Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) - what is it?
Vitamin C, New RDA* 80 mg
Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin, which means you need it in your diet every day because it can't be stored in the body.
Most animals are able to synthesise vitamin C from glucose and galactose. However, primates and guinea pigs are unable to do so.
*Sourced from EFSA WEBSITE
Vitamin C - what does it do?
Vitamin C is a strong reducing agent and as an antioxidant is involved in prevention of the damaging effects of free radicals. Vitamin C is involved in the synthesis of collagen, neurotransmitters and carnitine; it is an enzyme co-factor and also increases the gastrointestinal absorption of non-haem iron. Most animals are able to synthesise vitamin C from glucose and galactose. However, primates and guinea pigs are unable to do so.
Food of plant origin, particularly citrus and soft fruits and leafy green vegetables, are major sources of vitamin C. Kidney and liver are good animal-derived sources of vitamin C. Vitamin C is readily lost during cooking, due to oxidation. Ascorbic acid is a permitted anti-oxidant in food with no specified limits on the level of fortification. Vitamin C is present in numerous dietary supplements and in licensed medicines at doses of up to 3000 mg.
Deficiency
Vitamin C deficiency in humans leads to the clinical syndrome of scurvy. Early symptoms in adults include fatigue, weakness, aching joints and muscles. In later stages scurvy is characterised by anaemia, bleeding from the gums, petechial and sheet haemorrhages, and delayed wound healing.
