Why Humans Can’t Make Vitamin C + The Best Solution

Why Humans Can’t Make Vitamin C + The Best Solution

by | May 3, 2025 | General Health, Dentistry, Periodontal Disease, Supplements

Why Humans Can’t Make Vitamin C: The Missing Gene (GULO)

Did you know most animals can produce their own vitamin C? Humans, guinea pigs, and certain bats are rare exceptions — and the reason why might surprise you. It all comes down to a little gene called L-gulonolactone oxidase (GULO). This gene is essential for converting glucose into vitamin C—a crucial nutrient for our health. Millions of years ago, humans, along with a select few other species, lost this gene. The prevailing theory suggests that our ancestors thrived on diets rich in vitamin C from fruits and vegetables, making the gene redundant. However, as modern diets often fall short in providing adequate amounts of this vital nutrient, the absence of GULO has become increasingly relevant. This article explains why humans can’t make vitamin C and how liposomal C offers a smart solution.

 

Why This Matters Today

Vitamin C is not just a trendy supplement; it plays several critical roles in our bodies:

  • Collagen Production: Essential for maintaining healthy skin, joints, and gums.
  • Immune Function: Supports your body’s defense mechanisms against illnesses.
  • Antioxidant Defense: Protects cells from damage caused by free radicals.

In today’s fast-paced world filled with stress and less-than-ideal eating habits, many people fail to get enough vitamin C. Even without experiencing full-blown scurvy—characterized by fatigue and bleeding gums—low levels of vitamin C can silently affect overall wellness. Since humans can’t make vitamin C, it’s essential to get adequate amounts from your diet and supplements.

Why Humans Can’t Make Vitamin C: A Deeper Dive into the GULO Gene

Let’s dive deeper into the curious case of the GULO gene. This diminutive piece of genetic code—by the name of L-gulonolactone oxidase—served as our ancestors’ key to synthesizing vitamin C from glucose. Imagine a time when fresh fruits and vibrant vegetables were abundant, and our bodies didn’t have to rely on external sources for this essential nutrient. However, over millions of years, human evolution took a twist: we lost the ability to produce vitamin C due to mutations in the GULO gene. It seems our diet was so rich in vitamin C that our bodies collectively decided, “Hey, we can skip this step!”

Today, however, it’s a different story. Our modern diets often lack sufficient vitamin C, pushing us into a nutritional corner where we can no longer rely on internal synthesis. The absence of GULO makes us dependent on dietary sources or supplements to meet our needs.

This genetic quirk isn’t just a trivial fact; it has real implications for health:

  • Dietary Deficiency: Many people today consume fewer fruits and vegetables than recommended, making deficiencies commonplace.
  • Vulnerable Populations: Certain groups—like those under stress, elderly individuals, or those with specific dietary restrictions—are at an even greater risk of inadequate vitamin C intake.
  • Ongoing Research: Scientists continue exploring how this missing gene affects not only individual health but also broader public health issues related to nutrition.

Why Liposomal Vitamin C Is Superior

When it comes to vitamin C, not all supplements are created equal. While traditional ascorbic acid may have been the go-to option for years, many health enthusiasts are turning to Liposomal Vitamin C for a reason. But why is it considered superior?

Standard vitamin C supplements often face a significant hurdle: absorption. The body has a limit on how much ascorbic acid it can effectively absorb at one time, especially at higher doses. This can lead to gastrointestinal distress—a fancy way of saying you might find yourself making frequent trips to the restroom.

Enter liposomal vitamin C, which utilizes cutting-edge liposomal encapsulation technology. This method creates tiny fat-based “bubbles” (liposomes) that encapsulate the vitamin C, allowing it to be absorbed more effectively into your bloodstream without the gastrointestinal side effects associated with larger doses of regular vitamin C.

