Why is Vitamin C Important?

Vitamin C, also called ascorbic acid, maintains the ligaments, tendons, and other supportive tissue. It is found in fruits and in potatoes. Because it's an antioxidant it helps regulate your blood cells, keeping blood cells from becoming deformed from the toxics in the air, which in some cases can cause cancer.

The best function of vitamin C is the formation of collagen, a protein substance that keeps the cell together. Vitamin C enhances the absorption of iron. It is needed for buoyant health, vitality and endurance. It keeps your skin clear, with a fresh complexion and healthy gums and teeth. It is very important for the functions of all glands and organs. This vitamin maintains the bones and proper functioning of the adrenal and thyroid glands. It promotes healing and protects against all forms of stress - physical and mental.

So what happens if you don't take enough vitamin c? If you become deficiency of vitamin C you will have soft gums, skin haemorrhages, capillary weakness, deterioration in collagen, anaemia, and slow healing of sores and wounds. You will see yourself aging faster, thyroid insufficiency, and your resistance to all infections will be very low. Its deficiency enhances the toxic effect of drugs and environmental poisons. Mild deficiencies of vitamin C may appear in the form of lassitude, fatigue, anorexia, muscular pain, and greater susceptibility to infection. Long deficiency may cause scurvy, which is very dangerous.

Scurvy is a disease that results from insufficient intake of vitamin C. This can leads to formation of livid spots on the skin, soft spongy gums and bleeding from mucous membranes. A quote from Enchanted learning.com, "Many sailors on long trips got scurvy, which at first debilitates and then kills the victim. When the cause of scurvy was determined to be a dietary deficiency, limes and other foods high in vitamin C were brought on long sea journeys, putting an end to the problem of scurvy. Bringing limes aboard is why sailors used to be called "limeys."

You can find vitamin c in fruits and vegetables. But most food fall short or loose their source when it is cooked. To get the full benefits you will have to eat fresh fruit and vegetables. Taking vitamin c supplements is also another great way, taking a supplement can help you get the require amount you need everyday.

About The Author Steve Parker a specialist in health and fitness. Mr. Parker also is a freelance journalist and partner of http://www.nutritionmountain.com, a website that offers dietary supplements.