Vitamin C has turned out to be the hero ingredient of 2025, with several studies shining a light on its benefits. From boosting collagen production, which improves the skin, to helping deal with infertility
issues in women, and even ageing.
A recent study by the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) and the Woolcock Institute of Medical Research found that vitamin C has some benefits in protecting against air pollution.
Air pollution has gripped the country, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) going off the charts. With AQI touching very poor to hazardous levels across various metros in India, air pollution has become a public health crisis.
The findings from the study were published in the journal Environment International. The team of researchers found that vitamin C may have the potential to protect people against lung disease caused by traffic-related air pollution, bushfires and dust storms.
Air pollution is the second-highest preventable risk factor to our health, greater than smoking. In 2019, air pollution contributed to more than 200 million healthy life years lost to premature death or disability.
What were the study’s findings?
The team of researchers examined the effect of vitamin C in reducing lung inflammation and mitochondrial loss caused by PM2.5 and found that it could be protective. This doesn’t mean that people living in areas that have polluted air should be popping vitamin C pills, juicing oranges or munching on broccoli.
Vitamin C isn’t a miracle ingredient that can somehow make all the damage caused by air pollution go away; however, according to this study, it can help. The study was led by Professor Brian Oliver from the School of Life Sciences.
There is no safe level of air pollution caused by PM2.5. At its lowest levels, PM2.5 can contribute to lung diseases, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis and lung cancer.
Fine particulate air pollution, or PM2.5, refers to a mixture of tiny solid and liquid particles that are 2.5 micrometres or smaller in diameter – around 30 times thinner than a human hair. Because they’re so small, PM2.5 can travel deep into the lungs, enter the bloodstream, and significantly increase the risk of heart and lung disease, respiratory symptoms, and even premature death.
According to the findings, taking vitamin C effectively prevents PM2.5-induced oxidative stress and inflammation. It also helps reduce harmful substances in our cells and protects our cell energy makers (mitochondria) from getting damaged by these tiny particles. The study provides hope that vitamin C may help high-risk individuals in the event of bushfires or dust storms, which is common in Australia, where the study was conducted.
“For the first time we are providing hope for a low-cost preventative treatment to a global issue affecting hundreds of millions of people,” Distinguished Professor Oliver said.
He added, “We know now that there is no safe level of air pollution, which causes inflammation in the lungs and leads to myriad respiratory diseases and chronic illnesses, especially in the case of bush fires.”
However, he cautioned against using over-the-counter supplementation, saying that it is easy to overdose. “This study suggests that taking the highest permitted dose of vitamin C for you would potentially help, but you would need to speak with your GP to make sure you’re taking the right kind of supplement at the right levels and don’t accidentally overdose on something else included in an over-the-counter supplement,” he shares.
