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Vitamin C and HealthVitamin C and Health

Source: MyFoodDiary.com

Vitamin C and Health

Role of Vitamin C

Most people associate vitamin C with boosting the immune system, but its role in health is much more significant. It is involved in protein metabolism and in the biosynthesis of collagen, which makes up the connective tissue of joints. Vitamin C also enhances the absorption of non-heme iron (iron from plant-based foods).

Recommended Intake

The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of vitamin C for adults over the age of 19 is 90 milligrams per day for men and 75 milligrams per day for women. The intake recommendation rises to 85 milligrams per day for pregnant women and 120 milligrams for women who are breastfeeding. Smoking increases the need for vitamin C. Male smokers should increase their intake to 125 milligrams per day, and women smokers need 110 milligrams per day.

Vitamin C & the Common Cold

Through its action as an antioxidant, vitamin C may help fight against diseases. But when it comes to the common cold, results of studies on vitamin C have been mixed. In the general population, regular high doses of vitamin C do not appear to decrease the risk of getting a cold. Some research shows it may reduce the duration of a cold and reduce the severity of symptoms. These results are linked to regular intake of the vitamin. Studies showed that taking vitamin C after the cold symptoms started did not influence the symptoms or duration of the illness.

Sources for Vitamin C

Citrus fruits are often the first sources of vitamin C that come to mind, but it can be found in a variety of fruits and vegetables. Sweet red peppers contain one of the highest levels with 208.8 milligrams in one large pepper. One cup of strawberries provides 89.4 milligrams of vitamin C. A medium navel orange contains 82.7 milligrams. Other sources include kiwifruit, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, tomatoes, and cantaloupe. Some cereals, juices, and fruit drinks are also fortified with vitamin C.

Sources

Lori Rice, M.S., is a nutritional scientist and author with a passion for healthy cooking, exercise physiology, and food photography.
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