vitamin c (also called ascorbic acid) is an antioxidant that helps protect the body against free radicals, which can cause damage to cells and tissues. In addition, it can help reduce inflammation in the body and improve wound healing.

It is important to get enough vitamin C from food, especially fruits and vegetables. The nutrient is also found in dairy products, meat, and poultry.

In some people, a condition called scurvy can develop if they don't get enough vitamin C. This condition can lead to weakness and bleeding gums. It can also result in poor wound healing.

Most people can get enough vitamin C through their diet. It's best to get a variety of foods and drink plenty of water. You can also take a dietary supplement to increase your intake of this nutrient.

A number of studies have linked higher vitamin C intakes with a reduced risk of developing certain types of cancer, including breast and lung tumors. It appears that vitamin C can limit the growth of these tumors by limiting their ability to make chemicals known as carcinogens and by inhibiting the development of cancer-causing enzymes in the body.

Taking large doses of vitamin C over the long term may also increase your risk of kidney problems, although this is rare. If you have a condition like hereditary hemochromatosis that affects your iron absorption, you should talk to your doctor before you start taking a high-dose vitamin C supplement.

The vitamin can also interfere with the results of some medical tests, such as stool tests for occult blood or glucose screening tests. In some cases, it can also reduce the effectiveness of drugs used for chemotherapy or estrogen replacement therapy.

It can also lower the effectiveness of antiviral medications, such as those used to treat hepatitis B or HIV. This can be dangerous for some people with heart disease or diabetes.

Some doctors recommend taking a high-dose of vitamin C when you have a cold or the flu, because it can help prevent some complications. It can also decrease the length of time you are sick and the severity of your symptoms.

Vitamin C is an important nutrient that is essential for the normal function of the body's tissues and organs. It is found in many foods, especially citrus fruits and berries. It is also available as a dietary supplement, often in the form of capsules and chewable tablets.

The recommended daily allowance is 90 milligrams for adults and 75 mg for children. It's important to get enough vitamin C from your diet, because you can't produce it on your own. It's also important to discuss vitamin C with your health care provider before taking any dietary supplements, because you can't know whether they will interact with your other medications.

Several studies have found that people who get lots of vitamin C from their diet have lower levels of cholesterol. This is because vitamin C helps the liver make bile, which removes cholesterol from the blood.