Vitamin C is involved in numerous redox reactions as an antioxidant and cofactor, thus influencing numerous processes in the human body, such as energy metabolism and the immune system, and providing antioxidative protection to cells. It is also involved in the formation of collagen, the structural protein found in skin, cartilage, bones and blood vessels, as well as in the synthesis of hormones.
High concentrations of vitamin C are found naturally in fresh fruits, vegetables and berries such as camu camu, sea buckthorn berry, acerola cherry, rosehip, black currant, kale, parsley, kiwis and citrus fruits, among others.
The role of vitamin C in the body remains an active area of research. Almost every year, new mechanisms of action are discovered for this fascinating vitamin. The following statements regarding vitamin C are provided by the EU:
According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA):
Vitamin C contributes to:
- The reduction of tiredness and fatigue
- Normal mental function
- The regeneration of the reduced form of vitamin E
- Normal energy metabolism
- Normal immune system function
- The normal function of the nervous system
- Protecting cells against oxidative stress
- Normal collagen formation for normal blood vessel function
- Normal collagen formation for normal bone function
- Normal collagen formation for normal cartilage function
- Normal collagen formation for normal dental function
- Normal collagen formation for normal gum function
- Normal collagen formation for normal skin function
- Increasing iron absorption
- Maintaining normal immune system function both during and after intense physical activity
