What are the Health Benefits of Vitamin C?

The human body needs a sufficient amount of vitamin C for good health. Vitamin C is required to form dentin and collagen. Dentin and collagen are two structural elements that are essential for the proper functioning of the body. It is not always possible to get adequate vitamin C from a regular diet. Vitamin C supplements can make up for that deficiency.

Collagen is the main structural protein of the body. It provides structure to bones, blood vessels, tendons, and ligaments. On the other hand, dentin gives structure to teeth. Both these structural substances can be formed by vitamin C only. The deficiency of vitamin C invites scurvy which is a harmful disease. Also, the lack of this essential nutrient in the body weakens the collagen in the body. The symptoms of this disorder are as follows:

• Joint swelling;
• Tooth loss; and
• Hair loss.

According to medical professionals, men should take around 90 milligrams of vitamin C every day whereas, women should consume near about 75 milligrams per day. Citrus fruits and green leafy vegetables contain a high level of vitamin C. Vitamin C supplements contain around 60 milligrams of vitamin C.

Vitamin C supplements are prescribed by physicians to certain people with extremely low intake of vitamin C in daily diet. Anemic patients need to take iron supplements and anemia is a disease caused by the deficiency of vitamin C. Vitamin C helps in the absorption of iron. Many women consume birth control pills. The birth control pills contain estrogen which drastically reduces the level of vitamin C in the body. There are many who require taking aspirin on a regular basis. Like estrogen, aspirin also shrinks the vitamin C level in the body. These people are advised to take vitamin C supplements by doctors to maintain the desired vitamin C levels. These are the major benefits of vitamin C.

Vitamin C is a good antioxidant and has the following important health benefits apart from the aforementioned ones:

• Prevents heart diseases and maintains cardiovascular health; and
• Protects against common cough and cold.

The intake of vitamin C in the form of supplements can provide you with these health benefits. You should consult your physician to know the right dosage of the supplement required by your body. We hope now may understand the Health Benefits of Vitamin C in your life.