C. Vitamin C

Vitamin C is ranked one as of the top immune boosters for many reasons. It is widely known by many that it boosts the function of the immune system, and protect our bodies against viral infections and perhaps other diseases.

Vitamin C stimulates increased production white blood cells, especially specific types known as neutrophils, phagocytes, and lymphocytes.

Neutrophils would help attack foreign bacteria and viruses that are invading our body’s health. Additionally, vitamin C also help increase serum levels of antibodies that help fight infection and increases levels of interferon, an antibody that coats cell surfaces, preventing the entry of viruses. Vitamin C also helps to protect immune cells integrity. The Neutrophils help accumulate vitamin C to high concentrations, thus protecting these cell types from oxidative damage.

Below is a interesting video that shows a Neutrophil chasing a bacteria.
These white blood cellt help eliminate bacteria would increase with increased vitamin C in the body.


The phagocytic type of white blood cells naturally destroy waste material, harmful microorganisms, or other foreign bodies in the body by engulfing and absorbing (phagocytosing) them. In response to invading microorganisms, these cells release non-specific toxins, such as superoxide radicals and hypochlorous acid (bleach). These reactive substances kill pathogens, bacteria and viruses, but which in turn, would damage the cells themselves. However, having sufficient vitamin C, that has antioxidant functions, in the body, it helps to protect the phagocytic white blood cells from such effects which are actually known as ‘Auto oxidation’.

Vitamin C also raises HDL (good) cholesterol levels and reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. It helps to lower blood pressure and interferes with the processes by which cholesterol is converted to plaque in the arteries.

Vitamin C plays a part in lowering rates of colon, prostate, and breast cancer. Studies have shown that cancer patients have increased requirements for vitamin C, and rapid metabolic depleted vitamin C stores. It is suggested, among other reasons, that cancer tumors tend to accumulate vitamin C needed for the creation of protoglycan, glycosaminoglicans, glucosamine, and collagen fibers, which might help encapsulate or restrain the growth of these tumors. Thus, improving then patient's immune system and prevent the cells from spreading and worsening.

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Citations:
http://www.stopgettingsick.com/template.cfm-1689
http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/vitamins/vitaminC/
http://www.orthomolecular.org/library/jom/1992/pdf/1992-v07n04-p203.pdf
http://www.shands.org/health/HIE%20Multimedia/2/18107.htm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_xh-bkiv_c