Ascorbic acid is a form of Vitamin C, and it is actually the most common and well-known form of this essential nutrient. Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that plays many important roles in the body, including acting as an antioxidant, supporting the immune system, and aiding in the production of collagen.
Ascorbic acid is a potent antioxidant, which means it can help to protect our cells from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can cause oxidative stress, which is a process that has been linked to many chronic diseases, including cancer and heart disease.
In addition to its antioxidant properties, ascorbic acid is also involved in the synthesis of collagen, which is a protein that is important for the health of our skin, joints, and other connective tissues. Vitamin C also plays a role in the absorption of iron, and it supports the immune system by stimulating the production of white blood cells.
So while ascorbic acid is just one of the many components of Vitamin C, it is a very important one, and it is often used in dietary supplements and as a food additive to help people meet their daily requirements for this essential nutrient.
The body needs vitamin C for various functions. Here are some of them:
- It helps the body produce collagen, L-carnitine, and some neurotransmitters.
- As an antioxidant, it helps remove unwanted substances known as reactive oxidative species (ROS) from the body.
- It helps the body absorb iron.
- It boosts the immune system.
- It enhances wound healing.
ROS are substances such as free radicals that result from natural bodily processes, exposure to pollution, and other factors. They can lead to oxidative stress, which can, in turn, cause cell damage.
Vitamin C’s antioxidant activity may help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of developing various conditions, including some cancers.
The body needs vitamin C to produce collagen. This is the main component of connective tissue and makes up 1–2% of muscle tissue.
Collagen is a vital component in fibrous tissues such as:
- tendons
- ligaments
- skin
- the cornea
- cartilage
- bones
- the gut
- blood vessels
Low levels of vitamin C in the body can lead to scurvy. Symptoms of scurvy include swollen joints, bleeding gums and loose teeth, anemia, and tiredness.
The benefits of vitamin C may include the following.
Wound healing
Vitamin C helps the body produce collagen and is present in skin, muscle, and other tissues.
People with a low intake of vitamin C may experience slower wound healing, as their bodies will be less able to produce collagen.
During times of recovery, healthcare professionals may recommendTrusted Source supplements for people with low vitamin C levels.
Cardiovascular health
Vitamin C may benefitTrusted Source cardiovascular health for several reasons. Studies have suggested that it may:
- have antioxidant properties
- help widen the blood vessels
- improve nitric oxide production
- help reduce plaque instability in atherosclerosis
This could help protect against heart disease and hypertension, or high blood pressure.
However, there is not enough evidenceTrusted Source to suggest that taking supplements will help protect heart health.
Cataracts and age-related macular degeneration
Vitamin C may help lowerTrusted Source the risk of cataracts and slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration. However, more research is needed.
Experts believe that oxidative stress may be a factor in both conditions, so any benefit may be due to vitamin C’s antioxidant activity.
Diabetes
A 2019 studyTrusted Source looked at 31 people aged around 60 years to see whether or not taking vitamin C supplements made a difference to their glucose levels after eating.
After taking supplements for 4 months, the participants’ glucose levels and blood pressure improved, compared with taking a placebo. This suggests that vitamin C could, one day, be a treatment for diabetes.
Anemia
Vitamin C enhances the absorption of iron, and some healthcare professionals recommend taking vitamin C supplements with iron tablets to improve absorption in people with iron deficiency anemia.
One 2020 studyTrusted Source looked at 432 people who took iron supplements for iron deficiency anemia. Some took vitamin C with their iron supplement, and others did not.
However, both groups saw similar increases in iron, suggesting that vitamin C supplementation is unnecessary for this purpose.
Pollution
Air pollution consists of various substances and chemicals that can have a negative impact on people’s health.
Some researchTrusted Source has suggested that a combination of vitamin C and vitamin E may have an antioxidant effect that can help reduce symptoms of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Allergies
During an allergic reaction, the immune system triggers an inflammatory response that can lead to symptoms such as swelling and hives. During this process, the body produces ROS, which can lead to oxidative stress.
In a 2018 studyTrusted Source, 71 people with skin or respiratory allergies received various doses of intravenous vitamin C, and the researchers observed the severity of the participants’ symptoms. Their paper concludes that taking a high dose of vitamin C may help reduce allergy symptoms.
They also found evidence to suggest that low vitamin C levels were common in people with allergies.
Motion sickness
In a 2014 studyTrusted Source, 70 people took 2 grams of either vitamin C or a placebo and then spent 20 minutes on a life raft in a wave pool. Those who took the supplement had lower levels of seasickness.
For more in-depth resources about vitamins, minerals, and supplements, visit our dedicated hub.
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Can vitamin C help treat the common cold?
Many people believe that vitamin C can cure a common cold, but research has not confirmedTrusted Source this.
However, taking dosages of 200 milligrams (mg) or more per day may benefit people who:
- participate in extreme physical activity
- have exposure to cold temperatures
- have low vitamin C levels due to smoking
Vitamin C may help treat cancer, though experts have not confirmed this.
As an antioxidant, vitamin C protects the body from oxidative stress, which can occur when ROS levels are high. Oxidative stress can lead to cell damage and may play a role in some cancers.
A 2015 mouse studyTrusted Source found that taking high doses of vitamin C may slow the growth of some types of cancerous tissue. The paper suggests that vitamin C could, one day, become a new treatment for colorectal cancer.
Also, the authors of a 2013 reviewTrusted Source suggest that vitamin C might work well alongside other treatments to benefit people with cancer.
The National Cancer InstituteTrusted Source note that some alternative therapists already use intravenous vitamin C when treating cancer, fatigue, and infections. However, they note that more research is necessary.
Intravenous vitamin C does not currently have approvalTrusted Source from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat cancer.
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