Health Benefits of Vitamin C

Let's talk about vitamin C today, probably one of the well known vitamins and most of the population are hitting the recommended intake for vitamin C which is 40mg per day for adults (BNF 2019).

Roles of Vitamin C

• Vitamin C is also known as ascorbic acid and has powerful antioxidant properties meaning that it protects cells from oxidative damage caused by free radicals therefore keeps them healthy and supports the immune system.

• Vitamin C is involved in the synthesis of collagen which is required for healthy skin, blood vessels, bones and cartilage. This also means that its an important nutrient for healing.

• Vitamin C also increases the absorption of non haem iron in the gut. So remember if you are having to take an iron supplement it helps to drink orange juice at the same time to increase the absorption of the iron.

• Vitamin C acts as a natural antihistamine by reducing the release of histamine that the body produces in response to an allergen. Therefore it might help to reduce symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes and congestion caused by allergies.

Sources of Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a water soluble vitamin therefore this means that it cannot be stored in the body and needs to be obtained from the diet every day.

Fresh fruits such as oranges, berries, tomatoes and green vegetables such as peppers, broccoli, brussel sprouts and potatoes.

Hope you enjoyed reading this today!