The Korea Times
amn_close.png
amn_bl.png
National
  • Politics
  • Foreign Affairs
  • Multicultural Community
  • Defense
  • Environment & Animals
  • Law & Crime
  • Society
  • Health & Science
amn_bl.png
Business
  • Tech
  • Bio
  • Companies
  • World Expo 2030
amn_bl.png
Finance
  • Companies
  • Economy
  • Markets
  • Cryptocurrency
amn_bl.png
Opinion
  • Editorial
  • Columns
  • Thoughts of the Times
  • Cartoon
  • Today in History
  • Blogs
  • Tribune Service
  • Blondie & Garfield
  • Letter to the Editor
amn_bl.png
Lifestyle
  • Travel & Food
  • Trends
  • People & Events
  • Books
  • Around Town
  • Fortune Telling
amn_bl.png
Entertainment & Arts
  • K-pop
  • Films
  • Shows & Dramas
  • Music
  • Theater & Others
amn_bl.png
Sports
  • Hangzhou Asian Games
amn_bl.png
World
  • SCMP
  • Asia
amn_bl.png
Video
  • Korean Storytellers
  • POPKORN
  • Culture
  • People
  • News
amn_bl.png
Photos
  • Photo News
  • Darkroom
amn_NK.png amn_DR.png amn_LK.png amn_LE.png
  • bt_fb_on_2022.svgbt_fb_over_2022.svg
  • bt_X_on_2023.svgbt_X_over_2023.svg
  • bt_youtube_on_2022.svgbt_youtube_over_2022.svg
  • bt_instagram_on_2022.svgbt_instagram_over_2022.svg
The Korea Times
amn_close.png
amn_bl.png
National
  • Politics
  • Foreign Affairs
  • Multicultural Community
  • Defense
  • Environment & Animals
  • Law & Crime
  • Society
  • Health & Science
amn_bl.png
Business
  • Tech
  • Bio
  • Companies
  • World Expo 2030
amn_bl.png
Finance
  • Companies
  • Economy
  • Markets
  • Cryptocurrency
amn_bl.png
Opinion
  • Editorial
  • Columns
  • Thoughts of the Times
  • Cartoon
  • Today in History
  • Blogs
  • Tribune Service
  • Blondie & Garfield
  • Letter to the Editor
amn_bl.png
Lifestyle
  • Travel & Food
  • Trends
  • People & Events
  • Books
  • Around Town
  • Fortune Telling
amn_bl.png
Entertainment & Arts
  • K-pop
  • Films
  • Shows & Dramas
  • Music
  • Theater & Others
amn_bl.png
Sports
  • Hangzhou Asian Games
amn_bl.png
World
  • SCMP
  • Asia
amn_bl.png
Video
  • Korean Storytellers
  • POPKORN
  • Culture
  • People
  • News
amn_bl.png
Photos
  • Photo News
  • Darkroom
amn_NK.png amn_DR.png amn_LK.png amn_LE.png
  • bt_fb_on_2022.svgbt_fb_over_2022.svg
  • bt_X_on_2023.svgbt_X_over_2023.svg
  • bt_youtube_on_2022.svgbt_youtube_over_2022.svg
  • bt_instagram_on_2022.svgbt_instagram_over_2022.svg
  • Login
  • Register
  • Login
  • Register
  • The Korea Times
  • search
  • all menu
  • Login
  • Subscribe
  • Photos
  • Video
  • World
  • Sports
  • Opinion
  • Entertainment & Art
  • Lifestyle
  • Finance
  • Business
  • National
  • North Korea
  • 1

    'British Spider-Man' ends 6-month stay in Korea

  • 3

    Methods to avoid YouTube, Netflix restrictions go viral

  • 5

    S. Korea, US, Japan vow to strengthen cooperation against NK threat

  • 7

    Court win for 'comfort women' upheld after Japan decides not to appeal ruling in damages suit

