Vitamin C (also referred to as ascorbic acid) is a water soluble vitamin. It is probably the most well known of all the thirteen vitamins. The discovery of ascorbic acid happened as the result of extensive research into a cure for scurvy. In 1928 two independent researchers; Albert Szent-Gyorgyi and Charles G. King made the key breakthrough and managed to isolate this vitamin as the cure. The main role of vitamin C is to assist in the production of the connective tissue collagen which helps repair wounds. However, it performs many other vital functions too. In this article I will be discussing some of these other functions in greater detail.

1) IT PROTECTS THE BODY FROM OXIDATIVE DAMAGE:- Vitamin C is an antioxidant which means it protects your cells from the damage that oxygen can cause. Your cells need oxygen to function properly. However, when they use oxygen harmful free radicals are produced as well. Antioxidants protect your body from these free radicals and the potential cell damage they can cause.

2) IT SUPPORTS YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM:- Vitamin C helps your body produce white blood cells and antibodies. Both are key components of your immune system and help your body fight against infection. If you find that you are constantly feeling run down perhaps you are not consuming enough of this important vitamin.

3) CITRUS FRUITS ARE THE RICHEST SOURCE:- Oranges, lemons, limes and other citrus fruits are all fantastic sources of ascorbic acid. The recommended daily allowance (RDA) of this vitamin is 40mg for both men and women. If citrus fruits are not currently a regular fixture in your diet you should really try and start eating some on a regular basis to get your RDA. However, if the citrus fruits are too tangy for you strawberries, sweet peppers and potatoes are good alternative sources of ascorbic acid.

4) A DEFICIENCY CAN LEAD TO SCURVY:- A vitamin C deficiency ultimately leads to the development of scurvy. The symptoms of scurvy are very unpleasant and include bleeding gums, wounds that will not heal and teeth falling out of your mouth. Scurvy is now very rare in the developed Western world due to the easy access we have to a variety of fruits and vegetables. However, this was not always the case and scurvy was once a serious concern for sailors on long voyages.

5) OVERDOSING CAN LEAD TO COMPLICATIONS:- Due to its popularity many people take high doses of vitamin C in supplement form. However, what many people do not realise is that this can lead to various complications including cramps, headaches and vomitting. It can also destroy other nutrients in the body. Therefore, consider your current intake before starting on the supplements.

I hope this article has helped you learn a little more about the popular vitamin C. Whilst it is important to your health make sure that you take the right amount. Overdosing can be just as bad as not getting enough.