Vitamin C is widely known as an antioxidant, but its role in healthy aging extends far beyond that. It supports the epigenome, the cellular system that controls which genes are active or inactive. With age, this system becomes dysregulated. Vitamin C helps restore balance, especially when combined with alpha-ketoglutarate. It also improves mitochondrial function and stimulates autophagy, the process by which cells clear out damaged proteins and waste. Together, these functions make vitamin C a valuable nutrient for maintaining cellular health and promoting longevity.

This Article Covers:

• What is Vitamin C? 
• What Makes Vitamin C Beneficial? 
• Why is Vitamin C included in NOVOS Core?

Key Takeaways

✔ Vitamin C plays a role in healthy aging that goes beyond its antioxidant effects.

✔ Supports the epigenome by helping regulate which genes are switched on or off.

✔ Works with alpha-ketoglutarate to activate important epigenetic enzymes such as TET.

✔ Helps maintain DNA methylation and stem cell function.

✔ May support stem cell reprogramming through its effects on gene regulation.

✔ Improves mitochondrial function and energy regulation.

✔ Induces autophagy to remove damaged proteins and cellular waste.

✔ Contributes to cellular stability and longevity through multiple mechanisms.

What Is Vitamin C?

Vitamin C is widely recognized as an antioxidant, but it also plays several important roles in the aging process. For example, it supports the health of the epigenome, which is the system that regulates gene activity.

What Are The Benefits Of Vitamin C? 

How Does Vitamin C Consumption Positively Impact the Epigenome? 

Vitamin C has been shown to have epigenetic effects: 

• Supports TET Enzyme Activity 
• Enhances DNA Repair Processes
• Assists in Epigenetic Reprogramming of Differentiated Cells 

The epigenome is the complex system that regulates gene expression without altering the underlying DNA sequence. It ensures that genes specific to each cell type are properly activated or silenced. For example, liver-specific genes are active in liver cells but not in skin or brain cells. As we age, this regulation becomes increasingly disrupted. Genes that should remain active, such as those involved in basic maintenance, may be turned off, while harmful genes related to inflammation or cancer may become inappropriately activated.

Vitamin C helps stabilize the epigenome, especially when working alongside alpha-ketoglutarate, another compound found in NOVOS Core. Together, they enhance the activity of TET enzymes, which regulate gene expression, DNA demethylation, and stem cell function.

Vitamin C also supports alpha-ketoglutarate–dependent dioxygenases, which help regulate metabolism and DNA repair. In lab studies, vitamin C has been shown to enhance the reprogramming of adult cells into stem cells through its effects on epigenetic remodeling. 

How Does Vitamin C Consumption Improve Physiological Health? 

Vitamin C has been shown to have positive physiological effects: 

• Improves Mitochondrial Function 
• Induces Autophagy 

Vitamin C helps stimulate autophagy, the process by which cells break down and remove damaged proteins and waste materials. This cellular cleanup is essential for healthy aging.

In short, vitamin C offers benefits beyond its antioxidant role. Studies suggest that its health effects may be driven more by its impact on epigenetics, mitochondrial function, and autophagy than by its ability to neutralize free radicals.

Vitamin C is included in NOVOS Core primarily for its synergistic effect with alpha-ketoglutarate in supporting the epigenome. 

NOVOS CORE & Vitamin C Supplementation