What Does Vitamin C Do for the Body?

Vitamin C is a necessary nutrient for good health because our body lacks the ability to synthesize vitamin C naturally. Therefore, taking a vitamin C (ascorbic acid) supplement or eating foods rich in vitamin C will provide our body with this nutrient. 

Purpose

Vitamin C helps form and maintains connective tissue and provides protection from chemicals by acting as detoxification agent, and reducing the effects of chemicals that we may come in contact due to its antioxidant feature. It helps our body produce protein collagen a necessary ingredient in our bones, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, skin as well as in the blood vessels. Vitamin C and collagens play an integral part in helping wounds heal properly while helping the blood vessels. 

Types

You can receive vitamin C naturally or you can choose synthetic sources. However, the best source of vitamin C comes from natural sources that you find in fresh fruits and vegetables such as orange, lemon, grapefruit, broccoli and parsley. Taking a vitamin C supplement is another popular way to obtain vitamin C daily, and you can find supplements readily available at grocery stores, pharmacies as well as other retailers.

Dietary Guidelines

The established recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) established by the U.S. government is 90 milligrams daily for an adult male and 75 milligrams daily for the female counterpart. This amount provides sufficient vitamin C to cover any deficiency in the body.

Health Concerns

People who do not add vitamin C to their diet daily runs the risk of developing diseases. One such disease is scurvy, which creates diarrhea, fever, and paleness, bleeding of the gums, spotted skin as well as other symptoms. Scurvy is a dangerous disease that causes death if not treated. Although today, people rarely die from this disease in the United States and it is more prevalent in third world countries.