Why Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) Is So Important
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is very beneficial to health. There's been a great deal of research concerning the many ways in which ascorbic acid contibutes to health. This nutrient serves the body in a wide variety of ways.
In addition to Vitamin C helping to maintain health, there's research indicating its value in helping the body overcome serious illness and disease. Some studies indicate that Vitamin C may possibly even help prevent some diseases.
Vitamin C plays an important role in the healing of wounds and the rebuilding of tissues, helps to keep tiny capillaries functioning the way that they should, and also serves to prevent dangerous blood clots.
With absolute certainty we know that vitamin C is an essential part of the creation of collagen in the body.
Collagen is the binding substance send to the connective tissues of the body and the scar of healed wounds is made of it.
We also know that it keeps the gums healthy and the teeth tight.
It also helps the body to use the iron and calcium it takes in and promotes healthy cell growth and development as well.
From the many scientific studies through the years, Vitamin C has come to be associated with many other health benefits.
These include such things as helping to fight infection, strengthening the body's immune system, having a part in the prevention of arteriosclerosis and playing a role in the reduction of cholesterol and high blood pressure.
Furthermore, ascorbic acid has been associated with helping to prevent cataracts, cardiovascular diseases and even certain types of cancer. Research continues into these intriguing areas of study.
A lack of Vitamin C has been known for many years to be the cause of the disease scurvy.
Early signs of scurvy include easy bruising, red bumps around hair follicles, joint pain and a general feeling of weakness and fatigue. As the disease progresses, small open sores begin to appear on the body and in the mouth. The teeth loosen and gum tissue bleeds.
Other ways in which a deficiency of ascorbic acid can affect the health of the body include frequent colds, water retention, poor digestion and low energy levels.
Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin and thus, passes out of the body with urine. That means it must be replaced daily.
While the minimum standard of Vitamin C daily intake is 60 micrograms or mg, most recommend consuming significantly more than that.
The minimum requirement offers protection against the worst symptoms of Vitamin C deficiency, with most of the positive effects coming from intake levels of 200 to 500 mgs daily.
Many people find that using Vitamin C supplements is a safe and convenient means of making sure that the daily Vitamin C intake goals are met. Your desired daily intake of ascorbic acid will depend of what you are hoping to achieve with your intake, i.e. helping to reduce cholesterol or high blood pressure, helping in collagen production, or building up your immune system.
Seeing your health care professional is a good way to determine the best and most beneficial daily Vitamin C intake level for you.
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