Could vitamin C really regenerate skin cells? New research says it might

A wide-reaching new study may have pointed towards a potential anti-ageing treatment contained in countless everyday foods.

A project led by a group of Japanese research institutes found that vitamin C can actually work to regenerate skin cells, helping to combat the physical appearance of ageing. The findings are reported in a new article entitled 'Vitamin C Promotes Epidermal Proliferation by Promoting DNA Demethylation of Proliferation-Related Genes in Human Epidermal Equivalents‘.

Researchers used a 3D skin model to measure how vitamin C activates genes linked to cell growth through DNA demethylation. This process helps to increase thickness in the epidermal skin layer, producing healthier, stronger skin.

Dr. Akihito Ishigami, Vice President of the Division of Biology and Medical Sciences at Tokyo Metropolitan Institute for Geriatrics and Gerontology, explains: “C seems to influence the structure and function of epidermis, especially by controlling the growth of epidermal cells. In this study, we investigated whether it promotes cell proliferation and differentiation via epigenetic changes.”

In short, the study suggested that vitamin C can reactive the genes linked to cell reproduction, encouraging greater growth. This, researchers suspect, could help to slow the rate at which human skin starts to appear ‘aged’.

Vitamin C is readily available in many fruits and vegetables, especially citrus fruits, berries, peppers and melons. However getting a significant dose of vitamin C might be a bit tougher than you would think.

A separate study has found that the amount of vitamin C in American-produced foods has dropped massively. One study found that vitamin C levels are around 30% down on the levels recorded 70 years ago.

But whether you’re looking to fend off the ageing process or are simply looking to add more fruit and vegetables to your diet, foods heavy in vitamin C are always a good route to go to a healthier life.

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