This fact sheet tells you everything you didn’t know about vitamin C!

Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant; is essential for the production of collagen, the substance that forms the body’s connective tissues (bones, cartilage, tendons, ligaments); and it may help to boost the immune system. The best sources of vitamin C are citrus fruits and juices, papayas, hot chili peppers, bell peppers, broccoli, potatoes, kale, red cabbage, cauliflower, cantaloupe, sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts. Tomatoes are also a good source.

Vitamin C deficiencies
Scurvy is the most common disease that results from vitamin C deficiency. It affects most body tissues, particularly bones, teeth and blood vessels. Initial symptoms include tiredness, weakness, irritability, weight loss and vague muscle aches. Subsequent symptoms include bleeding gums, wounds that won’t heal, rough skin and wasting away of the muscles. Low dietary intake of vitamin C may also increase lead levels in the blood. Although vitamin C deficiency is uncommon in the US, a recent study suggested that many healthy middle-class Americans were deficient in vitamin C. Deficiencies may also be present in the elderly, alcoholics, cancer patients and those who adhere to some food fads. Additionally, high doses of aspirin taken over a long period of time can interfere with vitamin C absorption and may cause a deficiency.

Vitamin C toxicity
Adverse effects from vitamin C supplements are uncommon, but high doses (more than 1000 mg per day) may cause headaches and intestinal and urinary problems, including kidney stones. Studies have suggested that in doses of 500 mg or more, vitamin C may have pro-oxidant effects that can damage cells. Because ascorbic acid increases iron absorption, people with certain blood disorders, such as hemochromatosis, thalassemia, or sideroblastic anemia, should particularly avoid high doses. Large doses can also interfere with anticoagulant medications, and with blood tests used in diabetes and stool tests for diagnosing colon cancer. A condition called rebound scurvy is caused by abrupt withdrawal from long-term ingestion of large doses of the vitamin. In rare cases, infants of pregnant women who have taken large doses of vitamin C have been born with rebound scurvy.

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