Vitamin C

Definition

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in various physiological processes, including the synthesis of collagen, absorption of iron, and functioning as an antioxidant. It is essential for maintaining the health of skin, blood vessels, bones, and cartilage, and it contributes to wound healing and overall immune function.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Vitamin C is not synthesized by the human body and must be obtained from dietary sources such as fruits and vegetables, particularly citrus fruits, strawberries, kiwi, and bell peppers.
2. It is known for its role in boosting the immune system, helping the body fight off infections and reducing the duration of colds.
3. Vitamin C is highly sensitive to heat, light, and air, which can lead to degradation; cooking methods like boiling can significantly reduce its content in foods.
4. Recommended daily intake varies by age and sex but generally is about 75 mg for adult women and 90 mg for adult men.
5. Deficiency in vitamin C can lead to severe health issues beyond scurvy, including impaired immune response and increased risk of chronic diseases.

Review Questions

• How does vitamin C contribute to immune function and overall health?
  • Vitamin C plays a vital role in supporting the immune system by enhancing the production and function of white blood cells that fight infections. Its antioxidant properties help neutralize free radicals, reducing inflammation and protecting cells from damage. Additionally, vitamin C aids in collagen synthesis, crucial for maintaining healthy skin and tissues, thus contributing to wound healing and overall health.
• Discuss the consequences of vitamin C deficiency in relation to its physiological functions.
  • Deficiency in vitamin C can lead to scurvy, characterized by symptoms such as fatigue, swollen gums, joint pain, and anemia. Beyond scurvy, inadequate vitamin C levels can impair collagen synthesis, affecting skin integrity and tissue repair. Furthermore, a lack of vitamin C compromises the immune response, increasing susceptibility to infections and delaying recovery from illnesses.
• Evaluate the importance of dietary sources of vitamin C and the implications of excessive cooking on its availability.
  • Dietary sources of vitamin C are essential since humans cannot synthesize this nutrient. Fruits like oranges and vegetables like bell peppers are rich sources. However, excessive cooking can diminish vitamin C content due to its sensitivity to heat, light, and oxygen. This highlights the need for proper cooking methods—like steaming or eating raw—to maximize the retention of vitamin C in foods. The implications are significant for nutrition, as inadequate intake can lead to deficiency-related health issues.

Related terms

Antioxidant: A substance that inhibits oxidation and neutralizes free radicals, which can damage cells and contribute to aging and diseases.

Scurvy: A disease caused by a deficiency of vitamin C, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, swollen gums, joint pain, and anemia.

Collagen: A protein that provides structure and strength to various tissues in the body, including skin, tendons, and ligaments; vitamin C is vital for its synthesis.