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URL of this page: https://medlineplus.gov/vitaminc.html
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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
- Facts about Vitamin C (University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences) - PDF
- Too Much Vitamin C: Is It Harmful? (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) Also in Spanish
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Vitamin C
(National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements)
Also in Spanish
- Vitamin C (Harvard School of Public Health)
Clinical Trials
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ClinicalTrials.gov: Ascorbic Acid
(National Institutes of Health)
Journal Articles References and abstracts from MEDLINE/PubMed (National Library of Medicine)
Find an Expert
- Find a Nutrition Expert (Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics)
- Food and Drug Administration
- Food and Nutrition Information Center
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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.