The interaction of vitamin C with the human body and its role in keeping us healthy is something that has been part of medical knowledge for a long time. However, a few aspects still remain unknown.

We know enzymes help in keeping us alive. If the amount of enzyme exceeds a certain limit, it becomes harmful to the body. Under such circumstances, the body creates anti-enzymes which have the sole purpose of defending us against these extra enzymes.

However, if the amount of enzymes is too high, even the anti-enzymes fail. This is where a discovery by internationally acclaimed scientist Bijon Kumar Sil comes in.

"Previously, we didn't know that sometimes enzyme level increases so much that even anti-enzymes cannot defend against them, and as a result, existing physiological issues are exacerbated. In such cases, vitamin C can prevent those extra enzymes. My research confirms it," he told The Daily Star over phone from Bangkok recently.

Currently, Sil is working as a visiting professor at the Pharmaceutical Science Department of Prince of Songkla University, which is situated in the Hat Yai district of Thailand.

On August 24, Sil presented his research findings in the seminar titled "The 7th Current Drug Development International Conference 2023 & 1st World Kratom Conference", held in Phuket, Thailand.

Although he started this research in Bangladesh during the coronavirus pandemic, he could not finish his work here. Sil had to leave Bangladesh due to some visa-related complexities, and he eventually finished the work in Phuket.

He has already patented the research findings in Singapore and submitted the paper to an internationally recognised journal for publication.

"Once it is published, it will be recognised as a new innovation in medical science," said Sil.

Doctors usually prescribe vitamin C for symptoms such as fever or flu.

The scientist noted that vitamin C usually performs three tasks -- aiding in creating collagen tissue, acting as an anti-oxidant, and bolstering the immunity system.

According to his findings, infection causes an increase in enzyme levels inside the body, which is harmful. Sometimes it goes beyond the anti-enzyme's protective capabilities. This is when vitamin C can take up the mantle.

He added that along with coronavirus, dengue, hepatitis B, and HIV, about a dozen viruses, bacteria and fungi affect our body through enzymes. Cancerous cells also spread from one part to another part of our body through enzymes.

Additionally, snake and insects' venom also contains enzymes, and wounds from bites can often cause death. All animals need enzymes, but they should be within a specific limit. When extra enzymes are created inside the body, it has negative consequences.

Sil opined that an adult should take 250 to 400 milligrams of vitamin C and for ailing individuals, the amount should be as high as one to three grams per day.

"Human beings are the only animals that can't create vitamin C inside their own bodies. Thus, unlike other animals, we have to consume vitamin C, which comes in the form of fruits and tablets, as well as injections."

He noted that if vitamin C is taken properly, the need to consume medicines will reduce significantly.

However, some opine that vitamin C does not work properly under certain circumstances.

Regarding that, Sil said, "It is important to know in which form the vitamin C has been taken -- it can be taken through injection, or it can also be consumed orally. Vitamin C can donate two electrons. Thanks to this capability, it acts fast and prevents additional enzymes.

"When we take vitamin C orally, we receive its full effectiveness. However, when it is taken through an injection, its effectiveness is reduced by half. Due to this reason, sometimes vitamin C does not work properly.

"Another issue is when we take the Vitamin C. If someone is on the verge of death, taking vitamin C won't help much. Thus, we always ask the general people to start eating food enriched with vitamin C. It may not be able to prevent infections, but it will definitely put a leash on it and aid in faster recovery," added Sil.

He noted that even if an extra amount of vitamin C is taken, it does not stay in the body as it is water-soluble. Even if we want, we can't keep too much vitamin C inside our bodies. When the body identifies extra vitamin C, it ejects it through urine. Thus, it is better to take vitamin C within a specific limit instead of going overboard.

During the coronavirus pandemic, Sil became a household name for discovering the "GW Dot Blot" kit. He developed this coronavirus-identifying kit with the help of Gonoshasthaya Kendra, but due to a number of issues, it did not get approval. Previously, he created waves globally by coming up with a vaccine that prevents goats from falling sick and a SARS virus identification kit.