Humans are among one of the few species that are unable to make vitamin C, making vitamin C an essential micronutrient. The location site for the absorption of vitamin C happens in the small intestine and absorbs 50 percent or less of vitamin C when the intake is one gram or more a day (Schiff 294). Taking large amounts of vitamin C can be wasteful because as the intake of vitamin C increases the amount absorbed by the small intestine decreases (Schiff 294). Good sources of vitamin C are found in plant foods. Some of these foods that contain high amounts of vitamin C include peppers, citrus fruit, papaya, broccoli, and berries.
“Vitamin C does not function as part of coenzyme as do B vitamins, but the vitamin served as a nutrient cofactor that facilitates certain chemical reactions” (Schiff 294). Vitamin C carries out a variation of important cellular functions such as donating electrons to other compounds (Schiff 294). Vitamin C takes part in reactions that form and maintains collagen, which is a fibrous protein that gives strength to connective tissue (Schiff 295). Another function vitamin C has is that it can act as an antioxidant by giving electrons to radicals (Schiff 295). Vitamin C also has a role in the immune function in the body, and it is necessary for the synthesis of bile and also certain neurotransmitters (Schiff 295). Vitamin C may be very beneficial to the body but like any other type of vitamin there can also be deficiency’s or toxicities.
If in the body
Vitamin C is an essential in the body's defenses against infection. Susceptible children will not tolerate relatively unimportant infections and this can lead to prolonged illness and in the case of behaviorally disturbed children of symptoms previously well managed. Vitamin C is an extremely safe substance which is immensely beneficial to the brain and body in a multitude of ways. Its potential for preventing and treating autism has barely been touched. Vitamin C is heavily concentrated in the brain, but its exact role in brain function has not been fully understood. A recent search turned up 400 references referring to vitamin C and the effects of the brain, but the mystery still remains.
Thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, biotin, and pantothenic acid are B vitamins needed to produce ATP from carbohydrate, fat, and protein. Vitamin B6 is important for amino acid metabolism as well as energy production. Folate is a coenzyme that is needed for cell division. Vitamin B12, only found in animal foods, is needed for nerve function and to activate folate. Vitamin C is needed to form connective tissue and acts as a watersoluble antioxidant. Vitamin A is essential for vision, and it regulates cell differentiation and growth. Vitamin D is necessary for bone health. Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant. Vitamin K is essential for blood clotting.
Vitamin C serum is a natural, healthy part of an anti-aging skincare routine, and it has been proven to stimulate collagen production in skin. Vitamin C is also an antioxidant, like green tea, so it is a great all-around anti-aging product.
Water soluble vitamins are not stored in the body. They go directly to the blood stream once consumed, so they need to be replaced on a daily basis. B vitamins are important because they help turn food into energy. For example, niacin helps to release energy from carbohydrates, fats and protein. Many also act as coenzymes. Such as riboflavin, this is the coenzyme for the first reaction in the metabolism of glucose. Thiamin is also a coenzyme for tissue respiration. B vitamins and vitamin C are also essential for growth and development such as body tissue, the formation of collagen, development of red and white blood cells and the formation of DNA. When the
(Sinno et al, 2011). It also helps in the transfer of white blood cells to the wound, improves resistance to infection and increases capillary strength. Since vitamin C is water-soluble, it is difficult to store it in the body, so a regular intake is necessary and dietary sources are green vegetables, potatoes, fruits like orange, kiwi and berries. (Timms, 2011).
