Logo Health Benefits of Vitamin C

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a nutrient your body needs to form blood vessels, cartilage, muscle and collagen in bones. Vitamin C is vital to your body's healing process. Vitamin C is also an antioxidant that helps protect your cells against the effects of free radicals — molecules produced when your body breaks down food or is exposed to tobacco smoke and radiation from the sun, X-rays or other sources. Vitamin C also helps your body absorb and store iron.

- Source: Mayo Clinic

Vitamin C Health Benefits
Collagen Synthesis
The body depends on vitamin C for the synthesis of collagen, which is found in connective tissue around the body, according to the NIH. Adequate vitamin C levels are essential for the production of collagen. Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body and plays a critical role in connective tissues like those found in our organs and of course our hair, skin, and nails.

Iron Absorption
Another plus to vitamin C is how it interacts with other vitamins and minerals in the body, such as iron. Iron supports proper growth and development, aids the body’s ability to deliver oxygen throughout the body, and helps make certain hormones, according to the NIH. Non-heme iron, which is the type of iron found in plants, can be difficult for the body to absorb, but consuming vitamin C (and ideally heme iron, which is commonly found in meat and seafood) at the same time as non-heme iron leads to better absorption, according to Harvard Health Publishing.

Brain Function
Vitamin C also plays a role in neurotransmitter synthesis and cognitive function. Neurotransmitters are important for sending messages from the brain to the rest of the body, according to the University of Queensland, in Australia.

Antioxidant Properties
Many of the benefits of vitamin C can be traced to its antioxidant properties. Antioxidants act to neutralize free radicals, which are volatile and harmful substances produced in the body that cause damage to cells and tissues.

Immune System
Perhaps vitamin C’s best-known benefit is the positive effect it has on the immune system. In a review published in November 2017, vitamin C was found to support the immune system by protecting against oxidative stress, aiding in microbial killing, and decreasing the potential for tissue damage.

- Source: Studies Cited Via Everyday Health

NOTICE:
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.