Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin C (mixed)
For the body system: Mucus Membranes
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is scientifically recognized for its role in supporting the health and integrity of mucus membranes, which are the moist linings of the digestive, respiratory, and genitourinary tracts. Vitamin C acts as a critical cofactor in the biosynthesis of collagen, a key structural protein in connective tissues, including those that compose mucus membranes. Adequate collagen synthesis helps maintain the barrier function of these membranes, protecting against pathogen entry and tissue damage.
Additionally, Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant, helping to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in mucus membranes, particularly relevant in the respiratory tract during infections or allergic reactions. Clinical studies have demonstrated that Vitamin C supplementation can reduce the severity and duration of common cold symptoms, which are largely due to inflammation of mucus membranes in the upper respiratory tract (Hemilä & Chalker, 2017). Furthermore, Vitamin C deficiency is associated with impaired wound healing and increased susceptibility to infections, highlighting its protective role for epithelial surfaces.
While much of the evidence is indirect (focused on immune function and tissue healing), the connection between Vitamin C and mucus membrane health is well-founded both biochemically and clinically. Thus, its use to support mucus membranes is scientifically validated, though it is most effective as part of overall nutritional support rather than a targeted therapy for specific mucosal diseases.
Other ingredients that support Mucus Membranes
akkermansia muciniphilaaloe vera
barley
basil
bayberry
beta-carotene
bilberry
bisabolol
blackberry
broccoli
ceramides
chamomile
citrus bioflavonoids
clove
coating
colostrum
Coptis chinensis
dandelion
fruit and vegetable blend (proprietary)
glehnia root
glycerin
goldenseal
onion
horseradish
hypromellose
l-cysteine
l-threonine
lactobacillus crispatus
lactobacillus jensenii
lactobacillus salivarius
lactoferrin
lactoperoxidase
lemon
licorice root
marshmallow
methylmethionine sulfonium chloride (vitamin U)
mint
mixed carotenoids
mucin
n-acetyl-glucosamine
n-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
nettle
niacin (vitamin B3)
okra
olive
omega-7 fatty acids
ophiopogon root
oregon grape
pear
perilla
plantain
platycodon root
prebiotic blend (proprietary)
raspberry
riboflavin (vitamin B2)
rose oil
sage
slippery elm bark
sorbitol
thyme
vitamin A
vitamin C
vitamin E
water
xylitol
zhejiang fritillary
zinc
yellow root
boneset
mullein
chickweed
cardamom
lobelia
capsicum
mugwort
malabar nut
hedychium spicatum
tylophora
yarrow
moss
fritillaria
myrrh
yerba santa
elecampane
coltsfoot
zanthoxylum
eucalyptus
menthol oil
aster root
stillingia
white oak
horehound
herbal blend (proprietary)
cayenne pepper
Agastache
acacia
Agrimony
Allicin
Alchornea
Asarum heterotropoides
Arrowroot
Acemannan
Adenophora
Asarabacca
Arisaema
Asarum sieboldii
Bee Propolis
Black Seed
Baikal Skullcap
Bryonia
Bai Ji
Bidens pilosa
Balsam
Boswellic Acid
Bistort
Baccharis dracunculifolia
Barleria
Bougainvillea
Bael
Benzoin
Boswellia
Bethroot
Bletilla
Bioflavonoids
Butterbur
Bee products
Borage
Balloon Flower
Belamcanda
Bird's nest
Calendula
Colloidal Silver
Cod Liver Oil
Carvacrol
Citrus
Cineole
Cornflower
Cajuput
Cantaloupe
Catechu
Centipeda
Cistus
Cubeb
Cowslip
Cranesbill
Carotene (unspecified)
Chekiang Fritillary
Collinsonia
Chondrus
Devil's Club
European Elder
English Horsemint
English Elm
Echinacea
Elder
European Field Elm
Eucheuma
Elephant's Head
European-Five Finger Grass
Ellagitannin
Flavonones
Goldthread
Glycosaminoglycans
Mallow
Mimosa
Rose