Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps protection against infection and iron absorption. It maintains prolyl hydroxylase in an active form by preserving its iron atom in the reduced Fe2+ state, and it keeps collagen in a sufficiently hydroxylated form preventing skin lesions and blood vessel fragility that are so prominent in scurvy.
When vitamin C is digested, it becomes a water-soluble antioxidant. Vitamin C is called an antioxidant because, by donating its electrons, it prevents other compounds from being oxidized. Vitamin C is one of the potent reducing agents and scavenger of free radicals in biological systems, working as a scavenger of oxidizing free radicals and harmful oxygen-derived species, such as hydroxyl radical, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and singlet oxygen.
Free radicals are molecules located in the body which are highly reactive, and known for causing tissue damage. Free radicals are made when human body breaks down food or when the body are exposed to tobacco smoke or radiation. The buildup of free radicals over time is largely responsible for the aging process. Free radicals may play a role in cancer, heart disease, and conditions like arthritis.
It is thought that a shortage of antioxidants could cause, or assist in causing, Alzheimer's disease, cancer, cardiovascular disease, cataracts, diabetes, hypertension, infertility, macular degeneration (eye lens degeneration), measles, mental illness, periodontal disease, respiratory tract infection, as well as rheumatoid arthritis.
Vitamin C is an antioxidant and natural rejuvenator and also helps the formation of collagen. Together with vitamin E make up a real beauty treatment for the skin.
Vitamin C is an antioxidant
