Medical Term

vitamin C

also: c

a VITAMIN that is essential in maintaining CELL walls and CONNECTIVE TISSUE and a deficiency of which leads to fragility of TENDONS , BLOOD VESSELS and SKIN , all characteristic of SCURVY . The presence of ascorbic acid is believed to assist the uptake of iron during DIGESTION .

Vitamins are substances that your body needs to grow and develop normally. Vitamin C is an antioxidant. It is important for your skin, bones, and connective tissue. It promotes healing and helps the body absorb iron.

Vitamin C comes from fruits and vegetables. Good sources include citrus, red and green peppers, tomatoes, broccoli, and greens. Some juices and cereals have added vitamin C.

Some people may need extra vitamin C:

Pregnant/breastfeeding women
Smokers
People recovering from surgery
Burn victims

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vitamin C

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