C is for Controversy
11/12/2008
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Vitamin C is a celebrity among vitamins. It is necessary for human life, and many people endow it with almost magical powers. The most casual search of the Internet or your local library will tell you that claims and controversy about vitamin C are never ending.
Some facts are not in dispute: Vitamin C prevents and cures scurvy, a disease that, because of improvements in diet worldwide, is hardly seen anymore. It is a powerful antioxidant, meaning that it neutralizes potentially harmful free radicals in our bodies. (However, it may also, under some conditions, become a pro-oxidant, meaning it can promote the production of free radicals.)
It is essential for healthy skin and connective tissue, and for the absorption of iron, as well as other functions. It is water-soluble, and the body can store only small amounts; excess C is eliminated by the kidneys. Thus, humans must consume vitamin C on a regular basis. Many fruits and vegetables are rich in it, especial... read more
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antioxidant, vitamin c, supplementation, natural sources
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