Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin C
For the body system: Mucus Membranes
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
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 respiratory, digestive, and genitourinary tracts. Its primary mechanism is as a critical cofactor in collagen synthesis, essential for maintaining the structural integrity of epithelial tissues, including those that make up mucus membranes. Deficiency in vitamin C, as seen in scurvy, leads to weakened connective tissue and compromised epithelial barriers, resulting in symptoms such as gum bleeding and poor wound healing. Studies have demonstrated that adequate vitamin C intake supports the normal function and repair of these tissues.
Furthermore, vitamin C has antioxidant properties that help protect mucus membranes from oxidative stress and environmental insults. Some research suggests that vitamin C may modulate immune responses in mucosal tissues, potentially reducing the severity or duration of infections that target these membranes (such as the common cold). However, while vitamin C’s role in general mucosal health is well-established, evidence for its effectiveness in specifically preventing or treating mucus membrane diseases is moderate rather than strong. Most human studies focus on vitamin C’s effects on immune function and wound healing, rather than direct clinical outcomes related to mucus membranes.
In summary, the use of vitamin C to support mucus membranes is scientifically justified, with a reasonable body of evidence supporting its role in maintaining their structure and function, though more targeted clinical studies would be beneficial.
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
Ellagitannin
Goldthread
Glycosaminoglycans
Mallow
Mimosa
Rose
Other body systems supported by vitamin C
Adrenal GlandsAdrenal Medulla
Arteries
Blood
Brain
Capillaries
Circulatory System
Dopamine
Eyes
Gastrointestinal Tract
Glandular System
Gums
Hair
Heart
Immune System
Immune System
Intestinal System
Joints
Liver
Lungs
Mucus Membranes
Muscles
Nails
Respiratory System
Sinuses
Skeletal System (Bones)
Skin
Spinal Disks
Structural System
Teeth
Testes
Thymus
Tonsils
Veins
Veins
Vocal Cords
Products containing vitamin C
Nature's Sunshine Love and Peas (Sugar Free)
Nature's Sunshine Adrenal Support
Nature's Sunshine Bowel Detox
Nature's Sunshine Children's Elderberry Immune
Nature's Sunshine Children's MultiVitamin & Mineral
Nature's Sunshine Cortisol Formula (Nature's Cortisol Formula)
Nature's Sunshine Defense Maintenance
Nature's Sunshine Detox Basics (Best used by 7/31/25)
Nature's Sunshine Dieter's Cleanse
Nature's Sunshine Glandular System
Nature's Sunshine Grapine With Protectors (SynerPro)
Nature's Sunshine Hepatic System
Nature's Sunshine Iron (Chelated)
Nature's Sunshine Love and Peas
Nature's Sunshine Marine Collagen
Nature's Sunshine Marine Glo Collagen
Nature's Sunshine Master Gland Formula®
Nature's Sunshine Mega-Chel
Nature's Sunshine Milk Thistle Combination
Nature's Sunshine MultiVitamin & Mineral (SynerPro)
Nature's Sunshine MultiVitamin & Mineral (Time Release)
Nature's Sunshine Natural Changes
Nature's Sunshine Nature's Prenatal
Nature's Sunshine Nature's Harvest
Nature's Sunshine Nervous System (30 Day Program)
Nature's Sunshine Nutri-Calm
Nature's Sunshine Nutri-Calm
Nature's Sunshine Perfect Eyes
Nature's Sunshine Power Beets Pouch
Nature's Sunshine Power Beets To-Go Packs
Nature's Sunshine Power Greens
Nature's Sunshine Power Greens To-Go
Nature's Sunshine Skeletal Strength
Nature's Sunshine Solstic Twenty-Four
Nature's Sunshine Solstic Immune
Nature's Sunshine Solstic Revive
Nature's Sunshine Structural System (30 Day Program)
Nature's Sunshine Super Supplemental
Nature's Sunshine Super Supplemental (Without Iron)
Nature's Sunshine Super Trio
Nature's Sunshine Vari-Gone
Nature's Sunshine Vitamin C (1000 mg, Time Release)
Nature's Sunshine Vitamin C (1000 mg, Time Release)
Nature's Sunshine Vitamin C Ascorbates
Nature's Sunshine Chewable Vitamin C
Nature's Sunshine Citrus Bioflavonoids (Vitamin C)
Nature's Sunshine Zinc Lozenge