Vitamin c or L-ascorbic acid is an essential nutrient for humans, in which it functions as a vitamin. There is required for a range of essential metabolic reaction in all animals and plants. It is made internally by almost all organism; notable mammalian exceptions are most or all of the order. It also deficiency in this vitamin causes the disease scurvy in humans. It is also widely used as a food additive. It is a purely the lenatiomer of ascorbate the opposite denantiomer has no physiological significance. The presence of glutathione is crucial since it spares ascorbate and improves antioxidant capacity of blood. Vitamin c is a water soluble vitamin that is necessary for normal growth and development. Water soluble vitamins dissolve in water. Leftover amounts of the vitamin leave the body through the urine. That means you need a continuous supply of such vitamin in your diet.

Function of vitamin c:It is an important protein used to make skin, tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels.Heal wounds and form scar tissue.It is repair and maintains cartilage, bones and teeth.The buildup of free radicals over time is largely responsible for the aging process.There is free radicals may play a role in cancer, heart disease, and condition like arthritis.The body is not able to make vitamin c on its own, and it does not store vitamin c. it is therefore important to include plenty of vitamin c containing foods in your daily diet.Side effect of vitamin c:There is a serious effect from too much vitamin c are very rare, because the body cannot store the vitamin.Bleeding gums.Decreased wound healing rate.Dry and splitting hair.Rough, dry, scaly skin.Swollen and painful joints.Excess vitamin c in the body is flushed out as waste.If you are consuming an excess of ascorbic acid, you will suffer from indigestion and heartburn.Vitamin c of functional benefit :There is Ascorbic acid plays an essential role in the collagen synthesis which strengthens blood vessels, bones and ligaments.It is essential for healthy teeth and gums.Effficient antiviral agent.Lower cholesterol.Source of food :

All vegetable and fruits a little quantity of vitamin c. food that tends to be a high sourece of vitamin c includes green peppers, strawberries, tomatoes, fruits plus juices and additionaly leafy green,white and sweet potatoes, as well as cantaloupe. Other outstanding sources consist of watermelon, papaya, mango, cabbage, red peppers etc,