This enzyme made it possible to convert glucose to vitamin C. We are therefore dependent on food or supplementation for vitamin C absorption. We have had to experience this for hundreds of years. For example, many sailors died of scurvy because they did not consume enough vitamin C in their diet. As early as 1227, it was recommended that citrus fruits be used to prevent the illness and death of sailors.

It is therefore obvious that vitamin C is necessary for health, but this is of course true of every vitamin. But vitamin C is perhaps the most important of all vitamins. It contributes to over 300 vital biological processes in the body. It has an unprecedented antioxidant function, which is essential for maintaining healthy cells, tissues and our immune system, among other things. You can read about some of the important functions of vitamin C below:

• Helps to protect our (healthy) cells [SOURCE]


• Supports bone formation and maintains strong bones [SOURCE]


• Building and maintaining strong teeth [SOURCE]


• Ensures good resistance and functioning of the immune system [SOURCE]


• Reducing fatigue and increasing energy [SOURCE]


• Positive effect on our nervous system [SOURCE]


• Cares for the skin from within [SOURCE]

A vitamin C deficiency leads to the aforementioned 'scurvy'. Fortunately, this is a disease that occurs only very rarely worldwide. Symptoms include bad gums, aching arms and legs and even internal bleeding. To prevent scurvy, 75mg of vitamin C per day is recommended. This is very little (for example: 1 orange and pepper), so a vitamin C deficiency rarely occurs.

So this amount prevents cracking, but it doesn't really say anything about what amount is optimal for our bodies. However, many studies show that we need a daily intake of 1000mg for vitamin C to work fully and effectively. Some research suggests you need even more, but the general consensus is that you need around 500-1000mg to benefit from the important functions of vitamin C.

Surprisingly, however, they do not contain as much vitamin C in relative terms. For example, kiwis and peppers contain up to three times as much vitamin C as oranges. Vitamin C is also found in many everyday products such as strawberries, cabbage, potatoes and berries. If you want a higher dose of vitamin C - which as discussed has many advantages - then this is not impossible but more difficult to achieve with normal diet.

Because of our western way of agriculture, the soil is not nearly as good as it used to be. In addition, fruit and vegetables are often produced in an unnatural way. As a result, fruit and vegetables contain far fewer vitamins than they did 50 or 100 years ago. But the biggest problem is how we get our food. Because of globalisation, our food is almost always picked unripe. As a result, all the necessary nutrients cannot yet be found in the fruit. Fruit is then stored for long periods, which reduces the amount of vitamins even further. This is because they are lost to heat, light and oxygen. So if you want to get enough vitamin C (which is especially essential in autumn and winter), you have to take supplements to guarantee this.