Show notes
#190In this episode of 'Chemistry for Your Life,' hosts Melissa and Jam delve into the role of vitamin C in the immune system and examine whether taking mega doses of the vitamin can help with common colds. Melissa, a seasoned chemist, explains the chemistry behind oxidation, reduction, and free radicals, and how vitamin C's properties make it crucial for immune function. The discussion also covers historical context, including Linus Pauling's theories, and recent scientific findings on vitamin C's effectiveness. Throughout the episode, Melissa and Jam use analogies and discuss various studies while also previewing future episodes on vitamin C's other benefits and common questions.00:00 Introduction to Vitamin C and Collagen00:57 Meet the Hosts: Melissa and Jim01:43 Podcast Background and Corrections04:01 Vitamin C Part Two: Immune System and Megadoses07:56 Chemistry Lesson: Oxidation and Reduction15:57 Vitamin C's Role in the Immune System22:18 The Bat Signal Analogy23:51 Vitamin C and Immune Cells24:27 Oxidative Stress and Damage27:02 Vitamin C Deficiency and Cold Symptoms28:24 Vitamin C and Physical Stress33:12 Elderberry and Cold Symptoms36:08 Upcoming Vitamin C Topics37:14 Summer Plans and Wrap-Up References from this episode: Biochemistry, 4th edition Garrett & Grisham https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18505499/ https://youtu.be/3e2JYMNS_W4?t=477s https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2019/ob/c9ob01646e https://thispodcastwillkillyou.com/2019/02/05/episode-19-scurvy-thanks-a-lot-evolution/We want to give a special thanks to Bri McAllister for illustrating molecules for some episodes! Please go check out Bri’s art, follow and support her at entr0pic.artstation.com and @McAllisterBri on twitter! Thanks to our monthly supporters Jessie Reder Ciara Linville J0HNTR0Y Jeannette Napoleon Cullyn R Erica Bee Elizabeth P Sarah Moar Rachel Reina Letila Katrina Barnum-Huckins Suzanne Phillips Venus Rebholz Lyn Stubblefield Jacob Taber Brian Kimball Emerson Woodhall Kristina Gotfredsen Timothy Parker Steven Boyles Chris Skupien Chelsea B Bri McAllister Avishai Barnoy Hunter Reardon★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★Check out our website at chemforyourlife.comWatch our episodes on YouTubeFind us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife