Other name(s):

anti-scorbutic agent, ascorbic acid, calcium ascorbate, dehydroascorbic acid, sodium ascorbate

General description

Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin. That means it can dissolve in water. It’s found in many fruits and vegetables and is a popular supplement. Many people feel that large doses benefit the body. Vitamin C is important in the health of the connective tissues of the body. Some studies show that vitamin C may help reduce the symptoms and length of the common cold.

Vitamin C plays many roles in the chemistry of the human body. It’s needed to make collagen. This is a critical part of the body's connective tissue. It also helps increase the absorption of iron from the intestines. This is needed to make hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying pigment inside of red blood cells.

Vitamin C is needed for many chemical reactions. The body uses vitamin C to make other important substances. These include:

• Carnitine

• Tyrosine

• Steroids made in the adrenal gland

• Neurotransmitters

Vitamin C is also a strong antioxidant. Antioxidants are thought to play a role in slowing the aging process. It may also reduce damage to the lining of blood vessels, and reduce the risk of some types of cancer. Mounting evidence shows that vitamin C has a role in all of these processes.

Medically valid uses

Before the discovery of vitamin C, scurvy affected people who had little access to fresh fruits and vegetables. Scurvy was common among sailors who were away at sea for months at a time. When it was found that eating limes could prevent scurvy, British sailors were nicknamed "Limeys." Later, vitamin C was discovered. It was used to prevent and treat scurvy.

Research suggests that taking vitamin C regularly may help lessen the symptoms of the common cold. It may also reduce how long the cold lasts. But vitamin...