  • 9

    Cadero Grip introduces hybrid golf grip product

  • 11

    N. Korea's fear of external info grows after Seoul allows sending propaganda leaflets

  • 13

    Europe reaches deal on the world's first comprehensive AI rules

  • 15

    S. Korea, US agree to enhance cooperation in semiconductors, next-gen tech

  • 17

    German scholar lectures on 'Saving Confucius from Confucianism'

  • 19

    Ex-DPK leader Song questioned over cash-for-votes scandal

  • 2

    Love and hope in Korea

  • 4

    Justice minister challenges opposition leader in polls for potential next president

  • 6

    Kim Bu-gwi, the tallest monk at Hwaeom Temple

  • 8

    INTERVIEWHow AmazeVR revolutionizes aespa's LYNK-POP concert

  • 10

    Anti-dog meat legislation looks doomed as Assembly session ends in vain

  • 12

    China deflation accelerated in Nov.: official data

  • 14

    Speed skater Kim Min-sun nabs 2nd straight World Cup title

  • 16

    Israeli images showing Palestinian detainees in underwear spark outrage

  • 18

    Nat'l security advisers of S. Korea, Japan discuss NK threat

  • 20

    Hunting 'crow thief' on Korea's east coast in 1930s

Close scrollclosebutton

Close for 24 hours

Open
  • The Korea Times
  • search
  • all menu
  • Login
  • Subscribe
  • Photos
  • Video
  • World
  • Sports
  • Opinion
  • Entertainment & Art
  • Lifestyle
  • Finance
  • Business
  • National
  • North Korea
National
  • Politics
  • Foreign Affairs
  • Multicultural Community
  • Defense
  • Environment & Animals
  • Law & Crime
  • Society
  • Health & Science
Mon, December 11, 2023 | 05:47
Health & Science
Vitamin C helps people keep healthy life
Posted : 2018-03-20 19:42
Updated : 2018-03-20 20:08
Lee Kyung-min
Print PreviewPrint Preview
Font Size UpFont Size Up
Font Size DownFont Size Down
  • facebook
  • twitter
  • kakaolink
  • whatsapp
  • reddit
  • mailto
  • link
Kwangdong Pharmaceutical President Kim Hyun-sig delivers a congratulatory speech during an opening event at the 6th International Symposium on Vitamin C at The Plaza Hotel Seoul, Tuesday. / Courtesy of Kwangdong Pharmaceutical
Kwangdong Pharmaceutical President Kim Hyun-sig delivers a congratulatory speech during an opening event at the 6th International Symposium on Vitamin C at The Plaza Hotel Seoul, Tuesday. / Courtesy of Kwangdong Pharmaceutical

Kwangdong Pharmaceutical holds 6th International Symposium on vitamin C

By Lee Kyung-min

Vitamin C can help people maintain health by helping them better manage osteoporosis, diabetes and fatigue, according to experts Tuesday.

Over 1,000 experts on medicine, pharmacology and health products discussed the health benefits from long-term intake of vitamin C during a biennial international symposium at The Plaza Hotel Seoul.

Organized by the Korean Society of Food Science and Technology (KoSFoST) and hosted by Kwangdong Pharmaceutical, the 6th International Symposium on Vitamin C was held under the theme of "Healthy Life with Vitamin C."

Researchers from Korea, the U.S. and Denmark shared surveys and studies aimed at observing the effects of vitamin C, such as combating aging and fatigue as well as fighting diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

"Since the first event in 2008, we have made efforts to study and raise public awareness on the efficacy of vitamin C," Kwangdong President Kim Hyun-sig said in a congratulatory speech.

This year's symposium is focused on extending life expectancy and quality of life using vitamin C, as well as its effects on disease prevention.

"The need to take quality supplements regularly is ever-increasing for all generations as they seek healthy life. We are confident our affordable product would be ideal for them," he said.

