Ascorbic acid is an organic molecule built from carbon, hydrogen and oxygen atoms. Better known as vitamin C, ascorbic acid is a water-soluble vitamin that also functions as an antioxidant. Ascorbic acid is essential for normal growth and development, and you should get it on daily basis from your diet. There are no additional ingredients in ascorbic acid, since it is a single organic molecule.
Why Does Your Body Need Ascorbic Acid
Your body uses ascorbic acid to build collagen, an important protein used by your body to make skin, tendons, ligaments and blood vessels. Vitamin C is also used to heal wounds and repair and maintain bones and teeth. Ascorbic acid plays a role in protecting you against heart disease, high blood pressure, the common cold, cancer, osteoarthritis, macular degeneration, pre-clampsia and asthma.
Vitamin C may also help boost your immune system, improve vision and treat allergic conditions. Antioxidants in general block damage done by free radicals and help reduce the risk of conditions like cancer, heart disease, aging and arthritis.
Daily Requirements
Your body cannot store water-soluble vitamins, unlike fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin A. So, you need to get vitamin C from your diet on regular basis. The daily recommended amount of vitamin C is 75 to 90 mg for adults. You should get 120 mg daily if you smoke or are breastfeeding. However, to prevent and treat conditions, you can take between 500 to 1,000 mg per day.
Since vitamin C is water-soluble, your body usually gets rid of any extra amount you do not need. However, doses over 2,000 mg per day can cause diarrhea, gas and stomach upset.
Ascorbic Acid Deficiency
Ascorbic acid deficiency leads to dry and splitting hair, gingivitis, bleeding gums, dry skin, decreased wound healing, bruising and nose bleeding. Severe cases of vitamin C deficiency can lead to a condition called scurvy. Symptoms of scurvy include general weakness, anemia, gingivitis and skin hemorrhages.
Foods that Contain Ascorbic Acid
Sources of ascorbic acid are citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, grapefruits and citrus juices. In addition, raw green peppers, watermelon, papaya, cantaloupe, strawberries, kiwi, mango, broccoli, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, white potatoes, cabbages and cauliflower contain vitamin C. You can also purchase vitamin C-fortified juices and ascorbic acid pills.
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