Medical 3D illustration of liposome bi-layer structure

Better Absorption

For those who struggle with absorption issues—perhaps due to digestive conditions or simply aging—liposomal vitamin C can be a game-changer. These liposomes protect the vitamin during its journey through your digestive tract, ensuring that more of it gets delivered where it’s needed most: inside your cells.

Higher Bioavailability

Liposomal vitamin C boasts significantly higher bioavailability compared to traditional forms. This means you can achieve therapeutic levels without needing to take massive doses that may upset your stomach. Since humans can’t make vitamin C, this enhanced delivery system is a real advantage for maintaining optimal health.

  • No More GI Distress: Many users report feeling more energized and experiencing fewer digestive issues when switching to liposomal forms.
  • Effective Immune Support: Liposomal vitamin C aids in bolstering your immune system efficiently—helping you stay resilient against colds and other illnesses.

“Liposomal Vitamin C isn’t just a trend; it’s an evolution in how we think about nutrient absorption!”

Practical Tips for Maintaining Healthy Vitamin C Levels

  • Incorporate Vitamin C-rich Foods: Bell peppers, citrus fruits like oranges and lemons, and antioxidant-packed berries.
  • Snack Smart: Swap processed snacks for fruits like strawberries or apples.
  • Opt for Quality Supplements: Liposomal vitamin C offers superior absorption.
  • Stay Hydrated: Proper hydration supports nutrient absorption.
  • Consider Timing: Consuming vitamin C with meals may enhance absorption.
  • Manage Stress Levels: Stress can deplete vitamin C, so practice mindfulness techniques like meditation or yoga.

“A small change in diet can lead to significant benefits in wellness—so let’s get creative with our vitamin C sources!”

Final Thoughts

While nature once equipped us to produce our own vitamin C, modern life requires us to be proactive. Since humans can’t make vitamin C, it’s essential to be mindful of both dietary sources and the quality of any supplements you use.

Take Action Now

Want to make sure you’re choosing the best liposomal supplements? Download my free Smart Guide to Liposomal Supplements to learn what to look for, which nutrients benefit most from liposomal delivery, and how to maximize absorption. Click here to get your free guide now and take the guesswork out of supplementation!

Already know what you want? Explore my carefully curated Fullscript supplement catalog to find professional-grade liposomal vitamin C and other health essentials.

Further Reading & Resources

The Power of Magnesium: A Comprehensive Guide to Dental and Overall Health

The Power of Magnesium: A Comprehensive Guide to Dental and Overall Health

by | Mar 10, 2024 | Nutrition, Vitamins

In the pursuit of optimal health, we often overlook the importance of certain essential nutrients. Magnesium, while not always in the spotlight, plays an important role in maintaining not only our dental health but also our overall well-being. Let’s delve into the many benefits of magnesium and how it can revolutionize your health journey.

Dental Benefits of Magnesium

  1. Enamel Strength and Cavities Prevention: Magnesium contributes to the mineralization process of tooth enamel, keeping our teeth resilient against decay and cavities.
  2. Gum Health: Its involvement in maintaining healthy gum tissues ensures proper circulation and reduces inflammation, thereby promoting gum health.
  3. Alleviation of Tooth Sensitivity: By strengthening enamel and reducing nerve sensitivity, magnesium can alleviate tooth sensitivity, enhancing overall dental comfort.

Beyond Dental Health: The Power of Magnesium Breakthrough

While magnesium offers significant dental benefits, its impact extends far beyond oral care. Consider the following additional advantages:

  1. Enhanced Exercise Performance: Magnesium aids in blood sugar transportation into muscles, disposal of lactate, and subsequently, boosts exercise performance for athletes and individuals with chronic diseases.
  2. Improved Mood and Brain Function: Low magnesium levels are linked to an increased risk of depression. Studies show that magnesium supplementation can effectively improve mood, with fewer risks than antidepressant drugs.
  3. Diabetes Prevention and Management: Research suggests that high magnesium intake reduces the risk of developing diabetes and improves blood sugar levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes.
  4. Blood Pressure Regulation: Daily magnesium supplementation has been shown to decrease both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, offering a natural approach to blood pressure management.
  5. Anti-inflammatory Effects: Magnesium supplementation can reduce inflammation markers, benefiting older adults, overweight individuals, and those with pre-diabetes.
  6. Migraine Relief: Studies indicate that magnesium supplementation provides faster and more effective relief from acute migraines compared to common medications.

