With a number of different vitamins on the market, it might be difficult to keep the names and uses of each individual vitamin straight -- this includes vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid. According to Steel Chiropractic Clinic, the appropriate name for vitamin C is the vitamin C complex because vitamin C has many parts. While not commonly heard of, vitamin C complex does exist.
Vitamin C Complex
Vitamin C is a complex vitamin made up of many different parts. Vitamin C is not just ascorbic acid. The vitamin C complex consists of ascorbic acid; tyrosinase; factors J, P and K; and bioflavonoids. This vitamin is a water-soluble vitamin that humans do not have the ability to make. As a result, humans must obtain vitamin C through diet and supplementation to reap the benefits of the vitamin C complex.
Sources
Several different sources of the vitamin C complex exist. Many of these foods you likely consume on a daily basis, such as citrus fruits, kiwis, strawberries, cantaloupe, sweet red peppers and tomatoes. Vitamin C complex can also be supplemented. Talk to your doctor prior to beginning a vitamin C supplement regimen.
Doses
The recommended dietary allowance for the vitamin C complex is based largely on age and sex. Adult males -- over the age of 19 -- should consume at least 90 mg of vitamin C per day. Adult females -- over the age of 19 -- need at least 75 mg of vitamin C daily. Adolescents -- males ages 14 to 18 -- should consume at least 75 mg of vitamin C daily. Female adolescents need at least 65 mg daily. Children between the ages of 9 and 13 should consume at least 45 mg of vitamin C. Younger children -- ages 4 to 8 -- need at least 25 mg daily. Children ages 1 to 3 should receive at least 15 mg of vitamin C daily.
Function
Vitamin C complex serves a number of different functions when it comes to your health. According to Oregon State University, vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can be used to boost your immune system and help fight off infections, such as urinary tract infections. Antioxidant properties prevent bacteria from sticking to the walls of your bladder. Vitamin C also contains anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce muscle, tendon, ligament and bone pain and inflammation caused by injury or disease. This vitamin also helps synthesize collagen, which is important in the repair of damaged tendons and muscles. Oregon State University indicates that vitamin C is also involved in the synthesis of cholesterol into bile acids. Vitamin C complex levels might be linked to incidences of gallstones.
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