Vitamin C For my topic, I chose to write an article on ascorbic acid, or as Vitamin C is widely known, a micronutrient. I chose to explore this nutrient and its benefits, as well as how it is obtained to help regulate body functions. It will also include some aspects of the absence of this vitamin in the body. Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin and is necessary to promote growth in the body. It is also one of the suppliers of antioxidants found in nutrients that the body uses to block free radicals (Medline plus 2013). Vitamin C is an important nutrient that helps support normal body functions along with other nutrients to help the body function as it should. it should. Vitamin C is in fact a water-soluble vitamin and therefore can be dissolved in water. The body uses vitamin C to form proteins that make up blood vessels, skin tissues, strong bones and help the body's immune system. It is a necessary nutrient because it cannot be produced by the body or stored in the body. To get the recommended daily amount, you need to include it in your daily diet by consuming adequate foods rich in this nutrient. Because vitamin C is an antioxidant, it is known to help protect against damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are atoms with an odd number of electrons and are capable of damaging other important cells. (ODS 2013) Our bodies use antioxidants in the foods we eat to help eliminate these free radicals. Since vitamin C is a form of antioxidant, it helps reduce the amount of free radicals in our body. Thus helping the body to limit the amount of free radicals and allowing our body to maintain a healthy level of this nutrient. Not only does it strengthen our immune system, it connects......middle of paper......tamin C by eating fruits and vegetables. However there are some supplements usually multivitamins that can be taken to get your daily amount of nutrients in one dose. In addition to supplements, vitamin C can also be acquired by drinking juices or certain foods fortified with the vitamin to obtain the required amount. Bottled orange juice is one of the fortified ones and most commonly used to get vitamin C. Pregnant or breastfeeding women and people whose needs are greater are usually taken with supplements to provide the nutrient. Just eat the right amount of fruits and vegetables to ensure the recommended amount. Works CitedMedline Plus www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus December 4, 2013Nutrition: Science and Applications; 3rd edition Lori A. Smolin, Mary B. GrosvenerDecember 4, 2013Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) www.ods.od.nih.gov December 4, 2013