Vitamin C is commonly known as the vitamin you take to ward off colds and boost the immune system. Vitamin C is indeed a powerhouse vitamin and can be used to support the immune system. Those of us with autoimmune conditions need just that–an immune system helper!
Thyroid hormone also needs vitamin C in order to be produced. I often find that those with non-autoimmune hypothyroidism may suffer from nutrient deficiencies that are contributing to the hypothyroid state. Vitamin C deficiency may be one example of this. So many are not eating enough nutrient dense foods or vitamins in the fresh, whole food form. This is a big focus for hypothyroidism: increase fruit and vegetable intake in order to increase the amount of micronutrients in the whole food form that you take in to support better metabolic activity!
Generally speaking, it is common to find those with thyroid disease to be low in vitamin C or to be deficient.
Vitamin C is an antioxidant which helps to fight off free radicals, and helps make neurotransmitters which affect brain health.
Vitamin C and Iron
Vitamin C helps iron become absorbed better in the body. This is why you hear about vitamin C foods eaten in combination with iron rich foods or supplementation. This is important to note since many with hypothyroidism can be low in iron.
High Dose Vitamin C Supplementation
This is an area of research that I have a lot of excitement for. The research must continue before we can make specific recommendations. Many are experimenting with mega-doses of vitamin C for cancer treatment, other inflammatory disorders and chronic conditions.
Overall, vitamin C is easy to get in your fruits and vegetables in high amounts, and is also an easy and cheap supplement to get if you plan to add it into your routine. We likely get the best absorption and benefit from vitamin C in the whole food form.
Excellent Food Sources of Vitamin C
- Bell peppers
- Papaya
- Broccoli (cooked)
- Brussels sprouts (cooked)
- Strawberries
- Pineapple
- Orange
- Kiwi
- Cantaloupe
- Cauliflower… see(!), white food does have nutrition
- Cabbage
- Grapefruit
- Leafy greens
- Raspberries
- Tomato
- Lemons and limes
