Vitamin C Essential Element of Life

Summary

Vitamic C is one of the most important nutrients which is required for different types of functions in human body. World Health Organitsaion (WHO) recognises it as an important nutrient and has included it in their Model List of Essential Medicines. Vitamin C is known as L-ascorbic acid and is present naturally in many foods. It is also avialble as dietary supplement and was the first to be produced chemically. It is a powerful antioxidant and has a whole lot of benefits which include protection of heart and reducing the bad cholesterol, protects against several cancers by fighting free radicals, neutralizes effects of nitrites, prevents scurvy, providing support to the immune system and many more. Vitamin C is highly soluble in water and excessive intake through supplements can lead to problems such as gastrointestinal discomfort and diarrhoea.