vitamin c is a water-soluble vitamin that can be found in a variety of foods. It is an antioxidant, meaning it reacts with free radicals in the body to prevent them from damaging cells and DNA. It also helps keep your body’s immune system healthy by stimulating white blood cells.
There are several ways to get enough vitamin c, but the best way is by eating fresh fruits and vegetables every day. You can also take supplements if you aren’t getting enough through your diet.
Dietary sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruit), red and green peppers, and broccoli. You can also find this vitamin in some dairy products, including milk and cheese.
The human body needs a daily dose of vitamin C to produce collagen, a protein important for connective tissue and wound healing. It’s also an antioxidant, which means it can help protect your cells from free radical damage and slow the aging process.
Most adults need about 75 milligrams of vitamin C per day based on their body size. You may need more if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
Some people believe vitamin c can help fight off colds and other illnesses. But there’s not a lot of evidence to support this claim.
One study found that taking a high-dose vitamin C supplement as soon as you feel symptoms of a cold can lessen the duration of your illness. But more research is needed to determine whether this benefit is real.
Another study found that people who took a combination of vitamin C and vitamin E as part of an asthma medication saw fewer respiratory symptoms than those who didn’t. But more research is necessary to see if this effect can be replicated with other types of asthma medications and treatments.
Other possible benefits of taking a vitamin C supplement might include helping to reduce the effects of air pollution. This is because the antioxidant properties of vitamin C can reduce oxidative stress, which can cause respiratory symptoms like coughing and wheezing.
There is also some evidence that a high dose of vitamin C may reduce the growth of certain cancers. This might be especially helpful for patients with colorectal cancer, but more studies are needed to know if it can reduce the risk of other types of cancer as well.
Vitamin C can be a safe addition to any medication or treatment plan as long as you follow the directions and don’t take too much. However, it’s always best to talk with your health care provider before starting any new treatment.
Deficiency of vitamin C is rare and usually seen in malnourished individuals who aren’t getting enough of this nutrient through their diets. The condition is called scurvy, and can result in weakness, anemia, bruising, bleeding, and loose teeth.
Some health professionals recommend naintaining the levels of vitamin C in the blood as a marker for overall health. This is because vitamin C is the first nutrient to be depleted in smokers and those who are prone to stress.