Gut Health

Vitamin C

What is it?

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin – this means it cannot be stored in the body so is needed in our diet every day. We should, however, be able to get all the vitamin C we need from our food.

What does it do?

This vital nutrient is required for growing and repairing our cells and tissues. Vitamin C is needed to form collagen, an essential component of our connective tissue that gives support and structure for other tissue and organs. Because of this it plays a big role in maintaining healthy skin, bones and cartilage. And it’s also important for healing.

Different, products rich in Vitamin,C on wooden table

Good sources of vitamin C

Almost all the vitamin C we get from our diet comes from fruits and vegetables. Citrus fruits, blackberries and guava are all very high in vitamin C. Other good sources are kiwis, peppers, tomatoes, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, mangos, sweet potatoes, strawberries, blackcurrants – and so many more fruits and veggies!

Did you know?

  • You should be able to get all the vitamin C you need from your daily diet. One large orange could provide it – the same goes for kiwi fruit and raw peppers.
  • Humans are among the few animals (along with monkeys and guinea pigs) that cannot make their own vitamin C – therefore we must get it from our diet.
  • Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin, so it can be easily lost from food sources during cooking processes like boiling.

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