Can The Body Store Vitamin C

Can The Body Store Vitamin C ?

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, was discovered in 1932. It existence has been known, though not as vitamin C for several hundred years because of the influence it had on the disease known as scurvy.

Partly by accident and partly due to partaking of native remedies, early sailors discovered that certain types of plant foods when consumed staved off the effects of scurvy.

But in the interim it is estimated that over 2 million sailors succumbed to scurvy in the 300 years from 1500 to 1800. Much later the British Navy realizing the beneficial effects, started carrying limes and lemons on board their ships and issued a daily ration to sailors.

Vitamin C, a water soluble vitamin, is arguably the best known of all vitamins. Most animals are able to synthesize vitamin C within their body except man, guinea pigs and other primates.

The main functions of Vitamin C are as follows:

It stimulates the immune system and creates a defense mechanism against infections such as the common cold.
It vastly enhances the ability of the body to absorb iron.
It inhibits histamines that are released during allergic reactions.
In combination with zinc it aids rapid healing of wounds.
It prevents hemorrhaging and bleeding of the gums and preserves the health of the teeth.
It is a potent antioxidant that can neutralize toxins, pollutants and harmful free radicals.
It is a critical factor in eye health and staves off ocular degeneration.
It helps synthesize collagen the structural cement in vascular tissues, ligaments, muscles and tendons

Vitamin C is generally available in most fruit and vegetables. So, can the body store vitamin C? Like other water based vitamins, the body has a limited ability to store and retain vitamin C. The average storage capacity is 20 mg/kg of body weight.

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