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 Therapeutic Uses

Vitamin C Physiological Function

Vitamin C History

Sources of Vitamin C

Vitamin C Side Effects

Vitamin C Daily Requirements

Latest Vitamin C News and Research

Powerful bioactives found in overlooked Amazonian fruits

Lesser-known Amazonian fruits exhibit strong antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, highlighting their role in public health and biotechnology research.

31 Jul 2025

Vegan diets support high-level training, but risks of muscle loss

Vegan diets may enhance performance in semi-professional soccer players, but attention to protein and nutrient intake is crucial for muscle preservation.

22 Jul 2025

New review identifies promising and under-researched OTC depression aids

Most people have heard of St John's Wort and omega-3s. But did you know there are a lot more over-the-counter herbal products and supplements out there targeting depression? In our review of clinical trials of these products, we found 64 different over-the-counter (OTC) products that have been evaluated for depression – but with differing levels of evidence for each.

16 Jul 2025

Research explores the link between lower micronutrient levels and chronic pain

Lower levels of certain vitamins and minerals were found to be associated with chronic pain in a recently completed study led by researchers at the University of Arizona Health Sciences and published in Pain Practice.

15 Jul 2025

How five months in Tibet changed the heart and lungs of Beijing workers

Long-term exposure to very high altitude significantly reduces cardiopulmonary function in healthy adults from lowland regions, as shown by declines in aerobic capacity and efficiency after five months in Lhasa, China.

13 Jul 2025

How a simple blood test can forecast future health risks

Plasma proteomics reveals that the biological ages of key organs, especially the brain and immune system, strongly predict the risk of future disease and early death. These organ-specific “clocks” provide a new tool for identifying those at highest risk and personalizing preventive care.

10 Jul 2025

Why young athletes should think twice before using supplements

Most supplement claims for young athletes are based on adult studies, posing risks. Tailored nutrition is crucial for their growth and athletic performance.

3 Jul 2025

Study reveals vitamin C’s role in strengthening aging skin

The skin acts as the body's first line of defense against external threats. However, as we age, the epidermis-the outermost layer of skin-gradually becomes thinner and loses its protective strength.

25 Jun 2025

Probiotics remain potent in simple plant-based drinks

Non-encapsulated probiotics thrive in fruit and vegetable juices, maintaining viability and sensory appeal, paving the way for innovative functional beverages.

24 Jun 2025

Berries pack more fiber and antioxidants than America’s most-eaten fruits

Replacing one daily serving of commonly eaten fruits like apples or bananas with berries significantly boosts nutrient density in USDA dietary patterns. The modeling analysis showed notable gains in anthocyanins, fiber, and vitamins, with only modest cost increases.

16 Jun 2025

Kids notice sugar warnings but still reach for flavored milk

Findings reveal that sugary drink labels lead to minor changes in children's beverage selections, pointing to the necessity for effective labeling strategies.

8 Jun 2025

Eating mangos daily may help reduce cholesterol and blood pressure in postmenopausal women

Each year, 1.3 million women enter menopause-a life stage during which heart disease risk rises significantly.

3 Jun 2025

Is a vegan diet the right choice for your child?

A new scoping review analyzes current evidence on vegan diets in children, examining health outcomes, growth, and nutritional adequacy. The findings show that well-planned vegan diets can support normal growth, but highlight crucial gaps and the need for ongoing clinical and research guidance.

26 May 2025

More β-carotene in diet reduces psychosomatic symptoms in youth

Higher intake of β-carotene, a marker of fruit and vegetable consumption, is linked to lower anxiety, fewer psychosomatic symptoms, and better quality of life in Swedish adolescents. No significant mental health benefits were found for vitamin E, while vitamin C was only associated with fewer psychosomatic symptoms.

26 May 2025

Can diet ease IBS? A low-FODMAP plan cut symptoms but raised nutrient concerns

A 10-week low-FODMAP diet significantly reduced symptom severity in Saudi adults with IBS, with most shifting from severe to moderate symptoms. However, the restrictive diet also led to declines in several essential nutrients, highlighting the need for professional guidance.

14 May 2025

Research sheds light on the profound connections between diet, inflammation, and gum health

New research presented at EuroPerio11 sheds light on the profound connections between diet, inflammation, and gum health.

12 May 2025

Tomato and fruit juice improve quality of life for kids with asthma

Study suggests these antioxidant-rich juices may be a well-tolerated, practical addition to standard childhood asthma management.

6 May 2025

Can your diet slow skin aging? New review reveals what helps and what harms

Scientists reviewed recent studies and found that antioxidant-rich diets help slow skin aging, while high intake of refined sugars and trans fats accelerates it. A balanced, nutrient-dense diet may be a practical way to protect skin health and delay visible signs of aging.

6 May 2025

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