Vitamin C
Vitamin C is one of the most well recognized vitamins. It is also known as ascorbic acid and is a water-soluble nutrient found in some foods. In the body, it acts as an antioxidant, helping to protect cells from the 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 light from the sun. Free radicals are unstable atoms that can damage cells, causing illness and aging. Free radicals are linked to aging and a host of diseases. The body also needs vitamin C to make collagen, a protein required to help wounds heal. In addition, vitamin C improves the absorption of iron from plant-based foods and helps the immune system work properly to protect the body from disease.
Vitamin C can be found in foods such as citrus fruits and their juices, bell peppers, kiwi, broccoli, strawberries cantaloupe, baked potatoes, and tomatoes.
Some people need to consume higher amounts of vitamin C to allow proper health. This includes those who smoke or are exposed to secondhand smoke, infants fed evaporated or boiled cow’s milk, people with limited variety of food, those with malabsorption, people who are dealing with cancers, and those with kidney disease.
One of the biggest concerns of too low vitamin C intake and levels is scurvy. This is a disease that can cause fatigue, inflammation of the gums, rash on the skin, joint pain, poor wound healing, corkscrew hairs, depression, and anemia. Scury is fatal if not treated.
Vitamin C has been shown to help in a variety of situations. Some benefits of vitamin c supplementation may include cancer prevention and treatment, prevention of cardiovascular disease, prevention of age related macular degeneration and cataracts, preventing and treating the common cold, and boosting one’s immune system.
Simply Nutrients offers a number of vitamin C supplement options. Let us supply your nutritional needs today!