Vitamin C – Ascorbic acid

 

Ascorbic acid is a water-soluble vitamin. Vitamin C works best in conjunction with bioflavonoids, calcium, iron and magnesium. The body cannot synthesize Vitamin C, it has to be ingested.

 

Functions
Vitamin C:

• Maintains mental health
• Helps with the production of collagen and elastin
• Prevents thinning of arterial walls
• Anti-oxidant
• Improves glucose tolerance in diabetes
• Boosts the immune system
• Helps with iron absorption
• Speeds healing
• Alleviates stress
• Lowers LDL cholesterol

 Sources of Vitamin C:

Ascorbic acid is found in:

• Citrus fruits
• Guavas
• Berries
• Kiwi fruit
• Cabbage
• Broccoli
• Bell peppers
• Tomatoes
• Watercress

 Deficiency symptoms:

• Anemia
• Recurrent infections
• Bleeding or spongy gums
• Nose bleeds
• Loose teeth
• Poor skin
• Stretch marks
• Slow healing
• Muscular weakness
• Joint pains
• Scurvy

 The need for Vitamin C increases dramatically in times of trauma, infections, strenuous exercise consistently high environmental temperatures or if the person is a smoker. Taking aspirin and Vitamin C together may cause stomach irritation. Antacids, alcohol, antidepressants, birth control pills and steroids deplete Vitamin C.