There are some nutrients that are crucial for our body to be healthy, but our body cannot naturally synthesize them, which leaves the needs for them to be taken externally to fulfill the body’s nutritional requirement of these substances. Known as “Vitamins” these substances have various functions to perform around the body and play a significant role in the maintenance of homeostasis throughout an organism. One of the most important of these substances is considered to be vitamin-C due to its various benefits.

The effects of Vitamin-C deficiency

It is a key ingredient in the formation of collagen (a naturally occurring protein) this protein is responsible for muscle growth, strength and stability, if vitamin c is deficient then collagen will not be able to perform its function properly. A disease known as scurvy is caused. This leads to the formation of brown spots all over the body which are concentrated in the leg area, as the condition progresses it results in the muscles not being able to function properly and losing their firm texture, to give off a spongier feel. Severe cases of the condition can also lead to bleeding of the mucous tracts and other gums. As the seriousness of the deficiency increases the deficient person will start to lose teeth by falling because the gums will be too weak to hold on to them. Vitamin C being a major constituent of bone-marrow also contributes to the reproductive system indirectly.

How to deal with it?

The easiest way of taking in only the right and required amount of Vitamin C is through supplements because they are formulated to deliver only the prescribed amount per dosage so you don’t overdo it by taking unwanted quantities of the vitamin, the fact that it is a water soluble vitamin means that it isn’t stored by the body either. The supplements known as multivitamins are carefully formulated with the external nutrients required by the body which are not normally found in a person’s diet and are required for proper functioning of the body.

Types of vitamin C

The effects and the type of vitamin C required by a person may vary according to their medical condition, here a few types of vitamin C.

1. Ascorbic Acid: This is vitamin C in its purest form as it is available in a variety of citrus fruits, but this is not recommended for people with a sensitive skin and gums that scratch easily.
2. Ascorbyl Palmitate: This type is a favorite of cosmetic manufacturers because it’s found to be less acidic then the other types.
3. Tetra substituted lipohilic ascorbates: these are probably the forms of vitamin C that you will start to see in the very near future. Cheaper than some of the other, they also may have the same effects on collagen production as vitamin C. This type is gaining popularity as an ingredient in multivitamins.

A summary of what Vitamin C can do for your skin

It is a well known fact that Vitamin C is the base of marketing of many cosmetic and skin care products so here are a few things Vitamin C really does for the skin!

1. It’s a moisturizer
2. Anti aging agent because it helps reduce wrinkles and to some extent brings back your youth
3. It is used as an exfoliating and cleansing agent, used by beauty salons in facials for this purpose
4. It softens the facial skin.

The recommended requirements by the RDA for an average adult is about 75 to 90 mg a day, this amount can vary depending on your health and your regular diet so it is advised to consult your physician before the use of any vitamin c supplement.