What is Vitamin C and Its Importance?

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble nutrient found in some foods. In the body, it acts as an antioxidant, helping to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are compounds formed when our bodies convert the food we eat into energy. People are also exposed to free radicals in the environment from cigarette smoke, air pollution and ultraviolet rays from the sun.

The body also needs vitamin C to make collagen, an essential protein to help heal wounds. Vitamin C increases iron absorption from plant-based foods and helps the immune system to function properly to protect the body from disease.

While most animals and plants can produce their own vitamin C from glucose, humans cannot produce vitamin C and must get it from food or, if necessary, as a daily supplement.

The vitamins and minerals in foods are affected by many factors such as the way they are grown, weather conditions and the cooking techniques to which they are exposed.

For this reason, vitamin C cannot be taken into the body in sufficient amounts with food. In order to benefit from vitamin C, it must be taken as a supplement from outside.

Even if a person is healthy, he/she should take 75-90 mg of vitamin C daily as a supplement to avoid any disease due to vitamin C deficiency.

* These statements are not a substitute for medical advice. Dietary supplements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Consult your healthcare professional for detailed information.

References:

https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminC-Consumer/