: Their functions and sources. Retrieved https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/ta3868.
- Carr, A. C., & Maggini, S. (2017). Vitamin C and Immune Function. Nutrients, 9(11):1211. DOI: 10.3390/nu9111211.
- Yi Li, Herb E. (2007). New Developments and Novel Therapeutic Perspectives for Vitamin C, The Journal of Nutrition, 137, 2171–2184. DOI: 10.1093/jn/137.10.2171.
- Johnston, C. S. (2005). Strategies for healthy weight loss: from vitamin C to the glycemic response. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 24(3),158-65. doi: 10.1080/07315724.2005.10719460.
