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Basics
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Research
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Summary
Vitamins are substances that your body needs to grow and develop normally. Vitamin C is an antioxidant. It is important for your skin, bones, and connective tissue. It promotes healing and helps the body absorb iron.
Vitamin C comes from fruits and vegetables. Good sources include citrus, red and green peppers, tomatoes, broccoli, and greens. Some juices and cereals have added vitamin C.
Some people may need extra vitamin C:
- Pregnant/breastfeeding women
- Smokers
- People recovering from surgery
- Burn victims
Specifics
- Is It Possible to Take Too Much Vitamin C? (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) Also in Spanish
Clinical Trials
-
ClinicalTrials.gov: Ascorbic Acid
(National Institutes of Health)
Journal Articles References and abstracts from MEDLINE/PubMed (National Library of Medicine)
- Article: Different associations between dietary or supplemental vitamin C intake and HPV...
- Article: Overall and Progression-Free Survival of Patients With Malignant Neoplasm Following Intravenous...
- Article: Vitamin A, C and/or E Intake During Pregnancy and Offspring Respiratory...
- Vitamin C -- see more articles
Find an Expert
- Find a Nutrition Expert (Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics)
- Food and Drug Administration
- Food and Nutrition Information Center
-
National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements
The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health.