Various effects of vitamin C

Linus Pauling Institute professor Dr. Jan Fred Stevens said vitamin C supplementation can help people who have a medical condition called angina, a chest pain ― in the form of pressure or squeezing ― caused when the heart muscle doesn't get enough oxygen-rich blood.

Angina is a symptom of coronary artery disease, the most common heart disease. Many patients are prescribed glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) to treat the condition, the efficacy of which tends to decrease following continued use for several weeks as they develop tolerance to nitrate, increasing the flow of blood and oxygen to the heart thereby expanding the arteries and veins in the body.

"Although the cause of nitrate tolerance has remained poorly understood, clinicians have known since the 1990s vitamin C supplementation may help prevent nitrate tolerance development. The efficacy of vitamin C should be further studied as a simple and inexpensive strategy to prevent nitrate tolerance," he said.

According to Linus Pauling Institute, vitamin C has many important functions but unlike most animals, humans have lost the ability to synthesize their own vitamin C and must therefore obtain it from diet. Fresh fruit and vegetables are the best source of vitamin C, but taking it regularly in supplement form is sometimes needed.

Kwangdong Pharmaceutical President Kim Hyun-sig delivers a congratulatory speech during an opening event at the 6th International Symposium on Vitamin C at The Plaza Hotel Seoul, Tuesday. / Courtesy of Kwangdong Pharmaceutical
Dr. Fiona Harrison, a professor at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in the U.S., speaks at the 6th International Symposium on Vitamin C at The Plaza Hotel Seoul, Tuesday. / Courtesy of Kwangdong Pharmaceutical

Dr. Fiona Harrison, a professor at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in the U.S., said supplementation of vitamin C is particularly needed for diabetes patients as many of them are not allowed to eat fruit or drink beverages due to sugar content.

The diabetes specialist also said vitamin C deficiency in some cases negatively affected cognitive and memory function, citing studies.

For example, mice that developed under low vitamin C conditions have poorer motor abilities than those that developed in adequately supplemented pregnancies, and mice that carry the genes for Alzheimer's disease perform better on tests of learning and memory following long-term dietary supplementation with vitamins C and E.

It is possible, she maintains, to survive in a relatively healthy state with low levels of vitamin C and not develop scurvy, a disease caused by vitamin C deficiency characterized by swollen bleeding gums, but maximal brain health requires much greater vitamin C intake, which can be derived from food or dietary supplements.

The principle investigator at Harrison Lab focuses on the role of vitamin C and its transporters in brain function during development and in neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's.

The emphasis in the lab is on factors that drive Alzheimer's, particularly in its early stages, thereby offering the potential to delay or prevent disease development and cognitive decline. "Studies support the role of vitamin C deficiency in increased seizure susceptibility, which may be particularly relevant in Alzheimer's. We cannot cure Alzheimer's, not even close, but we can treat vitamin C deficiency."

Konkuk University professor An Hee-jeung said vitamin C intake significantly helps improve bone recovery activity and plays an important role in overall skeletal strength. Kyung Hee University professor Park Ji-ho said his findings suggest vitamin C intake could help decrease blood pressure.

Dr. John Wilson, a professor at the University of Buffalo, said high-dose vitamin C injections can function for sepsis patients as adjunct therapy, or add-on therapy, given in addition to the primary or initial therapy to maximize its effectiveness, as it could reduce inflammation almost always caused by infection, the complication of which could result in sepsis, a major cause of death.

Kwangdong Pharmaceutical's major cash cow, Vita 500, a vitamin C drink, continues to be the best seller in the market. It was developed to help people increase their daily vitamin intake by offering it as a beverage rather than pills, which are harder to swallow.

It posted sales of more than 20 million bottles in four months when it was introduced in 2001. By consolidated financial statements, the firm posted 1.14 trillion won ($1.06 billion) in sales last year, coming in third in the industry after Yuhan Corp. and Green Cross Corp.

