Vitamin C

Written By Live Naturally
Dated: July 31, 2006

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Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) is important for healthy blood vessels, muscles, gums, bones and teeth. It is a powerful antioxidant and helps the body to fight infection because it has antiviral, antibacterial and immune boosting effects. It can also help wounds to heal and to keep skin healthy and assists the absorption of iron.

The Recommended Daily Allowance is 60 milligrams and the best dietary sources are fresh fruit and vegetables and their juices, particularly guava fruit, kiwi, currants, brussel sprouts and peppers. It is easily destroyed in cooking.

Common signs of deficiency are poor hair and skin, bleeding, swollen gums, bruising and scurvy.