Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)

Vitamin C plays a lead role in a variety of important biological functions including the;

• development and maintenance of connective tissue
• development of new blood vessels during wound healing
• synthesis of hormones and other body chemicals 
• regulation of the immune system 

It is also known for it's powerful antioxidant properties, helping to neutralise the damaging effects of free radicals within the body, and may also have a role to play in protecting against the development of heart disease and certain cancers. 

Low vitamin C levels may be attributable to;

• Smoking (smokers have an increased turnover of the vitamin)
• Alcohol consumption 
• Pollution
• Stress
• Low fruit and vegetable intake
• Malabsorption

The following symptoms may be indicative of vitamin C deficiency;

• Frequent colds
• Bleeding or tender gums
• Easy bruising
• Nose bleeds
• Slow wound healing
• Red pimples on the skin
• Low energy
• Scurvy

Toxicity is a rarity in water-soluble vitamins as excesses are readily excreted from the body.