Vitamin C is also known as ascorbic acid. It helps the body maintain healthy tissues and a strong immune system, and it aids in the absorption of iron. Vitamin C is considered a powerful ally if you’re trying to avoid or kick a cold or other illness. Together with calcium and iron, it’s also an important part of a diet that counteracts lead poisoning.

Mechanism of action :

In humans, an exogenous source of ascorbic acid is required for collagen formation and tissue repair by acting as a cofactor. Ascorbic acid is reversibly oxidized to dehydroascorbic acid in the body. These two forms of the vitamin are believed to be important in oxidation-reduction reactions. The vitamin is involved in tyrosine metabolism, conversion of folic acid to folinic acid, carbohydrate metabolism, synthesis of lipids and proteins, iron metabolism, resistance to infections, and cellular respiration.

Functions :Stress – It is beneficial to individuals whose immune system has been weakened due to stress.Colds – Vitamin C may not cure the common cold but some studies have shown that it may reduce the duration of the cold and it may help reduce the chance of serious complications such as pneumonia.Stroke – High vitamin C intake has been linked with lower risk of stroke. One Japanese study showed a 29% lower risk for those with high levels of vitamin C in their blood.Heart Disease – Vitamin C may protect against arterial damage thereby lowering the risk of heart disease.Osteoarthritis -It is essential for the body to make collagen, which is a part of normal cartilage. Cartilage is destroyed in osteoarthritis, putting pressure on bones and joints.Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) -This is key to eye health and studies have shown that the eye may need plenty of vitamin C to function properly. Studies have shown that vitamin C in combination with other antioxidants can prevent or slow the progress of AMD.Asthma – Some studies show that low levels of vitamin C are more common in people with asthma linking low levels of vitamin C with the occurrence of asthma.Cataracts -Increased blood levels of vitamin C are associated with decreased risk of cataracts.Gout -It may be useful in lowering serum uric acid levels, resulting in a correspondingly lower incidence of gout.Skin Aging – Higher vitamin C intakes are associated with a lower likelihood of a wrinkled appearance, dryness of the skin, and a better skin-aging appearance.Benefits :

Vitamin C is one of the safest and most effective nutrients. But the benefits of vitamin C may include protection against immune system deficiencies, cardiovascular disease, prenatal health problems, eye disease, and even skin wrinkling. Higher blood levels of vitamin C may be the ideal nutrition marker for overall health.

Dosage :Adults need 40mg of vitamin C a day.Vitamin C cannot be stored in the body, so you need it in your diet every day.You need to have the ability to get all of the ascorbic acid you require from what you eat.Taking large amounts (more than 1,000mg per day) of vitamin C can cause: stomach pain, diarrhoea, flatulenceStorage :

Store at room temperature.Protect from heat, light and moisture.