Vitamin C-1000

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is an essential water-soluble antioxidant required for collagen synthesis, immune function, and iron absorption. Severe deficiency causes scurvy; subclinical deficiency is associated with immune impairment and slower wound healing. The evidence for high-dose vitamin C reducing cold duration is modest but real, supplementation may shorten colds by about a day in the general population, with larger effects in people under extreme physical stress. The popular belief that vitamin C prevents colds is not well-supported. For skin, topical vitamin C is better evidenced than oral for collagen-related benefits. Excess oral vitamin C is excreted in urine; the upper tolerable intake is 2g daily, above which GI upset and kidney stone risk increase.

Also known as: Ascorbic Acid, L-Ascorbic Acid