Vitamin C is touted for many potential health benefits, including boosting immunity, improving heart health, and bolstering iron absorption. It's essential for tissue growth, development, and repair. As an antioxidant, it may help protect cells from free radicals—unstable molecules that damage cells.
However, its benefits for specific diseases and conditions remain unproven. That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says. When choosing a supplement , look for independently tested products and consult a healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist RD or RDN , or pharmacist. Vitamin C, or L-ascorbic acid, is an essential nutrient. The body can't manufacture it, relying instead on vitamin C—rich foods such as berries, broccoli, cabbage, citrus fruits , kiwi , oranges , peppers, and tomatoes.
In addition, vitamin C supplements are available as capsules, chewable tablets, and powder. Research shows vitamin C has many general health benefits. However, the science is inconclusive on using vitamin C to treat or prevent specific health conditions.
Supplement use should be individualized and vetted by a healthcare professional, such as a registered dietitian, pharmacist, or healthcare provider.
No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Even so, there's scant evidence to support most claims about vitamin C. What researchers have learned is that vitamin C appears to play a lot of important roles in your body. The most beneficial aspect may be its antioxidant activity.
