Vitamin C, or L- ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin required by the human body. Although the body cannot make or store vitamin C, it can absorb it through food sources or supplements. Since the vitamin quickly dissolves in water, excess is secreted through urine. Since vitamin C cannot be stored, humans must replenish this vitamin each day.
Vitamin C plays a crucial role in overall health because it is one of the building blocks that form a protein that the biological process uses to form and repair skin, tendons and blood vessels. This protein also helps the body heal wounds and repair cartilage, bones and teeth. Vitamin C is considered an antioxidant, a substance that blocks free radicals in the body.
Free radicals are formed by digestion and breaking down of food as well as the natural aging process. Additionally, accumulation of free radicals may be connected to the formation of cancers and other diseases. Scurvy is unusual in developed countries, although low levels of vitamin C in the body are common in almost all populations.
Vitamin C deficiency can show up through a variety of symptoms, including easy bruising, wounds that are slow to heal, bleeding gums and gingivitis, lingering infections, nosebleeds, excessively dry skin, joint discomfort and decreased strength of tooth enamel. Although largely a problem in past centuries, scurvy is a serious form of vitamin C deficiency that causes general weakness, anemia and skin hemorrhages.
For those with a typical diet, a good supplement may be necessary to get the recommended amount of vitamin C each day. Vitamin C supplements may be necessary for those who don't normally eat many fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as for those who are dieting, undergoing exercise and fitness training, or recovering from illnesses and injuries, and for those who want to ensure optimum health.
Vitamin C plays a crucial role in overall health because it is one of the building blocks that form a protein that the biological process uses to form and repair skin, tendons and blood vessels. This protein also helps the body heal wounds and repair cartilage, bones and teeth. Vitamin C is considered an antioxidant, a substance that blocks free radicals in the body.
Free radicals are formed by digestion and breaking down of food as well as the natural aging process. Additionally, accumulation of free radicals may be connected to the formation of cancers and other diseases. Scurvy is unusual in developed countries, although low levels of vitamin C in the body are common in almost all populations.
Vitamin C deficiency can show up through a variety of symptoms, including easy bruising, wounds that are slow to heal, bleeding gums and gingivitis, lingering infections, nosebleeds, excessively dry skin, joint discomfort and decreased strength of tooth enamel. Although largely a problem in past centuries, scurvy is a serious form of vitamin C deficiency that causes general weakness, anemia and skin hemorrhages.
For those with a typical diet, a good supplement may be necessary to get the recommended amount of vitamin C each day. Vitamin C supplements may be necessary for those who don't normally eat many fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as for those who are dieting, undergoing exercise and fitness training, or recovering from illnesses and injuries, and for those who want to ensure optimum health.
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