Vitamin C, also known as Ascorbic Acid, works by helping to form and maintain collagen. Collagen is a protein that enhances the body's ability to absorb iron. It has many benefits, supports a variety of the body's structures and is essential to the formation of bones and teeth.

 What Does in the Body?

Vitamin C main role is the manufacture of collagen. Collagen forms a protective barrier against infection and disease. Being an anti-oxidant, Vitamin C also protects the body from free radicals that could cause heart disease and cancer.

Recommended intake of Vitamin C helps in maintaining healthy blood pressure levels. It also helps to maintain healthy gums. People, who lack Vitamin C, frequently develop black and swollen gums, called scurvy.

It aids the function of body’s immune system. Hence, ingesting more of this vitamin in winters protects from problems, like cold and cough. It also aids in healing from scrapes and bruises. It keeps a check on the presence of cholesterol in the body.

Where is it found?

Food sources of vitamin C are: Citrus fruits and vegetables, like orange, grapes, tangerines, tomatoes, peppers, broccoli, and even potatoes.

Recommended Daily Intakes: men: 90 mg, women 75 mg, pregnancy: 80 mg, lactation 95 mg.

Symptoms/Deficiency/Side Effects

Scurvy is the most important disease produced by the deficiency of vitamin C. Other symptom include general weakness, fluid retention, depression, bleeding of gums, dry skin and blood vessel damage.

The side effects of taking too much vitamin C may include loose stools, diarrhea, gas, and bloating which will discontinue when lowering the dose.