Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a water soluble vitamin. It is also known as Ascorbic Acid.

Animals can synthesize their own Vitamin C, except for man, apes, and guinea pigs. They depend on dietary sources, such as citrus fruits, berries, green and leafy vegetables, tomatoes, cauliflower, and potatoes. Although not usually mentioned, apples provide 15% of the recommended daily dose of Vitamin C. Another unique source are radishes.

Some of Vitamin C's normal functions:

helps in absorption of iron
helps prevent many types of viral and bacterial infections
helps decrease blood cholesterol
co-enzyme involved in production of collagen
helps protect Vitamins A and E from degradation (anti-oxidant properties)

A lack of vitamin C leads to a disease called scurvy. This was very common in sailors, as they had a lack of fresh fruits and vegetables. If you are a smoker, you should know that smoking destroys Vitamin C. Early signs of deficiency include small hemorrhages in the skin, lethargy, gum infections, and joint pain.

Also, see ...

Cranberries, Cancer, and Heart Disease

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Note that the contents here are not presented from a medical practitioner, and that any and all health care planning should be made under the guidance of your own medical and health practitioners. The content within only presents an overview of the topics and does not replace medical advice from a professional physician.

Where I have listed the nutritional contents of foods, that information is from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. 2005. USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, Release 18. Nutrient Data Laboratory Home Page.

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