Vitamin C In Body

Vitamin C is a vitamin found in many of the fruits/vegetables we eat including citrus fruits, broccoli, sweet peppers and potatoes. Vitamin C has an important role in many processes in our bodies. Research has proved that Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and a necessary cofactor for the production of collagen. Early indicators show that Vitamin C may play an even large role in the treatment of the common cold and possibly disease prevention. Vitamin C offers the benefit of being an Antioxidant.

Antioxidants are responsible for protecting our body's cells from free radicals. Free radicals can oxidize various nutrients and cells. If allowed to reach large amounts, the free radicals can be extremely harmful, that's where Vitamin C is helpful. By donating electrons, Vitamin C serves as an antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals and protects other substances from their damage. Vitamin C protects other nutrients from being oxidized (destroyed) by being oxidized itself. Vitamin C is also an important cofactor.

This function is very important for the formation of collagen which is the chief protein of most connective issues; matrix which bones and teeth are built. The most important reaction requiring Vitamin C as a cofactor is the hydroxylation of praline residues in collagen. This conversion requires both Vitamin C and Iron and Vitamin C allows Iron to play its role by protecting it from oxidation.

Vitamin C is required for the maintenance of normal connective tissue as well as for wound healing since synthesis of connective tissue is the first event in wound tissue remodeling. Vitamin C may also play a role in curing the common cold and disease prevention, although more research is needed in this area.

With regards to the common cold, studies have found a significant different in duration of less than a day per cold for those taking a daily dose of at least one gram of Vitamin C Vitamin C also helps to relieve the symptoms of.