Scurvy in sailors

Vitamin C - Ascorbate Acid

Vitamin C Ascorbate Acid
molecular structure

Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin.

It is linked to growth and maintenance of all body tissues. It cannot be stored in the body and is excreted in the urine in within two to four hours.

One of vitamin C's most important roles is in the production of collagen. Collagen a key cellular component of connective tissues, muscles, tendons, bones, teeth and skin. Collagen is also required for the repair of blood vessels, bruises, and broken bones.

An interesting side note is humans cannot produce vitamin C. It must be contained in the diet. Besides humans only apes and guinea pigs are unable to produce vitamin C.

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