1. Vitamin C Organic compound Ascorbic Acid Dehydroascorbic acid (DHA)
Water-soluble vitamin
In food we eat, but our body can not make it.

2. Function of Vitamin C
Vitamin C is required for the growth and repair of tissue.
Is necessary to form collagen.
Prevents scurvy.
Acts as antioxidant.
Reduce formation of nitrosamines.
Vitamin C assists in the synthesis of DNA.
Neurotransmitter – serotonin
Hormone - thyroxine
Vitamin C enhances the absorption of iron.

3. What Happens If We Don’t Consume Enough Vitamin C?
Hemorrhage – is a major symptom
Disease scurvy
Bleeding gums and joints
Loose teeth
Weakness
Hemorrhages around the hair follices of the arms and legs
Wound that fail to heal
Swollen ankles and wrists
Bone pain and fractures
Diarrhea
Depression
Anemia

4. What Happens If We Consume Too Much Vitamin C?
Excess iron absorption
Diarrhea
Kidney stones

5. Vitamin C is found in:

6. Recommended amounts of vitamin C:
Infants and Children
0 - 6 months: 40 milligrams/day (mg/day)
months: 50 mg/day
1 - 3 years: 15 mg/day
4 - 8 years: 25 mg/day
years: 45 mg/day

7. Recommended Amounts Of vitamin C:
Adults
Men age 19 and older: 90 mg/day
Women age 19 year and older: 75 mg/day
Adolescents
Girls years: 65 mg/day
Boys years: 75 mg/day

8. Special Considerations
Individuals who smoke
require an additional 35
mg/d of vitamin C over
that needed by
nonsmokers
Nonsmokers regularly
exposed to tobacco
smoke are encouraged
to ensure they meet the
RDA for vitamin C.

9. Vitamin C Content of Common Food Items
Fresh orange medium
Green pepper, raw medium
Grapefruit ½ medium
Strawberries ½ cup
Broccoli, raw ½ cup
Cantaloupe ½ cup
Potato w/skin, baked medium
Tomato, raw medium
Spinach, cooked ½ cup

10. Interesting Facts
Cooked vegetables contains more of vitamin C than raw vegetables
Kiwis and papayas are twice as rich in vitamin C than oranges
It is also an alkaline solution that can be used as a photographic developing agent.

11. References Health Guide. Vitamin C. The New York Times. 3 Nov. 2009.
Lorvick, Linda. Medline Plus: Vitamin C. A.D.M.A. Inc. 29 Oct
Mosure, Jackie. Department of Human Nutrition and OSU Extension: Vitamin C
(Ascorbic Acid). Nov
Thomson, Janice. Nutrients Involved in Antioxidant Function: Vitamin C. Perarson Education.
Inc.2009