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Experience the Full Spectrum of Magnesium with Magnesium Breakthrough

Most magnesium supplements offer only one or two synthetic forms, limiting their effectiveness. However, Magnesium Breakthrough stands out by providing all seven major forms of magnesium in the right ratios, along with essential cofactors like B6, manganese, and monoatomic magnesium.

Click here to explore Magnesium Breakthrough, a product that maximizes magnesium absorption and delivers unparalleled health benefits.

Disclosure: The provided link is an affiliate link. We personally endorse Magnesium Breakthrough due to its comprehensive formulation and proven efficacy. Your support through this link helps us continue providing valuable content. Thank you for your support.

Remember, prioritizing magnesium intake not only ensures optimal dental health but also unlocks a myriad of benefits for your overall well-being. Embrace the power of magnesium and transform your health journey today.

 

Dentists Need to Know Your Supplements

Dentists Need to Know Your Supplements

by | Jul 21, 2013 | Communication, Nutrition, Prevention

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A friend of mine recently sent me the link to this video: Dentists Need to Know Your Supplements, and I found it somewhat timely.

As readers of my blog may know, I have long been an advocate of dietary supplements.  While the ideal form of nutrition is always a healthy diet, today’s food is simply not the nutrient-rich, non-chemically altered, or non-genetically engineered food our grandparents ate.

While that might just be a topic for another discussion, I want to point out that whereas supplements have their place, it is always prudent to understand what you are consuming and what potential effects it may produce.  This advice holds equally true for vitamins and herbs as it does for medications.Supplements

While the side-effects of supplements are typically far less dire than those encountered with many common medications, there can be side-effects nonetheless — especially when used in combination with medications.

As dentists, we are particularly interested in knowing what herbal medications a patient takes that may cause drowsiness, excessive bleeding, cardiovascular problems or that interfere with other drugs.

Here are a few examples:

  • St. John’s Wort, used as a mood enhancer, can interfere with the effectiveness of many heart and blood pressure medications, as well as blood thinners.  On the other hand, garlic, ginseng, ginger, chamomile and gingko, to name a few, can cause bleeding after surgery.
  • A patient given sedatives by a dentist or oral surgeon before surgery who is also taking Valerian root and kava may experience an interaction that causes excessive drowsiness.
  • Ginseng has been associated with an increased chance of arrhythmias (irregular heart beats.  Patients who take ginseng and also get a local anesthetic with epinephrine (commonly used for fillings and many other dental procedures) may be putting themselves at risk for cardiovascular complications.
  • Echinacea, while it is widely considered to be an immune system enhancer, may inhibit wound healing and increase the risk of post-surgical infection.

This list is by no means exhaustive, and the simple message here is just because an herbal remedy is considered “natural” doesn’t mean you should neglect to inform your dentist that you are taking them.  Neither he nor you want to risk negative effects or complications that can come about as a result of interactions.

Doctor & Patiet CommunicationMore likely than not, your doctor will simply ask you to stop taking a particular supplement before surgery or modify the anesthesia accordingly.

Good communication is the key.

Here is another example of this point.  Not uncommonly, patients take “baby aspirin” as a blood thinner.  Of course, this is not an herb, but many people feel it is not worth mentioning because it is just a “baby” aspirin.  That is, until they fail to stop bleeding after an extraction.

You should always be sure to tell your doctor about ALL of the substances you are taking, including prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs.  Even doctors aren’t always fully aware of every potential interaction between herbs and drugs, as new drugs are constantly being developed and introduced into the market.  It is in your best interest to let your doctor “know before you go.”