1. Immune Support:
   • Reduces severity and duration of colds (Mayo Clinic).
2. Skin Health:
   • Promotes collagen production, reducing wrinkles and improving skin elasticity (Harvard Medical School).
3. Wound Healing:
   • Accelerates tissue repair and regeneration (BNF).
4. Antioxidant Protection:
   • Reduces oxidative damage linked to chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer (Lange).
5. Iron Absorption:
   • Prevents iron-deficiency anemia by enhancing non-heme iron absorption (Lippincott).

1. Fruits:
   • Citrus fruits (oranges, lemons), strawberries, kiwi, guava.
2. Vegetables:
   • Bell peppers, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, spinach.
3. Fortified Foods:
   • Cereals, juices, and dairy alternatives.

Deficiency can lead to scurvy, characterized by:

• Fatigue and weakness.
• Gum disease and tooth loss.
• Joint and muscle pain.
• Poor wound healing and bruising.
• Anemia and depression (Mayo Clinic).

Risk Factors:

Poor diet, smoking, alcoholism, malabsorption disorders, and chronic illnesses

• Normal: 0.6–2.0 mg/dL (Mayo Clinic).
• Deficiency: <0.2 mg/dL.

1. Oral Tablets/Capsules:
   • 250 mg, 500 mg, 1000 mg.
2. Effervescent Tablets:
   • Dissolve in water for easy consumption.
3. Chewable Tablets:
   • Popular for children.
4. Injections:
   • Used for severe deficiency or malabsorption.

1. Deficiency Treatment:
   • Prevents and treats scurvy (BNF).
2. Immune Support:
   • Reduces cold severity and duration (Harvard Medical School).
3. Wound Healing:
   • Enhances tissue repair in post-surgical or trauma patients (Lange).
4. Antioxidant Therapy:
   • Reduces oxidative stress in chronic diseases (Lippincott).
5. Iron Deficiency Anemia:
   • Improves iron absorption when taken with iron supplements (Mayo Clinic).

Daily Requirements (RDA):

• Adults: 75–90 mg/day (women), 90 mg/day (men).
• Smokers: Additional 35 mg/day.
• Pregnancy/Lactation: 85–120 mg/day.

Deficiency Treatment:

• Adults: 250–500 mg twice daily for 2–4 weeks (BNF).

Administration Tips:

• Take with meals to enhance absorption.
• Avoid excessive doses (>2,000 mg/day) to prevent side effects.

Vitamin C is generally safe but may cause:

• Mild: Diarrhea, nausea, abdominal cramps.
• Severe (High Doses): Kidney stones, iron overload (Lippincott).

• Kidney Disease: Avoid high doses due to oxalate stone risk.
• Iron Overload Disorders: Monitor iron levels (e.g., hemochromatosis).
• Pregnancy: Safe in recommended doses (BNF Category: A).

1. Chemotherapy Drugs:
   • May reduce efficacy of certain agents (e.g., bortezomib).
2. Antacids (Aluminum-containing):
   • Increases aluminum absorption, risking toxicity.
3. Statins:
   • High doses may reduce statin efficacy (Lange).
4. Aspirin:
   • Increases vitamin C excretion, requiring higher intake (Mayo Clinic).

• Ascorbic Acid: Most common form.
• Sodium Ascorbate: Buffered form for sensitive stomachs.

Calcium Ascorbate: Combines calcium with vitamin C.