From collagen production to antioxidant benefits: What does vitamin C do?

What does vitamin C do? As an essential nutrient, it's critical for maintaining good health.

Vitamin C, which is water-soluble and cannot be produced by the body, must be obtained through diet or supplements. In this article, we will examine the benefits of vitamin C and determine how much you should consume.

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What does vitamin C do?

Vitamin C has a range of functions in the body. It helps produce collagen, a protein that's essential for healthy skin, bones and connective tissue. Vitamin C also acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from damage caused by free radicals.

Additionally, it boosts the immune system, improves iron absorption and maintains healthy blood vessels.

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Benefits of vitamin C

Vitamin C has numerous benefits for overall health and well-being. It's particularly beneficial for the immune system, as it helps protect against infections and illnesses.

It can also reduce risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer. Additionally, vitamin C has been shown to improve skin health, reduce inflammation and support brain function.

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How much vitamin C should you take?

How much Vitamin C to ingest? (Image via Pexels/Lukas)

The recommended daily intake of vitamin C for adults is 75 to 90 milligrams per day for women and men, respectively.

However, certain groups may require more, like smokers, pregnant women and people with certain medical conditions. It's important to note that taking too much vitamin C can lead to side effects like diarrhea, nausea and stomach cramps.

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Vitamin C dose for adults

The maximum daily dose of vitamin C for adults is 2,000 milligrams. However, most people do not need to take that much and can get enough from their diet.

Good food sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits, berries, kiwi fruit, tomatoes, broccoli and peppers. If you're considering taking a vitamin C supplement, it's important to speak to your healthcare provider first.

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So, what does vitamin C do? Vitamin C is an important nutrient that has a range of benefits for overall health and well-being.

It's essential for the immune system, skin health and many other functions in the body. While most people can get enough vitamin C from their diet, some may require supplements. If you're unsure about how much vitamin C you need, speak to your healthcare provider.