Kwangdong Pharmaceutical President Kim Hyun-sig delivers a congratulatory speech during an opening event at the 6th International Symposium on Vitamin C at The Plaza Hotel Seoul, Tuesday. / Courtesy of Kwangdong Pharmaceutical
Kwangdong Pharmaceutical hosts the 6th International Symposium on Vitamin C at The Plaza Hotel Seoul, Tuesday. / Courtesy of Kwangdong Pharmaceutical
Emaillkm@ktimes.com Article ListMore articles by this reporter
 
wooribank
LG group
Top 10 Stories
1Methods to avoid YouTube, Netflix restrictions go viral Methods to avoid YouTube, Netflix restrictions go viral
2Anti-dog meat legislation looks doomed as Assembly session ends in vainAnti-dog meat legislation looks doomed as Assembly session ends in vain
3N. Korea's fear of external info grows after Seoul allows sending propaganda leafletsN. Korea's fear of external info grows after Seoul allows sending propaganda leaflets
4Hunting 'crow thief' on Korea's east coast in 1930s Hunting 'crow thief' on Korea's east coast in 1930s
5Leaders of Samsung, SK to visit Netherlands for chip allianceLeaders of Samsung, SK to visit Netherlands for chip alliance
6Skepticism mounts over shareholder activism at Samsung C&TSkepticism mounts over shareholder activism at Samsung C&T
7Calls grow for shift from two-party political systemCalls grow for shift from two-party political system
8Eximbank teams up with US counterpart on decarbonization Eximbank teams up with US counterpart on decarbonization
9'New initiative on NK' lacks balanced strategy: experts 'New initiative on NK' lacks balanced strategy: experts
10Gov't boosts reserves to appease public jitters over urea shortage Gov't boosts reserves to appease public jitters over urea shortage
Top 5 Entertainment News
1'Dune: Part Two': most challenging but proud work, says director Denis Villeneuve 'Dune: Part Two': most challenging but proud work, says director Denis Villeneuve
2Kohei Nawa goes 'cosmic' in his disturbingly mesmerizing world Kohei Nawa goes 'cosmic' in his disturbingly mesmerizing world
3[INTERVIEW] How AmazeVR revolutionizes aespa's LYNK-POP concert INTERVIEWHow AmazeVR revolutionizes aespa's LYNK-POP concert
4'12.12: The Day' goes strong at box office, attracts younger generation '12.12: The Day' goes strong at box office, attracts younger generation
5K-pop's appeal reflected in global accolades K-pop's appeal reflected in global accolades
DARKROOM
  • It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

    It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

  • 2023 Thanksgiving parade in NYC

    2023 Thanksgiving parade in NYC

  • Appreciation of autumn colors

    Appreciation of autumn colors

  • Our children deserve better

    Our children deserve better

  • Israel-Gaza conflict erupts into war

    Israel-Gaza conflict erupts into war

  • Turkey-Syria earthquake

    Turkey-Syria earthquake

  • Nepal plane crash

    Nepal plane crash

  • Brazil capital uprising

    Brazil capital uprising

  • Happy New Year 2023

    Happy New Year 2023

  • World Cup 2022 Final - Argentina vs France

    World Cup 2022 Final - Argentina vs France

CEO & Publisher: Oh Young-jin
Digital News Email: webmaster@koreatimes.co.kr
Tel: 02-724-2114
Online newspaper registration No: 서울,아52844
Date of registration: 2020.02.05
Masthead: The Korea Times
Copyright © koreatimes.co.kr. All rights reserved.
  • About Us
  • Introduction
  • History
  • Contact Us
  • Products & Services
  • Subscribe
  • E-paper
  • RSS Service
  • Content Sales
  • Site Map
  • Policy
  • Code of Ethics
  • Ombudsman
  • Privacy Statement
  • Terms of Service
  • Copyright Policy
  • Family Site
  • Hankook Ilbo
  • Dongwha Group