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Vitamin C, also called ascorbic acid, is a water soluble vitamin that is essential to several important body functions. While vitamin c does occur naturally in a variety of foods, individuals who do not eat a well balanced diet may find themselves deficient in this nutrient and unable to reap the many benefits of vitamin C.
The benefits of vitamin C include the ability to prevent scurvy, a serious disease that results in bleeding and swollen gums. Some of the first symptoms of scurvy are red bumps that form on the body, usually at the site of hair follicles. The gums them begin to bleed, break down and finally the teeth begin to fall out. Further benefits of vitamin C include its ability to produce collagen within the body, an extremely important function. Collagen is the substance within the body that binds cells together within the body and is necessary for strong bones, tendons and ligaments. Additionally, collagen is the matter that forms a scar when the body is wounded. A deficiency in vitamin C will result in a loss of collagen which means the body will tend to bruise easier, as well as bleed and be unable to form supportive scar tissue; a critical factor in healing.
There are also side effects that must be considered when thinking about adding vitamin c supplements to a daily vitamin regimen. The human body is unable to store vitamin c for very long, therefore the body responds by excreting any excess amounts through the urine. When too much vitamin c is ingested, this can result in diarrhea and kidney stones.
Vitamin C supplements are available as tablets as well as liquid forms in addition to being found in natural food sources. There are various dosages of vitamin C available; however consumers should be aware that it is important not to exceed daily recommended allowances. It is far better to instead take a moderate and sensible amount each day in order to achieve maximum benefits of vitamin C without side effects.
The benefits of vitamin C include the ability to prevent scurvy, a serious disease that results in bleeding and swollen gums. Some of the first symptoms of scurvy are red bumps that form on the body, usually at the site of hair follicles. The gums them begin to bleed, break down and finally the teeth begin to fall out. Further benefits of vitamin C include its ability to produce collagen within the body, an extremely important function. Collagen is the substance within the body that binds cells together within the body and is necessary for strong bones, tendons and ligaments. Additionally, collagen is the matter that forms a scar when the body is wounded. A deficiency in vitamin C will result in a loss of collagen which means the body will tend to bruise easier, as well as bleed and be unable to form supportive scar tissue; a critical factor in healing.
There are also side effects that must be considered when thinking about adding vitamin c supplements to a daily vitamin regimen. The human body is unable to store vitamin c for very long, therefore the body responds by excreting any excess amounts through the urine. When too much vitamin c is ingested, this can result in diarrhea and kidney stones.
Vitamin C supplements are available as tablets as well as liquid forms in addition to being found in natural food sources. There are various dosages of vitamin C available; however consumers should be aware that it is important not to exceed daily recommended allowances. It is far better to instead take a moderate and sensible amount each day in order to achieve maximum benefits of vitamin C without side effects.