Jakarta - Based on the statistical data from the COVID-19 Task Force report as of November 4, 2020, the number of COVID-19 cases remains considerably high compared to the third quarter of 2020, with an average addition of about 3,000 new cases per day. In the distribution graph of COVID-19 cases during the period of October 12-18, 2020, it was recorded that the number of positive cases among men was higher, accounting for 51%, while women accounted for 49%. The most affected age group was the productive age range (19-45 years), comprising 55.57% of the total confirmed COVID-19 cases.

Jakarta remains the highest contributor to COVID-19 cases, followed by four other provinces: East Java, West Java, Central Java, and Sulawesi. These four provinces significantly influence Indonesia's economic movement.

The Indonesian Finance Minister, Sri Mulyani, estimates a decline in Indonesia's economic growth in 2020, predicting a contraction of minus 1.7%. This reality poses a significant challenge for the productive age group, especially in terms of finding employment opportunities and excelling in their work, given the rise in new COVID-19 cases within this demographic.

If you belong to the productive age group and your immune system is weak or compromised, the door to exposure to the coronavirus becomes wider. When your body's condition is compromised, symptoms such as coughing, sore throat, body aches, sneezing, and an increase in body temperature may begin to emerge. Consequently, not only will you be unable to rise and shine, but your deteriorating health will also pose a threat."

1. Assisting in boosting the immune system, vitamin C enhances the production of lymphocytes and phagocytes that protect the body from infections.
2. It increases the levels of glutathione peroxidase enzymes in the blood, which act as potent antioxidants protecting body cells from damage caused by free radicals, thus reducing the risk of degenerative diseases such as coronary heart disease, malignant diseases, and premature aging. Consuming 500 mg of vitamin C per day can elevate the body's glutathione levels by around 50%.
3. Vitamin C is also essential for aiding in collagen production, a protein needed in the wound healing process, maintaining skin elasticity, and flexibility.
4. Moreover, it helps improve the absorption of iron from food. It's noted that consuming 100 mg of vitamin C can increase iron absorption by approximately 67%."

Daily Consumption of Vitamin C

Vitamin C, also known as Ascorbic Acid, cannot be naturally produced by the body and therefore must be obtained from external sources. Despite its water-soluble nature, easy absorption into bodily tissues and the digestive system, vitamin C cannot be stored within the body. Hence, it is safe to consume vitamin C every day.

According to The Healthy, you can meet your daily vitamin C needs by consuming a diet rich in this vitamin. Studies suggest that a daily dose of 500-1000 mg of vitamin C can be obtained from fruits and vegetables such as oranges, guavas, kiwis, mangoes, broccoli, spinach, and water spinach. However, with technological advancements and for practical reasons, vitamin C supplements are now available.

As reported in the IPAK research journal (An Institute for Pure and Applied Knowledge) based on a case study of COVID-19 therapy on July 7, 2020, vitamin C supplements (Ascorbic Acid) were administered for four days to patients with early symptoms of COVID-19. Under medical supervision, patients were given 1000 mg of vitamin C per hour until reaching the tolerated limit by the digestive system.