Vitamin C and the Collagen Connection

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Human beings need Vitamin C in order to make collagen, an important component of blood vessels, tendons, ligaments and bones.  However, unlike most mammals, humans do not produce Vitamin C which is why important as it is, it should be included in our diet.

Vitamin C is a water soluble vitamin.  Studies have shown that the use of Vitamin C to treat scurvy dated as far back as the 17th century when ship physicians recommended lemon juice to treat patients suffering from the disease.  Sailors began to notice that they got sick with scurvy because of the absence of green, leafy vegetables in their diet at sea.  Which is why the British Navy began giving their crew two oranges and one lemon per day.

Vitamin C is needed to synthesize collagen and neurotransmitters and scurvy is one of the diseases best associated with Vitamin C insufficiency.  Scurvy is characterized by hair and tooth loss, joint pains and swelling.  This is because bones, tendons, blood vessels and tissue need collagen.

The North American Dietary Reference Index requires around 2000 milligrams of Vitamin C per day.  As most food contain Vitamin C, nutritionists report that a well balanced diet without supplementation is enough to protect the body from scurvy.  However, pregnant women, smokers and those under more stress require slightly higher doses.

Perhaps the most famous example for Vitamin C is the orange.  The Kakadu plums native to Australia is the best source of Vitamin C, containing 3100 milligrams and perhaps the most unlikely source being the Red Pepper.

Vitamin C is also found in meat, calf liver being the best choice.  Oysters are also a good source.  Food supplements which contain Vitamin C can also be taken as food supplements.

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