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Vitamin C definition: –

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid and ascorbate, is a vitamin found in various foods and sold as a dietary supplement. It is used to prevent and treat scurvy. Vitamin C is an essential nutrient involved in the repair of tissue and the enzymatic production of certain neurotransmitters.

A water-soluble: It’s a water-soluble vitamin and powerful antioxidant. It’s called water soluble vitamin because it dissolves in water and cannot be stored in the body, that’s why we need to obtained through our diet for the body.

Overdose of Vitamin C: Vitamin C is not stored in the body (excess amounts are excreted), so overdose is not a concern. Human body will get rid of excess vitamin C in your urine.

What is the function of vitamin C?

Function of vitamin C include:-

a. Helping to repair and regenerate tissues.

b. Aid in the absorption of iron, prevent scurvy.

c. Decreasing total and LDL (bad cholesterol) and triglycerides.

d. May help protect against a variety of cancers by combating free radicals.

e. Helping the body form and maintain connective tissue, including bones, blood vessels, and skin.

f. Lessening the duration and symptoms of a common cold and support healthy immune function.

g. Protecting against heart disease.

Sources of vitamin C?

Eating organic, raw fresh foods is your best possible source of nutrition including, guava, mango, black berries, kiwi fruit, bell peppers, orange, coriander, pineapple, strawberry, cabbage, papaya, broccoli, cauliflower, peas, kale leaves, carrots, tomatoes, , potatoes,

Recommended daily vitamin C: –

• According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the recommended vitamin C daily allowance (RDA):

• How much does a child need?

· Infants:

– Infants 0-6 months old, 40 mg per day

– Infants 7-12 months old, 50 mg per day.

· Children:

– Toddlers 1-3 years old, 15 mg per day.

– Children 4-8 years old, 25 mg per day.

– Children 9-13 years old, 45 mg per day.

– Male teens 14-18 years old, 75 mg per day.

– Female teens 14-18 years old, 65 mg per day.

· For Adults over 19 years old:

– Men, 90 mg per day.

– Women, 75 mg per day.

– Pregnant women, 85 mg per day.

– Breastfeeding women, 120 mg per day

Vitamin C deficiency: –

Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that must be consumed regularly to prevent deficiency. Symptoms of vitamin C deficiency can start to appear after 8 to 12 weeks. Early signs include a loss of appetite, weight loss, fatigue, irritability, and lethargy. The deficiency leads to symptoms of muscle weakness, anemia, joint and muscle aches, bleeding gums, leg rashes, and skin problems i.e. dry red spot on the skin, rough, dry, and scaly skin,. This is because vitamin C is needed for making collagen, an important component in connective tissues. A lack of vitamin C will also affect the immune system, absorption of iron, metabolism of cholesterol and other functions.