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Vitamin C
Shop Vitamin C at Holland & Barrett
Recommended levels of vitamin C in the body support a fully-functioning immune system, healthy skin and strong blood vessels. Vitamin C contributes to the normal function of the immune system as well as normal energy yielding metabolism and the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. This useful vitamin also supports the normal formation of collagen for the maintenance of health for bones, cartilage, gums, teeth and skin. Stocking-up on your vitamin C supplements couldn't be easier at Holland & Barrett. Check out our vitamin C caplets and chewable vitamin C tablets, to easy-to-take vitamin C effervescent tablets and vitamin C powder.
What is vitamin C?
Vitamin C is also known as ascorbic acid and can be found in many types of fruits (particularly citrus-based ones) and vegetables. It's an essential vitamin that helps keep your body functioning as it should. Vitamin C can't be stored or made in the body, so a daily diet of fruit and vegetables is needed. If you're worried that you're not getting enough vitamin C in your daily diet, you could benefit from a vitamin C supplement.
What are the benefits of vitamin C?
Healthy levels of the powerful antioxidant vitamin C in the body carries the following benefits:
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Vitamin C supports normal energy yielding metabolism: the way our bodies process foods and drinks we consume and how it absorbs nutrients and energy from them is very important and vitamin C supports this function.
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Vitamin C contributes to normal psychological function.
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Vitamin C contributes to the normal function of the immune system: the immune system plays a big part in lots of bodily processes, from the way we move to the way we think, and vitamin C is essential to keep it in good condition.
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Vitamin C also supports the normal formation of collagen: collagen is essential for the maintenance of health for bones, cartilage, gums, teeth and skin and vitamin C helps the body make collagen.
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Vitamin C can contribute to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue: feeling tired for no good reason can really hinder everyday life and activities. Vitamin C helps your body to stave off fatigue and tiredness.
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Vitamin C helps with the regeneration of the reduced form of vitamin E.
Vitamin C foods
The famous Vitamin C VIPs - oranges and citrus fruits - aren't the only foods high in vitamin C. Here's a list of the most vitamin C-rich foods:
- Kakadu plum (100 x more vitamin C than an orange!)
- Acerola cherries
- Rose hips
- Chilli peppers
- Guavas
- Sweet yellow peppers
- Blackcurrants
- Thyme
- Parsley
- Mustard spinach
- Kale
- Kiwis
- Broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
- Lemons
- Lychees
- American persimmons
- Papayas
- Strawberries
- Oranges
At Holland & Barrett, we have all sorts of vitamin C products from, chewable vitamin C tablets to, vitamin C caplets and, vitamin C powder have a look and see which one would suit you and your lifestyle best!
Along with vitamin C you may also find vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin D and vitamin E supplements beneficial.
FAQs
What is vitamin C?
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is an essential vitamin. This means that your body cannot produce it or store it and so you need to find enough vitamin C food sources each day or, if you cannot get enough in your diet, take an additional supplement.
This water-soluble vitamin is found in fruit, such as lemons, oranges, kiwi and strawberries as well as in vegetables, including peppers, kale and spinach.
What do we need vitamin C for?
Vitamin C is vital for our bodies. It helps to protect our cells and keep them healthy and functioning properly.
It also helps us to maintain healthy bones, skin, blood vessels and cartilage.
A lack of vitamin C can lead to fatigue, poor skin, weak bones, bleeding gums and low immunity, so you will get sick more easily. A severe vitamin C deficiency can cause scurvy, although this is rare.
If you are concerned that you may not be getting enough vitamin C in your diet, vitamin C tablets are a simple solution to topping up your supplies.
Which vitamin C supplement should I choose?
A wide variety of vitamin C supplements are available, including vitamin C capsules, effervescent tablets and even vitamin C powder, which can be mixed into water or juice.
Powders and effervescent tablets are usually flavoured to make them more palatable and so these are ideal for those people who find it hard to swallow tablets or find that they leave an unpleasant, lasting taste.
All of these vitamin forms are effective - the best vitamin C is the one that you find easiest to take, ensuring you get your daily dose.
What are vitamin C tablets good for?
Many people take vitamin C supplements to help maintain good immunity, especially during Autumn and Winter months.
Vitamin C is also a useful supplement for those with anaemia. This is because it can aid the body’s ability to absorb iron.
Vitamin C supplements can be particularly useful for vegans and vegetarians who are often limited in their available sources of iron and therefore need to make the most of every mg.
Should I take vitamin C tablets for skin health?
Many people choose vitamin C for skin because it is closely linked to the production of collagen.
Collagen is what gives our skin its elasticity, helping it to stay smooth and wrinkle-free for longer.
Vitamin C is also an antioxidant, helping the body to stand up to the free radical damage.
Why vitamin C with zinc?
Vitamin C and zinc have many functions in common. Both are involved in immunity, the maintenance of healthy skin and bones.
Taking zinc alongside vitamin C can help to maximise the benefits of taking a supplement.
How much vitamin C do I need?
Most people do not need to take more than 1000mg of vitamin C per day.
Taking more vitamin C than recommended can cause side effects, including stomach cramps and diarrhoea.
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