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Vitamin C is best known for its
antioxidant properties and its possible role in the prevention of certain
chronic degenerative disorders. In fact, ascorbic acid may be the most important
water-soluble antioxidant in the body. Many of the nutrients important to human
health can be destroyed by oxidation. Vitamin C protects them from oxidation by
being oxidized itself. In the blood, Vitamin C protects sensitive blood
constituents from oxidation, and helps to protect Vitamin E. Red blood cells are
thought to recycle the "used" Vitamin C back into the active form to
conserve the supply. The antioxidant roles of Vitamin C are the focus of
extensive study, especially in relation to disease prevention. Vitamin C is also
required for the production and maintenance of collagen, a protein substance
that forms the base for all connective tissues in the body: bones, teeth, skin
and tendons. Collagen forms the scar tissue that heals wounds, the reinforcing
structure that mends fractures, and the supporting material of capillaries that
help prevent or heal bruises. Vitamin C is also known to help enhance the immune
response to protect against infection, and is important to the production of
thyroxine, the hormone that regulates basal metabolic rate and body temperature,
and thus is also important in weight control, metabolism, and overall healthy
body weight. Recommended Dietary Allowances: Men = 90 mg; Women = 75 mg; Pregnant Women = 70 mg; Smokers = 125 mg IMPORTANCE:
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