Information:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| What is it? | Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin critical to the growth, development, and repair of all body tissues. It is known for its powerful antioxidant properties, essential for fighting free radicals, and plays a vital role in collagen synthesis, wound healing, and maintenance of cartilage, bones, and teeth. Vitamin C is essential for the absorption of iron from plant sources, strengthening the immune system, and promoting effective vascular health. |
| What it does | Vitamin C helps protect cells from damage caused by oxidative stress, supports immune function by strengthening defenses against infections, and promotes skin health by stimulating collagen production. This leads to improved skin elasticity, reduced wrinkle formation, and accelerated wound recovery. Vitamin C also acts as a powerful antioxidant that helps prevent chronic diseases by neutralizing harmful free radicals. |
| Usage | Vitamin C is abundant in a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, including citrus fruits such as oranges and lemons, red and green peppers, kiwis, strawberries, blackcurrants, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and tomatoes. Although a balanced diet usually provides sufficient vitamin C, people with restricted diets or increased needs may benefit from vitamin C supplements to support their immune systems, especially during cold and flu season. |
| Possible health benefits | An adequate intake of vitamin C is essential for the prevention of scurvy, a disease caused by a vitamin C deficiency. It increases iron absorption, which is crucial for preventing anemia. Regular consumption of vitamin C can reduce the severity and duration of cold symptoms, contribute to healthy skin, reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and certain types of cancer, and aid in the prevention of age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. |