Vitamin C is required for the synthesis of collagen, an important structural component of blood vessels, tendons, ligaments, and bone.

Vitamin C also plays an important role in the synthesis of the neurotransmitter, ‘norepinephrine’, critical to brain function and known to affect mood.

In addition, vitamin C is required for the synthesis of carnitine, a small molecule that is essential for the transport of fat to cellular mitochondria for conversion to energy (2).

Research also suggests that vitamin C is involved in the metabolism of cholesterol to bile acids, which may have implications for blood cholesterol levels and the incidence of gallstones (3).

Vitamin C is a highly effective antioxidant. Even in small amounts vitamin C can protect essential molecules in the body such as proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) from damage by free radicals (reactive oxygen species) that can be generated during normal metabolism as well as through exposure to toxins and pollutants (e.g., smoking). Vitamin C may also be able to regenerate other antioxidants such as vitamin E (2).

 

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), which provides scientific advice to assist policy makers, has confirmed that clear health benefits have been established for the dietary intake of vitamin C in contributing to:

 

• the protection of cell constituents from oxidative damage;
• normal collagen formation and the normal function of bones, teeth, cartilage, gums, skin and blood vessels;
• the increase of non-heme iron absorption;
• the normal function of the nervous system;
• a normal function of the immune system;
• normal energy-yielding metabolism;
• the maintenance of the normal function of the immune system during and after intense physical exercise;
• the regeneration of the reduced form of vitamin E;
• normal psychological functions;
• the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.