Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a nutrient that the body needs in small amounts to function and stay healthy. Vitamin C helps fight infections, heal wounds, and keep tissues healthy. It is an antioxidant that helps prevent cell damage caused by free radicals (highly reactive chemicals). Vitamin C is found in all fruits and vegetables, especially citrus fruits, strawberries, cantaloupe, green peppers, tomatoes, broccoli, leafy greens, and potatoes. It is water-soluble (can dissolve in water) and must be taken in every day. Vitamin C is being studied in the prevention and treatment of some types of cancer. Also called ascorbic acid.

What is Vitamin C?

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin, which means it cannot be stored in the body and we must take it from dietary sources.

Vitamin C Physiological Function

Vitamin C Daily Requirements

Vitamin C Therapeutic Uses

Sources of Vitamin C

Vitamin C History

Vitamin C Side Effects

Latest Vitamin C News and Research

Vitamin C from fresh foods helps lower heart disease risk in type 2 diabetes

Low vitamin C levels are linked to higher cardiovascular disease prevalence in people with type 2 diabetes. Fresh fruit and vegetable intake is associated with higher vitamin C levels and may offer protective cardiovascular effects.

7 Apr 2025

Not all Chinese food is equal: study ranks cuisines by inflammatory potential

Researchers analyzed 980 dishes from eight major Chinese cuisines to evaluate their nutritional profiles and inflammatory potential using the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII).

31 Mar 2025

Can brain-healthy eating improve your quality of life? This study tested it

A 12-week feasibility trial tested the MIND diet in midlife adults, showing improved diet quality, mood, and physical quality of life but no significant cognitive gains.

30 Mar 2025

Why Mānuka isn't the only healing honey from New Zealand anymore

New research from Auckland University of Technology reveals that eight native New Zealand honeys, beyond mānuka, possess unique antioxidant, antibacterial, and bioactive properties. Thyme and beech honeydew stood out for their vitamin C and polyphenol content.

25 Mar 2025

Strawberries enhance brain speed and heart health, but cognitive benefits remain unclear

Strawberries may modestly enhance processing speed and lower systolic blood pressure in older adults, but they do not significantly improve overall cognitive function or vascular health.

19 Mar 2025

Study shows how autism-linked picky eating causes serious vitamin deficiencies

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) face a high risk of multiple micronutrient deficiencies, especially vitamins A, D, B12, and calcium, due to extreme food selectivity. These deficiencies can lead to severe health issues like rickets, vision loss, and immune dysfunction, even in children with normal body weight.

13 Mar 2025

Can red meat help women improve iron levels? New study suggests modest benefits

A systematic review and meta-analysis of 10 intervention studies found that increased red meat consumption improves hemoglobin levels in adults, particularly women, but requires ≥8 weeks to moderately boost ferritin, though clinical relevance remains uncertain compared to iron supplements.

12 Mar 2025

Nutritional interventions may help prevent and treat Buruli ulcer

Nutritional interventions at a community level may be the best way forward to both prevent and treat the "flesh-eating" skin infection Buruli ulcer in the fight against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), according to a new study from the University of Surrey.

11 Mar 2025

Why do some people need supplements and others don’t? New review explains

New research in The New England Journal of Medicine reviews current knowledge on micronutrient requirements, deficiencies, and interventions. It highlights the need for targeted supplementation and calls for advanced research to better diagnose and treat hidden deficiencies.

9 Mar 2025

Daily mango consumption may improve insulin sensitivity in overweight or obese adults

New research has uncovered a potential gamechanger for improving cardiometabolic health: fresh mangos.

5 Mar 2025

Tomatoes and lycopene: Can eating more reduce your cancer risk?

Higher dietary and blood lycopene levels are linked to a reduced risk of cancer, with the strongest protective effects seen against lung cancer mortality. However, these findings are observational and require further research.

2 Mar 2025

Grapefruit juice and its effects on prescription drugs

Grapefruit juice can interfere with how certain medications work by affecting drug metabolism and absorption, leading to either increased side effects or reduced effectiveness. The FDA requires warnings on some drugs due to these interactions, making it essential to check labels and consult healthcare providers.

28 Feb 2025

Vaping while pregnant isn't harmless—study uncovers risks to newborn lung health

Researchers found that e-cigarette exposure during pregnancy can disrupt fetal lung development, increase oxidative stress, and heighten the risk of respiratory diseases in newborns.

27 Feb 2025

Microgreens outshine mature vegetables: Study finds higher antioxidants and bioactive compounds

Researchers analyzed six microgreens, revealing their diverse nutritional profiles, high antioxidant content, and potential to combat micronutrient deficiencies.

23 Feb 2025

Antioxidant-enzyme interactions and their role in non-communicable diseases

Oxidative stress, caused by an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant defenses, plays a central role in the development of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

21 Feb 2025

Can chili peppers improve ADHD symptoms? Scientists explore their gut-brain connection

Chili peppers may influence ADHD symptoms by modulating the gut microbiome, with capsaicin, vitamin C, and omega-3 fatty acids showing potential effects on neurotransmitters and inflammation. However, clinical trials are needed to confirm their efficacy.

20 Feb 2025