Vitamin C Learning Path

Vitamin C roles in the body

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid/ascorbate) is a water-soluble essential nutrient found in citrus fruits, berries, and vegetables. In the body, it supports tissue repair and is required for collagen formation, helps enable the activity of several enzymes, contributes to immune system function, and acts as an antioxidant. It is also involved in the enzymatic production of certain neurotransmitters. Because most animals can synthesize vitamin C, deficiency is mainly a concern for species that cannot, including higher primates (such as humans). Humans must obtain vitamin C from the diet, and plasma vitamin C levels are commonly used to assess vitamin status. Vitamin C is generally well tolerated, but very large intakes can cause gastrointestinal discomfort and other side effects; therefore, recommended intakes and tolerable upper limits are established by health authorities. Clinically, vitamin C’s most well-established health role is preventing and treating scurvy, a disease caused by vitamin C deficiency that leads to impaired collagen stability and dysfunction of multiple enzymes. Beyond scurvy, evidence for vitamin C supplementation preventing or treating other diseases is mixed or disputed, with reviews often reporting conflicting results.

0/2 modes complete

Chemical forms: ascorbic acid and ascorbate

0/2 modes complete