Q. What are the functions of Vitamin C?
A. Vitamin C is needed for the growth and repair of tissues in all parts of your body. It is used to:
• Form an important protein used to make skin, tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels
• Heal wounds and form scar tissue
• Repair and maintain cartilage, bones, and teeth

Vitamin C is one of many antioxidants. Antioxidants are nutrients that block some of the damage caused by free radicals.
• Free radicals are made when your body breaks down food or when you are exposed to tobacco smoke or radiation.
• The buildup of free radicals over time is largely responsible for the aging process.
• Free radicals may play a role in cancer, heart disease, and conditions like arthritis.
The body is not able to make vitamin C on its own, and it does not store vitamin C. It is therefore important to include plenty of vitamin C-containing foods in your daily diet.

For many years, vitamin C has been a popular remedy for the common cold.
• Research shows that for most people, vitamin C supplements or vitamin C-rich foods do not reduce the risk of getting the common cold.
• However, people who take vitamin C supplements regularly might have slightly shorter colds or somewhat milder symptoms.
• Taking a vitamin C supplement after a cold starts does not appear to be helpful.

Q.What are the food sources of Vitamin C?

A.All fruits and vegetables contain some amount of vitamin C.
Fruits with the highest sources of vitamin C include:
• Cantaloupe
• Citrus fruits and juices, such as orange and grapefruit
• Kiwi fruit
• Mango
• Papaya
• Pineapple
• Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, cranberries
• Watermelon

Vegetables with the highest sources of vitamin C include:
• Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower
• Green and red peppers
• Spinach, cabbage, turnip greens, and other leafy greens
• Sweet and white potatoes
• Tomatoes and tomato juice
• Winter squash

Q.Vitamin C deficiency causes Scurvy?
A.Scurvy is caused by a dietary deficiency of vitamin C. Although scurvy is uncommon, it may occur in malnourished individuals, those with increased vitamin C requirements (such as pregnant or breastfeeding women), or infants whose only source of nourishment is breast milk. Vitamin C administered by mouth or injection is effective for curing scurvy. If vitamin C is not available, orange juice can be used for infantile scurvy. Symptoms should begin to improve within 24-48 hours, with resolution within seven days. Treatment should be under strict medical supervision.

Q.What are the doses of Ascorbic acid?
A.The best way to take vitamin C supplements is 2 - 3 times per day, with meals, depending on the dosage. Some studies suggest that adults should take 250 - 500 mg twice a day for any benefit. Talk to your doctor before taking more than 1,000 mg of vitamin C on a daily basis and before giving vitamin C to a child.
Daily intake of dietary vitamin C (according to the National Academy of Sciences) is listed below.

Pediatric:
• Birth - 6 months: 40 mg (Adequate intake)
• Infants 6 - 12 months: 50 mg (Adequate intake)
• Children 1 - 3 years: 15 mg
• Children 4 - 8 years: 25 mg
• Children 9 - 13 years: 45 mg
• Adolescent girls 14 - 18 years: 65 mg
• Adolescent boys 14 - 18 years: 75 mg

Adult:
• Men over 18 years: 90 mg
• Women over 18 years: 75 mg
• Pregnant women 14 - 18 years: 80 mg
• Pregnant women over 18 years: 85 mg
• Breastfeeding women 14 - 18 years: 115 mg
• Breastfeeding women over 18 years: 120 mg
Because smoking depletes vitamin C, people who smoke may need an additional 35 mg per day.
The dose recommended to prevent or treat many of the conditions mentioned in the Uses section is often 500 - 1,000 mg per day.