Facts About Vitamin C: From Its Benefits to Its Side Effects
There are a lot of facts about vitamin C that a lot of people are confused about or don’t know about.
It is an essential vitamin and nutrient for the body and its function. Vitamin C or what is also known as ascorbic acid can be found in a lot of fruits and vegetables. It is a powerful antioxidant and a water-soluble vitamin that helps in forming the body as well as maintaining bones, blood vessels, and the skin.
Find out more about the essential vitamin C benefits below.
Benefits of Vitamin C
One of the main functions of vitamin C in the body is to regenerate and repair tissues and to protect us from the risk of having heart disease. It is also vital in the absorption of other essential nutrients in the body such as iron. Other benefits of vitamin C include:
- Prevents hair damage and hair loss
- Prevents easy bleeding and bruising
- Helps improve teeth and gums
- Lowers sugar and cholesterol levels
- Protects from atherosclerosis or hardening of arteries
- Helps alleviate symptoms of arthritis
- Helps in collagen formation
- Boosts immune system
- Reduces the risk of having retinal hemorrhages and cataracts
- Helps fight against sore throat
- Reduces the risk of obesity
- Helps treat anxiety and depression
Signs of Vitamin C Deficiency
Vitamin C is one of the essential nutrients that some diets often lack, and this leads to various conditions of the body. When these symptoms occur, it is best to take a vitamin C supplement or ask advice from your doctor.
- Anemia
- Fatigue
- Rashes in the legs
- Weakness of the muscles
- Bleeding gums
- Nosebleeds
- Dry, rough, and scaly skin
- Muscle and joint aches
Having prolonged vitamin C deficiency can also lead to scurvy, a rare but severe and dangerous illness.
Doses of Vitamin C
The doses of vitamin C usually depend on the age of the one taking it. Infants are advised to take about 40 mg to 50 mg of vitamin C everyday and teens are recommended to have about 65 mg to 75 mg daily.
As a person gets older, the amount of vitamin C the body needs also increases. Doses should also be increased for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Getting Enough Vitamin C
One of the facts about vitamin C is that it can be found in various food groups. It includes berries, asparagus, broccoli, apples, melons, and cabbage. Citrus fruits such as limes, oranges, and lemons are also excellent sources of the vitamin.
In times when you can’t get enough vitamin C from the foods you eat, taking a supplement like Organic & Kosher Freeze Dried PURE Acerola Cherry Capsules can be a great idea. It is among the fruits that contain the highest amount of the nutrient, another one of the great facts about vitamin C.
These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to treat, diagnose, or cure any diseases.