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Diet
& Nutrition Vitamin
C
What
is Vitamin C?
Vitamin C (otherwise known as ascorbic
acid) is one of the most important nutrients in human health. First
identified as a cure for scurvy, it is now acknowledged that vitamin C
plays a significant role in the prevention and treatment of many ailments
and health problems including cancer, AIDS, asthma and other chronic
illnesses.
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Function
- Helps the body
cope with physiological and psychological stress
- Assists in the production of
red blood cells and haemaglobin
- Improves absorption of iron
from foods
- Essential for healthy immune
system
- Reduces risk of serious
diseases
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Signs
of deficiency
- Increased risk of infections
- Swollen glands
- Inflamed gums and loosening of
teeth
- Dry mouth
- Loss of hair
- Poor wound healing
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Notes
Easily destroyed by oxidation (exposure to air), heat or an alkaline
environment.
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This page was last updated on 25 October 2006 15:44:42
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