What Are the Benefits of Vitamin C?

by Katrina Josey

Overview

Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin. This means the body cannot store excess vitamin C, so it's important to get it regularly through diet and/or supplements. Vitamin C sometimes appears on food labels as "ascorbic acid." There are many reasons to make sure to get enough of this vitamin in the diet.
Immune System Function

Vitamin C helps the body fight off illnesses such as the common cold and the flu.

Skin and Teeth

The body needs vitamin C to make skin and teeth.
Anti-Aging Properties

Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps the body prevent signs of aging.
Healing

Vitamin C helps the body to repair itself after it is wounded.
Long-Term Illnesses

Vitamin C fights the free radicals that cause cancer and chronic inflammatory conditions such as arthritis.