How does vitamin c work in my body?

My mom is always telling me that need vitamin c becase it helps me from getting sick. How does that work?

How does vitamin c work in my body?
The most important for vitamin c that it is necessary for ur body to use the iron , vitamin E,vitamin A...and it is important to build the collagen of the skin and tissue:





As a participant in hydroxylation, vitamin C is needed for the production of collagen in the connective tissue. These fibers are ubiquitous throughout the body; providing firm but flexible structure. Some tissues have a greater percentage of collagen, especially: skin, mucous membranes, teeth and bones.


Vitamin C is required for synthesis of dopamine, noradrenaline and adrenaline in the nervous system or in the adrenal glands.


Vitamin C is also needed to synthesize carnitine, important in the transfer of energy to the cell mitochondria.


It is a strong antioxidant.


The tissues with greatest percentage of vitamin C — over 100 times the level in blood plasma — are the adrenal glands, pituitary, thymus, corpus luteum, and retina.


The brain, spleen, lung, testicle, lymph nodes, liver, thyroid, small intestinal mucosa, leukocytes, pancreas, kidney and salivary glands usually have 10 to 50 times the concentration present in plasma.


No bodily organ stores ascorbate as a primary function, and so the body soon depletes itself of ascorbate if fresh supplies do not continue to arrive through the digestive system, eventually leading to death if unresolved.





Lack of ascorbic acid(vitamin C) in the daily diet leads to a disease called scurvy, a form of avitaminosis that is characterized by:





loose teeth


superficial bleeding


fragility of blood vessels


poor healing


compromised immunity


mild anemia


It is eventually fatal, and was a common condition among sailors and during winter.
Reply:Another useful source says:





"Vitamin C is important to all animals, including humans, because it is vital to the production of collagen. Vitamin C is also important because it helps protect the fat-soluble vitamins A and E as well as fatty acids from oxidation. Vitamin C prevents and cures the disease scurvy, and can be beneficial in the treatment of iron deficiency anaemia."





The anti oxidant properties of Vitamin C mean that it is used in numerous prepared foods to reduce the deterioration of the product. In a similar way - it is used diversely in the body to ensure efficient working and to support that are vital to good immune system.





Prof Linus Pauling was one of the original great advocates of the 'power of vitamin C' - and believed in super large doses having a positive and beneficial health effect.





Not all folks have completely agreed - and regular huge doses of Vit C can actually cause some problems (some research has indicated that regular large doses may contribute to the formation of kidney stones - which can be painful!)





BUT overall - IF you have a healthy diet with a good range of fresh fruits and vegetables (preferably grown Organically - to reduce your exposure to toxic chemicals used in herbicides/fungicides and fertilizers) - you should be getting a reasonable supply of Vit C daily - oranges and some other citrus fruits are known for decent levels of Vit C, but potatoes also contain vitamin C too and if you eat freshly harvested, lightly boiled potatoes you will increase your intake! Other good sources things like KiwiFruits, Guava, Black currants, some Melons, strawberries, Raspberries and a lot of other fruits. The Acerola - which is not usually found in supermarkets! is exceptional for the amount of Vit C it contains - as are Rosehips (you can get this in syrup form but beware the sugar content!!!)





Beacuse Vit C acts as an antioxidant - it can contribute to fighting 'free radicals' which rather unscientifically put are bits- of chemical toxins that can trigger mutations in the body's cells...this COULD lead to the process which starts diseases such as Cancer. Also because Vit C supports a healthy immune system - it makes the body able to combat toxins, bacterial infections and other threats more effectively.





So it’s a good Idea to take Mum's advice on this and make sure you consume good sources of Vit C every day. As the body CANNOT make or store the vitamin it is important to eat foods that contain t regularly (and if you have to you can support your intake by taking a Vit C supplement - BUT avoid ones with sugar/artificial sweeteners/ or ones that are not 'buffered' to reduce their acidity...as this can cause stomach problems)...