Vitamin C helps to produce collagen. It is also vital in the production of dopamine and adrenaline, and necessary to the function of almost all major organs. Low levels of ascorbic acid can result in loose teeth, anemia, inability to heal quickly, and easier bruising. In general, though, people with fairly healthy diets get enough of this
Chapter 7 talks about the importance of vitamins. Vitamins are nutrients that our bodies depend on to function correctly. Vitamins are tricky, because even though our body can be highly affected if not consumed, we need very little amounts of them at a time. Once again the word "balance" comes into an important role, when it comes to the food we eat. There are 2 types of vitamins, fat-soluble and water -soluble. Fat soluble are less needed to be consumed due to the fact that they get stored and not constantly excreted the way water-soluble are. This also means that with fat- soluble vitamins we have a higher chance of reaching toxicity levels. Another characteristic of the vitamin functions is that water-soluble get absorbed into our blood
Vitamin C is very essential to our bodies. Vitamin C helps the body to maintain its collective tissues. This also includes our bones, blood vessels, and skin. Vitamin C is scientifically known as L-ascorbic acid. The vitamin is a water-soluble vitamin that can be found in several fruits and vegetables. Vitamin C can also be found as a dietary supplement. It is essential for our bodies to have some source of vitamin C intake. “Vitamin C is required for the biosynthesis of collagen, L-carnitine, and certain neurotransmitters; vitamin C is also involved in protein metabolism. Collagen is an essential component of connective tissue, which plays a vital role in wound healing. Vitamin C is also an important physiological antioxidant [3] and has been shown to regenerate other antioxidants within the body, including alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E).” (1) The overall body intake for vitamin C runs to a high of 2g. Lower amounts of vitamin C can be found in areas such as eyes, pituitary gland, and
Vitamin C also known as ascorbic acid is needed for growth and maintenance of healthy tissues, especially skin, blood vessels, bones, gums, teeth. Vitamin C aids in resistance against infection and healing of wounds. It also helps the body absorb iron from food. Vitamin C can be found in green vegetables, potatoes, tomatoes and citrus fruits such as oranges and lemon. A lack of vitamin C can cause scurvy, iron deficiency and poor wound healing. A healthy diet
Thank you for sharing that information. As we go through these winter months, it is helpful to be informed about the misconception of Vitamin C. I was one of those believers that Vitamin C is a preventative method for riding the common cold. Social media also plays a part in this misconception. I recall seeing several commercials and advertisement where vitamin C tablets or cough drops aided in treating the common cold. It is very important to research misconceptions such as this one before becoming a believer.
Also, the body needs vitamin C to make proteins that help wounds heal. Furthermore, the body needs vitamin because it improves the absorption of iron from foods, and even helps the immune system work properly to protect the body from viruses, and other antigens. The amount of vitamin C one needs depends on age, an infant only needs 50mg a day, whereas, a full grown adult male needs 90mg. Vitamin C comes primarily from sources such as fruits and vegetables, and supplemental pills. Ascorbic acid deficiency is rare in the United States, but creates significant problems such as scurvy which can become fatal. Scientists studying vitamin C have learned that vitamin C can lower the risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease, cataracts, and even the common cold. The experiment involves titrations in order to determine the amount of vitamin C present in each of the fruits, and vegetables. A titration is defined as a technique where a solution of an already known concentration in
Vitamin C. This vitamin can be obtained by eating oranges, bell peppers, kale, broccoli, and strawberries.
Vitamin C should be taken in through diets, fruits and vegetables so that it can have its best effects and is good for our health. Vitamin C supplements are only used as addition if our bodies do not have enough Vitamin C.
Vitamin C is crucial for survival for several reasons. For a human body to reach the acme of its physical potential, it must have a daily intake of vitamin C. Deficiency can lead to a fatal symptom known as scurvy. Likewise, iron absorption will be more difficult resulting in iron-deficiency anemia (Smith, Primio & Humphrey-Murto, 2011). However, this nutrient is essential for bodily functions as well. Vitamin C is required for hormone production which is seen by the fact that the highest concentration of it in the human body is in the pituitary and adrenal glands (Emsley, 2004). Moreover, this vitamin aids in protection against free radicals and stress. Vitamin C is also imperative because it assists in the growth of various body parts, including teeth, cartilage, and dentine. This acid is integral for bone development and to heal fractured or broken bones. As said before, “Vitamin C is important in the absorption and metabolism of many nutrients that affect production of red blood cells”, including iron absorption (Smith, Primio, & Humphrey-Murto, 2011). DIRECT QUOTE WITHOUT AUTHOR. Similar to its importance to humans, vitamin C is vital for plant life as well. Plants require the alcohol for growth processes.