Things you should know about vitamin C

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Vitamin C is also known as ascorbic acid or ascorbate and it is a vitamin that dissolves in water and is very important for the normal growth and development of the human body. Our bodies cannot contain a big amount of vitamins that dissolve in water and so the extra amounts are disposed by the kidneys and urine. This means that we need to get vitamin C on a daily basis so that we have enough of it in our system at all times.

·         Vitamin C functions

This vitamin is necessary for the growth and recovery of the tissues in the whole body. It also helps the forming of collagen, which is an important protein that helps the forming of the skin, the healing of ruptured tissues and blood vessels. Vitamin C also helps the process of healing wounds and improves the recovery and strength of the bones, teeth and joints in your body. This vitamin is also one of the most popular antioxidant. It’s important to know that antioxidants block some of the harmful reactions that happen when the organism transforms food into energy. This has an effect on the whole body during the years and lowers the risks of heart diseases, inflammatory diseases and cancers. Another great thing about antioxidants is that they lower the harmful effects of toxic chemicals such as cigarette smoke and automobile fumes and others. Vitamin C also lowers the risk of getting eye problems and can slow the effect of diabetes.

·         Vitamin C deficiency- what are the symptoms and who is more likely to get it

The human organism does not produce and cannot sustain vitamin C. This is why it’s so important to get the right amount of vitamin C every day by eating the right kind of food. Vitamin C deficiency is also known as scurvy. Although in the last years vitamin C deficiency is rarely seen, scientific data shows that people don’t get the daily amount which is required. Research also points to seniors having a higher risk of having vitamin C deficiency and usually this is the result of a bad food diet. Vitamin C deficiency can lead to fatigue, bleeding of the gums, hair loss, dry skin, slow healing of wounds, joint pain, lowered metabolism and other problems. This is why it’s so important to get enough vitamin C and cancel all these unnecessary risks for your body.

·         Sources of vitamin C

Almost all fruit and vegetables are good sources of vitamin C. The ones that contain the biggest amounts of it are: papayas, mangos, lemons, oranges, water melons, broccoli, cabbage, pineapple, raisins and pumpkins.

·         Possible side effects and can you take vitamin C with other medications

Overdosing vitamin C is almost never seen since the human body cannot keep it for too long. There are cases of people taking too much and this can lead to stomach problems and diarrhea. Vitamin C doesn’t lead to any serious problems if you take it when you are on other medications. The only possible side effect of medications is to increase the need for Vitamin C in your body.

Vitamin C is very important for the human body in many ways and you should not miss getting the daily amount that your body needs.