#190

In 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 Collagen

00:57 Meet the Hosts: Melissa and Jim

01:43 Podcast Background and Corrections

04:01 Vitamin C Part Two: Immune System and Megadoses

07:56 Chemistry Lesson: Oxidation and Reduction

15:57 Vitamin C's Role in the Immune System

22:18 The Bat Signal Analogy

23:51 Vitamin C and Immune Cells

24:27 Oxidative Stress and Damage

27:02 Vitamin C Deficiency and Cold Symptoms

28:24 Vitamin C and Physical Stress

33:12 Elderberry and Cold Symptoms

36:08 Upcoming Vitamin C Topics

37:14 Summer Plans and Wrap-Up

 

References from this episode:

1. 
   Biochemistry, 4th edition Garrett & Grisham


2. 
   https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18505499/


3. 
   https://youtu.be/3e2JYMNS_W4?t=477s


4. 
   https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2019/ob/c9ob01646e


5. 
   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.com

Watch our episodes on YouTube

Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife