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vitamin C

   Also found in: Dictionary/thesaurus, Medical, Wikipedia, Hutchinson 0.01 sec.

vitamin C

 or ascorbic acid

Water-soluble organic compound important in animal metabolism. Most animals produce it in their bodies, but humans, other primates, and guinea pigs need it in the diet to prevent scurvy. It is essential in collagen synthesis, wound healing, blood-vessel maintenance, and immunity. Some studies have found a moderate benefit of vitamin C in reducing the duration and severity of the common cold. It works as an antioxidant in the body and is used as a preservative. It is easily destroyed by oxygen. Excellent sources are citrus fruits and fresh vegetables.


vitamin C [′vīd·ə·mən ¦sē]
(biochemistry)


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[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Some 7627 women participating in Women's Antioxidant Cardiovascular Study who were free of cancer were randomly assigned to receive, in double-blind fashion, in a 2 x 2 x 2 factorial design, 500 mg per day of vitamin C, 600 IU of alpha-tocopherol every other day, 50 mg of beta-carotene every other day, or placebo.
Our requirement for vitamin C can also be increased when we are stressed, so it's important to eat plenty of vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables like oranges, peppers and broccoli.
In it, Levin looks at the tomato's role as a provider of vitamin Cs and E, cancer-battling lycopene, betacarotene, potassium, folic acid and other antioxidants.
 
 
 
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