Facts on Vitamin C
(Ascorbic Acid)

Facts About Vitamin C

Vitamin C is one of the most well-known vitamins.  It is also known as Ascorbic Acid. This vitamin is water soluble and plays an important role in many bodily functions. Vitamin C and skin care have a long and positive history.  Ascorbic Acid protects the skin from the effects of free radicals and minimizes skin damage. 

Some more facts of Vitamin C are that this vitamin is water soluble and the Ascorbic Acid that the body does not use is constantly being passed through the body via urine. While there are no known problems associated with an over-abundance of Vitamin C, it is a good idea to stick within recommended daily allowances.

One of the most important functions of Vitamin C is its antioxidant effects. Oxidants are free radicals that if not controlled can significantly damage cells. Much in the same way that rust breaks down a car's exterior, so too can free radicals damage the skin and other body parts.

Vitamin C is crucial to the body's ability to produce collagen, an important protein that keeps skin damage minimal. Collagen can delay the development of wrinkles and saggy skin by helping skin hold onto its elasticity. Vitamin C also expedites the body's ability to repair tissues so wounds heal more quickly.  This is why vitamin C and skin care products go together and generally include this vitamin as one of its ingredients.

Vitamin C is necessary for the process involved with metabolizing folic acid, iron, tyrosine and phenylalanine. The body cannot properly utilize carbohydrates without Vitamin C. It is also needed to synthesize fats and proteins.

Vitamin C can also help a person recover from the effects of a cold more quickly. Unfortunately, vitamin C cannot actually prevent a cold from developing, but it can alleviate the symptoms. It accomplishes this task by increasing the production of white blood cells and antibodies.

Vitamin C strengthens artery walls and makes them better able to resist the development of plaque build-up. It helps with the bone marrow's ability to produce red blood cells and hemoglobin. And Vitamin C helps keep the nervous system healthy.

Studies investigating Vitamin C's ability to slow down and possibly even prevent the formation of cataracts are ongoing and show promising results.

Vitamin C Sources

Fruits contain plenty of vitamin C, especially oranges, tangerines, limes, guava, lemons, papayas, strawberries, black currants, grapefruit and mangoes. Many vegetables contain Vitamin C including collard greens, sweet and hot peppers, broccoli, tomatoes, brussel sprouts, cabbage, potatoes, kale, spinach, and watercress. To preserve more of the Vitamin C content, eat these fruits and vegetables raw or only slightly cooked. Steam and exposure to light break down this vitamin.

For the average adult, the recommended daily intake of Vitamin C is 60 mg per day.

Vitamin C Deficiencies

Ever heard of Scurvy?  This is one of the most famous of conditions associated with a Vitamin C deficiency.  This is a condition that used to affect sailors who spent long periods at sea.  This was long before the development of vitamin supplements and sailors relied on fruits to provide this necessary vitamin.  Early symptoms of Scurvy affect the mouth area including gums that bleed and teeth that become loose. As it progresses, muscles become weak and joints become painful.  Other signs that the body may be experiencing a deficiency of Vitamin C include frequent infections, prolonged colds, easily bruised body parts, painful and/or swollen joints, nose bleeds, and anemia symptoms including tiredness and loss of skin color.

The facts on vitamin C indicate numerous benefits of vitamin C and skin care, as well as overall artery health.  A good quality vitamin C supplement is just a good health decision.  Supplementing your existing nutritional diet with a multi vitamin that contains adequate levels of vitamin C will provide an extra 'insurance' policy against the serious diseases associated with vitamin C deficiencies.  Why not start your new health program today by taking a high quality nutritional multivitamin supplement, or vitamin C supplement, for younger looking skin, improved immune system, and healthier arteries?