Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin that is essential for the growth and repair of tissues in all parts of the body. Because it is water-soluble, the body does not store it, so it is important to get enough vitamin C from food sources such as citrus fruits, broccoli, and tomatoes.
One of the main functions
of vitamin C is to help the body make collagen, an important protein used to make
skin, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels. Vitamin C is also
needed for healing wounds and for repairing and maintaining bones and teeth. In
addition, it helps the body absorb iron from nonheme sources.
Vitamin C is also an
antioxidant, along with vitamin E, beta-carotene, and many other plant-based
nutrients. Antioxidants help to block some of the damage caused by free
radicals, substances that can damage DNA. The build-up of free radicals over
time may contribute to the aging process and the development of health
conditions such as cancer, heart disease, and arthritis.
While it is rare to be
seriously deficient in vitamin C, evidence suggests that many people may have
low levels of this important nutrient. Smoking cigarettes can lower the amount
of vitamin C in the body, so smokers are at a higher risk of deficiency.
Signs of vitamin C
deficiency can include dry and splitting hair; gingivitis (inflammation of the
gums) and bleeding gums; rough, dry, scaly skin; decreased wound-healing rate; easy
bruising; nosebleeds; and a decreased ability to ward off infection. A severe
form of vitamin C deficiency is known as scurvy.
In conclusion, vitamin C
plays a vital role in maintaining health and wellness. It is important to get
enough of this essential nutrient from food sources to support the growth and
repair of tissues in the body, as well as to provide antioxidant protection
against free radical damage.
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