Vitamin C: Do You Get Enough?

Vitamin C: Do You Get Enough?

Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin involved in iron absorption, wound healing and immune health. Vitamin C also acts as an antioxidant in the body, helping protect cells from harmful free radicals. How much vitamin C we need depends on lifestage. Most people in the United States get adequate vitamin C.

To reach vitamin C needs, eat a variety of plant foods, as vitamin C is not found in animal foods.  Food sources of vitamin C include:

• Citrus fruits - orange, grapefruit, lemon, lime

• Other fruit - kiwi, strawberries, cantaloupe, papaya, pineapple

• Vegetables - peppers, tomatoes, broccoli, kale, Brussels sprouts

Vitamin C is also available in supplements, including most multivitamins. Taking vitamin C supplements does not prevent colds but research shows that it may help reduce the length and severity of colds if taken consistently. Talk to your personal practitioner about reaching your vitamin C needs. Take supplements as prescribed by your practitioner. 

References

National Institutes of Health: National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. 5 Tips: Natural Products for the Flu and Colds: What Does the Science Say? Available from: https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/tips/tips-natural-products-for-the-flu-and-colds-what-does-the-science-say

National Institutes of Health: Office of Dietary Supplements. Vitamin C Fact Sheet for Consumers. March 2021. Available from: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminC-Consumer/