#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/

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

Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com

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Question and Response 57

In this bonus episode of 'Chemistry For Your Life,' hosts Melissa Collini and Jam Robinson answer listener-submitted questions about various chemistry topics. They discuss the distinction between 'chemical' and 'natural' smells, plant poisons, and the mechanisms behind face scrubs and soaps. The episode also features insights from a listener working in the beauty industry and addresses the challenges of avoiding fast food in the context of food deserts. Additionally, the hosts express gratitude for their supportive listeners and patrons.

00:00 Introduction and Greetings
00:58 Listener Questions: Chemical Smells
06:02 Insights from the Beauty Industry
08:33 Plant Poisons and Refrigerants
12:01 Face Scrubs and Soap Science
14:33 Fast Food and Food Deserts
19:46 Listener Shoutouts and Reviews
22:31 Conclusion and Thank Yous

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

Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com

Watch our episodes on YouTube

Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife

#189

In this episode, Melissa and Jam delve into the crucial role of Vitamin C in the body, focusing on its importance for collagen production. They discuss how collagen, a key structural protein found in tendons, cartilage, bones, teeth, skin, and blood vessels, relies on Vitamin C to form strong, functional structures. The conversation explores the process of how Vitamin C enables enzymes to add essential alcohol groups to collagen strands, allowing them to twist into strong triple helices, which then form a robust matrix in the body. The hosts also touch upon the connection between Vitamin C deficiency and scurvy, and tease further exploration of Vitamin C's role in the immune system and as a preservative in future episodes. The episode is dedicated to new community member Jesse, and acknowledges listener Nicole B. for inspiring the topic.

00:00 Introduction to Vitamin C Myths
00:13 Exploring Vitamin C in Skincare and Food Preservation
00:32 Vitamin C and Pets: A Curious Case
00:45 Diving into Scurvy and Vitamin C
01:28 Podcast Introduction and Dedication
01:38 Special Announcements and Episode Structure
06:02 The Chemistry of Collagen
10:27 Understanding Collagen Structure
13:30 The Role of Intermolecular Forces
18:02 Connecting Vitamin C to Collagen Formation
19:57 The Role of Hydroxylase in Collagen Formation
20:42 Vitamin C: The Essential Co-Factor
23:10 The Consequences of Vitamin C Deficiency
23:31 Debating Collagen Supplements
32:50 The Historical Struggle with Scurvy
37:53 Conclusion and Listener Engagement

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

Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com

Watch our episodes on YouTube

Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife