Why Do Smokers Need Higher Doses of Vitamin C? A Scientific Explanation

According to Dr. Ruslan Isayev, a psychologist and addiction specialist, the level of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) in the blood plasma of smokers is significantly lower, even when consuming the same amount of food as non-smokers. This is attributed to the fact that tobacco combustion products cause severe oxidative stress, leading to the rapid depletion of vitamin C to neutralize free radicals, as well as accelerating its metabolism and increasing its excretion from the body.

Experts advise smokers to consume additional amounts of vitamin C, approximately 35 mg daily, above the general population recommendations, to compensate for the deficiency caused by smoking.

Isayev emphasized that vitamin C's role extends beyond boosting the immune system; it also supports the health of blood vessels and skin, in addition to being one of the most important natural antioxidants. However, he stressed that additional doses do not eliminate the harmful effects of smoking on the respiratory and cardiovascular systems, but only help to compensate for the body's increased consumption of this vitamin.