• Antioxidant -- Many of the effects of vitamin C can be attributed to its antioxidant effects. As an antioxidant, vitamin C helps prevent the formation of free radicals, damaging molecules or atoms that can start a chain reaction of cellular damage. Free radicals play a role in various age-related conditions, such as cancer and heart disease.
   
• Immune function -- There are numerous different proposed mechanisms by which vitamin C may improve immune function. At this time, it is not entirely clear how vitamin C stimulates the immune system.
   
• Iron absorption -- Vitamin C aids in the absorption of iron from the digestive tract into the body.
   
• Various metabolic pathways and synthesis processes -- Vitamin C is important for many different crucial processes in the body, including forming cartilage and proteins and building or breaking down numerous other compounds or tissues in the body.