Vitamin C - It's Importance to the Body

Vitamins are amongst the many nutritional components that the body needs to be able to function properly. The importance of ensuring that vitamins are included in our daily food intake cannot be overemphasised.  Included in the list of vitamins needed by the body is vitamin C. This can be obtained from foods such as tomatoes, broccoli, fish, citrus fruits, green peppers and potatoes. Additional doses of vitamins can be obtained from food supplements.However, it is essential to obtain a recommendation from a doctor before one starts taking excessive amounts of vitamin C supplements  

Vitamin C is one of the non fat-soluble types. What this means in essence is that, the body is unable to store it for later use, hence the necessity of taking a daily consumption of it. The level of vitamin C’s daily intake depends on factors such as the age, weight and lifestyle of any individual. In the case where the gender of a person is female, pregnancy will also be a determining factor if one needs a supplement of vitamin C.

As an antioxidant, vitamin C’s function is to combat the ‘negative’ forces that may cause organ, tissue and cell destruction in our bodies. Vitamin C helps to protect the body and in many ways can be said to reduce the aging process. One of the symptoms of a lack of adequate vitamin C in Scurvy. This condition can then lead to illnesses such as anemia, weakness and gum disease.

It is important to take in vitamin C supplements as recommended by your doctor since excessive amounts can result in the development of kidney stones which may interfere with the absorption of other vitamins such as B12. The occurrence of this condition, however, is very rare as vitamin C is highly soluble and will normally be absorbed by the body.

Normally, a healthy and a balanced diet should provide all the vitamin C nutrients one needs for a proper and efficient body metabolism. This implies that ones diet should include the right mixture of  protein, high fibers including fruits and vegetables. Where supplements are need to boost vitamin C intake, visiting a natural food supplement shop should be the best source.