Dietary Sources, Bioavailability, and Functions of Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) and Its Role in the Common Cold, Tissue Healing, and Iron Metabolism
Harshit R Bhoot, Udit M Zamwar, Swarupa Chakole, Ashish Anjankar
Abstract
Ascorbic acid is also popularly known as vitamin C or ascorbate. It is a water-soluble vitamin. Ascorbic acid is necessary for bone formation, wound healing, connective tissue growth, and the maintenance of healthy gum tissue. Antioxidants like ascorbic acid shield the body from free radical damage. In many illnesses and conditions, vitamin C is employed as a medicinal agent. It improves the immunity of the body, reduces the severity of allergies, and aids in the management of infectious disorders. Additionally, ascorbic acid has health benefits for conditions including atherosclerosis, cancer, the common cold, iron deficiency anemia, etc. Therefore, continuous efforts may open new avenues to understand the importance of vitamin C in managing various diseases.