Ascorbic acid -- or vitamin C -- plays an important role in your health. According to "The Vitamin Book," vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps to maintain the health of your immune system, fight off infection, aid in the healing process and in the production of collagen -- which is essential in the health of tendons, blood vessels and skin. Vitamin C is not made by the body, but you can get enough vitamin C through maintaining a healthy, well-balanced diet and keeping track of vitamin C content in foods.
Measuring Ascorbic Acid Content
Step 1
Know the sources of vitamin C. Vitamin C can be found in oranges, orange juice, broccoli, red pepper, green pepper, tomatoes, potatoes, lemons, cantaloupe and citrus fruits.
Step 2
Receive the recommended daily allowance -- or RDA -- of vitamin C. The National Institutes of Health indicates men over the age of 19 should consume 90 mg/day, while females should consume 75 mg/day.
Step 3
Follow a healthy, well-balanced diet. Most individuals are able to receive enough ascorbic acid through a healthy diet. Use a diet full of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats and low-fat dairy products.
Step 4
Read food labels. Food labels will include vitamin C content.
Step 5
Take a vitamin C supplement. A supplement will allow you to know precisely how much vitamin C is in each capsule.
Step 6
Keep a journal. Write down the foods and supplements you consume along with their ascorbic acid content to keep track of the amount of vitamin C you consume daily.
Science Project
Step 1
Dissolve 1 tbsp. of cornstarch in a small pan. Add enough water to turn the cornstarch into paste. Boil the cornstarch. Then add 250 mL of cold water to the solution and mix it thoroughly over medium to high heat. Reduce the heat to a simmer setting and allow the solution to simmer for five minutes. Remove the pan from the stove and allow the solution to cool for five minutes.
Step 2
Dilute the solution. Add 10 drops of 2 percent iodine solution to the cornstarch solution. The cornstarch solution should turn a dark purple color.
Step 3
Test for ascorbic acid. Add 2 to 5 mL of your cornstarch and iodine solution to a test tube and add one to 15 drops of a fruit juice -- such as orange juice -- to the test tube. The lighter the solution turns, the more vitamin C the juice contains.
Tips and Warnings
- Talk to your doctor prior to beginning a vitamin C supplement.
- Do not exceed 2,000 mg/day of vitamin C. While rare, an overdose on vitamin C can lead to an upset stomach and diarrhea.
Things You'll Need
- Journal
- Saucepan
- Cornstarch
- Iodine
- Test tube
- Fruit juice
References
- "The Vitamin Book"; Harold M. Silverman, Joseph Romano and Gary Elmer; 2003
- National Institutes of Health: Vitamin C
- ScienceMadeSimple.com: Science Projects About Nutrition and Health
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