Download PDF Copy By Ratan-NM, M. Pharm.Reviewed by Dr. Jennifer Logan, MD, MPHSkip to:What is Vitamin C?Why do we need vitamin C?Vitamin C daily requirementsCan you ever take too much vitamin C?What is Vitamin C?Vitamin C or ascorbic acid is a water-soluble vitamin present in fruits and vegetables. It is also available as a dietary supplement. Vitamin C is an essential dietary component - human beings are unable to produce vitamin C in their body, hence it should be included in the diet every day.Image Credit: IRA_EVVA / ShutterstockWhy do we need vitamin C?Vitamin C plays a key role in the maintenance of a healthy skin in humans. It does so by preventing the auto-inactivation of lysyl and prolyl hydroxylase – two main enzymes involved in collagen biosynthesis. Collagen also plays a vital role in wound healing.Vitamin C is a cofactor in the biosynthesis of L- carnitine – an important molecule required for the metabolism of fatty acids. It is also required for biosynthesis of neurotran...
