Vitamin C: What is it and what does it do?
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble antioxidant vitamin. Vitamin C is required for the synthesis of collagen and dentin. Collagen is the structural component of blood vessels, bones, ligaments, and tendons, while dentin is the structural component of teeth. Vitamin C is also an effective antioxidant that protects proteins and genetic materials (RNA and DNA) from damage by free radicals. Vitamin C cannot be made or stored by your body, so it is important to consume a well-balanced diet-containing vitamin C.
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How much do I need to consume?
Age | Males and Females |
0 to 6 months | 40 mg/day |
7 to 12 months | 50 mg/day |
The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for vitamin C is:
Age | Males | Females | Pregnancy | Lactation |
1 to 3 years | 15 mg | 15 mg | N/A | N/A |
4 to 8 years | 25 mg | 25 mg | N/A | N/A |
9 to 13 years | 45 mg | 45 mg | N/A | N/A |
14 to 18 years | 75 mg | 65 mg | 80 mg | 115 mg |
19 + years | 90 mg/day | 75 mg/day | 85 mg/day | 120 mg/day |
What are sources of vitamin C?
Food | Amount | Vitamin C |
Broccoli, cooked | ½ cup | 37 mg |
Broccoli, raw | ½ cup | 39 mg |
Brussels sprouts, cooked | ½ cup | 48 mg |
Cantaloupe | ¼ medium | 47 mg |
Cauliflower, cooked | ½ cup | 28 mg |
Grapefruit juice | ¾ cup | 50 mg-70 mg |
Green pepper, cooked | ½ cup | 51 mg |
Green pepper, raw | ½ cup | 60 mg |
Guava, raw | ½ cup | 188 mg |
Kale, cooked | ½ cup | 27 mg |
Kiwi | 1 medium | 70 mg |
Mango | ½ cup | 23 mg |
Orange | 1 medium | 70 mg |
Orange juice | ¾ cup | 61 mg-93 mg |
Papaya | ¼ medium | 47 mg |
Pineapple, raw | ½ cup | 28 mg |
Pod peas, cooked | ½ cup | 38 mg |
Red sweet pepper, cooked | ½ cup | 116 mg |
Red sweet pepper, raw | ½ cup | 142 mg |
Strawberries | ½ cup | 49 mg |
Sweet potato, canned | ½ cup | 34 mg |
Tomato juice | ¾ cup | 33 mg |
Vegetable juice | ¾ cup | 50 mg |
Do I need to take a vitamin C supplement?
Many people believe that taking vitamin C will help prevent colds. Research has not shown this to be the case. More than 30 clinical trials that included over 10,000 participants have not found any relationship between vitamin C and a reduced risk of colds. There has been a small reduction in the duration of colds, so paying attention to your vitamin C intake once you have a cold is advisable.Research has shown that vitamin C enhances the absorption of iron. For this reason, anyone who needs an iron supplement is usually advised to take it with a food that is high in vitamin C or with a vitamin C supplement. Iron can be toxic at high levels, so speak with your doctor before taking any supplements. There is an increased need for vitamin C for individuals who smoke. There is an additional 35 mg/day requirement for smokers versus nonsmokers. This can be achieved with dietary sources or a supplement.
What happens if I don’t have enough vitamin C?
Scurvy is a severe deficiency of vitamin C. It would be uncommon for most of us, but it can be found in someone who is malnourished. Less severe deficiencies can occur. Not consuming an adequate amount of vitamin C can lead to symptoms, including feeling weak, tired, and irritable, having dry and splitting hair, bleeding gums, rough, dry, and scaly skin, gingivitis, easy bruising, anemia, and a decreased ability to fight infection.