Vitamin C is vital for a number of processes in the body. It assists in the production of collagen, which helps wounds heal. It also helps the immune system work more efficiently to protect from disease.

The recommended daily amount depends on a person’s age, with more needed for children as they grow older. The recommendation for adult men (90 milligrams) is a bit more than that for women (75 milligrams). Women who are pregnant or are breastfeeding need more vitamin C.

Fruits and vegetables are the best sources. Most multivitamins contain vitamin C, usually in the form of ascorbic acid. It comes in other forms, such as sodium ascorbate, calcium ascorbate and others, though research has not shown that any of these forms of vitamin C is superior.

Vitamin C can interact or interfere with some medicines. Share with your healthcare provider or pharmacist your complete medication list and include all dietary supplements you are taking.

Source: The National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements

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