Component overview
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a water-soluble vitamin that participates in numerous essential physiological processes. The human body is unable to produce Vitamin C, so it must be obtained through diet. Its natural sources include, among others, citrus fruits, bell peppers, broccoli, cruciferous vegetables, and other fruits and vegetables.
Main features
Vitamin C contributes to:
• for the normal function of the immune system;
• for normal energy-yielding metabolism;
• for the normal functioning of the nervous system;
• for the maintenance of normal psychological function;
• for the protection of cells against oxidative stress;
• for normal collagen formation and, through this, for the maintenance of the normal condition and function of the skin, bones, cartilage, gums, teeth, and blood vessels.
Common use
Dietary supplements containing vitamin C are primarily used to supplement daily vitamin C intake. Vitamin C contributes to the normal function of the immune system, the protection of cells against oxidative stress, normal collagen formation, and normal energy-yielding metabolism processes. It also contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue, and enhances iron absorption.
Health benefits
Vitamin C contributes to many important physiological functions. It supports the normal functioning of the immune system, contributes to the protection of cells against oxidative stress, and helps reduce tiredness and fatigue.
Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation and, through this, to the maintenance of the normal function of the skin, bones, cartilage, gums, teeth, and blood vessels.
In addition, it contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism and the normal functioning of the nervous system, and enhances iron absorption.
Who can benefit from it?
Adequate vitamin C intake is important for everyone as part of a balanced and varied diet.
Supplementing vitamin C intake is particularly worth considering for those who do not get enough vitamin C from their diet, or who wish to supplement their daily vitamin C intake.
Dietary supplements do not replace a varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.
Scientific evidence
Extensive scientific evidence supports the physiological role of vitamin C.
Based on scientific assessments by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), the European Union has authorized several health claims related to vitamin C. These include, among others, the normal function of the immune system, normal collagen formation, the protection of cells against oxidative stress, the reduction of tiredness and fatigue, normal energy-yielding metabolism, and the absorption of iron.
The authorized health claims and their conditions of use are contained, among other things, in Commission Regulation (EU) No 432/2012.
Food sources
Vitamin C is naturally found in many fruits and vegetables. Significant sources include bell peppers, citrus fruits, kiwi, blackcurrants, strawberries, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and other brassicas.
Vitamin C is a water-soluble and heat-sensitive vitamin, so the storage and heat treatment of foods can reduce their vitamin C content. A varied and balanced diet contributes to ensuring adequate vitamin intake.