by Audrey-Anastasia Alleyne

Created on: August 16, 2008

When is it beneficial to take vitamin C? Vitamin C is a vitamin which should not be excluded from anyone's daily diet.Vitamin C is vital to health. It is necessary for growth, and the maintenance of healthy connective tissues in the body. It also helps in the absorption of iron from the intestinal tract. Vitamin C, together with the mineral selenium is a powerful antioxidant.

Antioxidants protect us from minor infections, serious degenerative diseases, such as cancer and heart disease, as well as conditions that come with premature ageing. Antioxidants help protect the brain and preserve the memory. As an antioxidant, vitamin C functions as a molecule designed to protect your body, its essential fats, and the fat-soluble vitamins (especially A and E) form the damaging effects of oxygen. Vitamin C is also an important detoxifier, helping to cleanse the body of toxins, ranging from cigarette smoke to carbon monoxide to snake venom.

Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin, which is not stored in the body like the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K. Like the B-complex vitamins, any excess amount of vitamin C is excreted in the urine. Since the body cannot store the vitamin, you must supplement it regularly.

Lack of vitamin C leads to gum bleeding, bruising and poor wound healing. Hair loss, dry skin, irritability, joint pains, fatigue, loss of the sense of well-being, are other symptoms of a deficiency in vitamin C; hence it is indeed necessary to take this vitamin. In your body, vitamin C functions primarily in the formation of collagen, the chief protein substance of your body's framework. Only humans and guinea pigs need to get vitamin C from their diet. All other animals can make the vitamin within their bodies.

The sources of Vitamin C are in fruit and vegetables, the highest levels being in sweet peppers, broccoli, citrus fruits, strawberries, melons, tomatoes, raw cabbage, and leafy greens such as spinach, turnip, and mustard greens. Among animal foods, only liver contains vitamin C. Since many nutrients are destroyed by cooking, raw fresh produce is much more effective, and consequently at the core of any detox plan.

You can purchase vitamin C supplements that contain bioflavinoids or you can purchase the bioflavinoids separately. These vitamin-like molecules are naturally present in the peeling of citrus fruits; but we don't normally eat the peeling of grapefruits and oranges. They improve your ability to absorb and hold vitamin C .The level of intake of vitamin C supplements varies greatly, depending on the source. Some scientists recommend an intake of 100 to 200 mg. per day, as a level that will achieve tissue saturation. Disease, stress, fever and toxic exposures such as cigarette smoke, however, increase your demand for vitamin C.

* * *

Learn more about this author, Audrey-Anastasia Alleyne.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.