Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid- an Antioxidant)

Ascorbic acid or “vitamin C” is a monosaccharide oxidation-reduction (redox) catalyst found in both animals and plants. As one of the enzymes needed to make ascorbic acid has been lost by mutation during primate evolution, humans must obtain it from the diet; it is therefore a vitamin. In addition to its direct antioxidant effects, ascorbic acid is also a an integral part of lot of intra cellular activities.

Recommended Intake
Males = 19 years: 90 mg/day
Females = 19 years: 75 mg/day

What’s Vitamin C for?

Protects against the harmful effects of free radicals (an antioxidant)
Assists in the formation of collagen, which is important for the health of blood vessels and gums, development of bones and teeth, and wound healing
Helps resist infection, preventing and treating the common cold
Has been found to decrease risk of cancer, heart disease, cataracts, and other diseases

Vitamin C deficiency

1) Scurvy is an avitaminosis resulting from lack of vitamin C, since without this vitamin, the synthesised collagen is too unstable to perform its function. Scurvy leads to the formation of brown spots on the skin, spongy gums, and bleeding from all mucous membranes. Severe cases of scurvy can be fatal.

2) It has been shown that smokers who have diets poor in vitamin C are at a higher risk of lung-borne diseases than those smokers who have higher concentrations of vitamin C in the blood.

3) Chronic long term low blood levels of vitamin C (chronic scurvy) is a cause of atherosclerosis

4) Moderately higher blood levels of vitamin C measured in healthy persons have been found to decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease and ischaemic heart disease, and an increase life expectancy.

Best Food sources

Fruit and vegetables. Particularly excellent sources are Indian Gooseberries, red bell peppers, kiwi, oranges, broccoli, strawberries, tomato juice, watermelon, Citrus fruits, rose hips and green leafy vegetables.

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Tags: antioxidant, ascorbic acid, vitamin c

Category: Anti Oxidants, Vitamins