Function
The main use and importance of Vitamin C is that it helps to build up your immune system. By building up your immune system this helps to prevent common colds and some diseases. It also helps to neutralize pollutants and toxins that are attacking the body. When Vitamin C is taken it is turned into a water soluble antioxidant. Once Vitamin C becomes water soluble it attacks molecules in your body called free radicals that are very reactive that can cause tissue damage and can cause cancer. Another function of Vitamin C is when is how it is connected to collagen synthesis. Collagen synthesis is a part of the connective system which is what holds together your body. It is very necessary for the body to keep up with the production of collagen and Vitamin C is the direct link for this. Without Vitamin C the body would not be able to produce collagen and without it the body would fall a part. A person would begin to have brown spots on body, spongy gums, feels depressed and becomes partially immobilized. It also can be a bad thing to have a high intake of Vitamin C because the human body is only able to store a certain amount of it. It may cause indigestion, especially if it is taken on an empty stomach. In healthier people it can cause diarrhea and also becaomes toxic to the body. It is unknown whether or not you can overdose on Vitamin C but most of it is excreted through urine. Vitamin C also helps with the cardiovascular system. It can prevent heart attacks and clears out the arteries and allows the heart to have a healthy flow of blood. There are those who are more prone to catching colds or having diseases and it is very important for them to have Vitamin C. Examples of the people who need to take Vitamin C are smokers, alcoholics, and people who are having a stress filled lives.
Daily Doses
United States Vitamin C Recommended Intake
Allowence/Tolerable Intake (Male): 90mg per day
Allowence/Tolerable Intake (Female): 75mg per day
Allowence/Tolerable Intake (Male): 90mg per day
Allowence/Tolerable Intake (Female): 75mg per day