What are the functions of Vitamin C?

Definition

Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that is necessary for normal growth and development.
Water-soluble vitamins dissolve in water. Leftover amounts of the vitamin leave the body through the urine. That means you need a continuous supply of such vitamins in your diet.  

 

Alternative Names

Ascorbic acid  

 

Function

Vitamin C is required for the growth and repair of tissues in all parts of your body. It is necessary to form collagen, an important protein used to make skin, scar tissue, tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels. Vitamin C is essential for the healing of wounds, and for the repair and maintenance of cartilage, bones, and teeth.



Vitamin C is a water soluble versatile vitamin.
It plays an important role in human health and disease.
Most of its functions are related to its property to undergo reversible oxidation- reduction reactions.
It is necesary for the maintenance of normal connective tissue and wound healing processes.
It is required for bone formation.
It plays an important role in iron and hemoglobin metabolism.
It has role in the metabolisms of tryptophan, tyrosine, folic acid.
It plays in the synthesis of peptide hormones and corticosteroid hormones.
It has sparing actions of other vitamins like A,E,some B- complexes.
It enhances the synthesis of immunoglobulins and increases the rate of phagocytosis.
It has preventive action on chronic diseases like cancer, cataracts, and coronary heart diseases.

Vitamin C (absorbic acid) is a water-soluble vitamin which is used to form collagen in bones, teeth, cartilage, muscle and blood vessels and aids the absorption of iron you get it from fruits and vegetables, particularly citrus fruits. Too much can be harmful though.
Healing wounds

i.e. the synthesis of collagen in the body; that makes up fibrous connective tissue and tendons
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) has several functions, it prevents scurvy and strengthens the immune system and apparently can extend lifespan by up to 20% in mice.