Tell me about...
Vitamin C
Why do we
need vitamin C?
Vitamin C is one of several antioxidants shown to play a
key role in the prevention of many types of cancers. Vitamin
C maintains collagen, a protein necessary for the formation
of skin, ligaments and bones. It also enhances the immune
system, helps heal wounds and mend fractures, and aids in
resisting some types of bacterial and viral infections.
What are
some good sources of vitamin C?
Citrus fruits (oranges, grapefruit, lemons, mangos, etc.)
are great sources of vitamin C, as are many green vegetables
(especially asparagus, broccoli, spinach, green peppers, and
peas). Other good sources of vitamin C include tomatoes, potatoes
and cabbage.
What can
happen if we don't get enough vitamin C?
Scurvy (hemorrages, loose teeth, gingivitis (bad breath),
bone disease), bleeding gums, increased chance for infection,
colds or respiratory infections can be unpleasant consequences
of vitamin C deficiency.
Other Resources :
The
More You Know About Vitamins
The
More You Know About Nutrition
References
• Johnston CS,
Thompson LL. Vitamin C status in an outpatient population.
Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 1998:17(4),
pp366-70.
• Agnus
DB, Gambhir SS, Pardridge WM, et al. Vitamin C crosses the
blood-brain barrier in the oxidized form through the glucose
transporters. Journal of Clinical Investigation 1997:100(11),
pp2842-2848.
• Gatto
LM, Hallen GK, Brown AJ. Ascorbic acid induces a favorable
lipoprotein profile in women. Journal of the American College
of Nutrition 1996:15, pp154-58.
• Levine M, Ramsey SC, Daruwala R, et al. Criteria and recommendations
for vitamin C intake. Journal of the American Medical Association
1999:281(15), pp1387-94.
|
