Benefits of Vitamin C

While vitamin C appears to have several health benefits, many of these claims have little or no supporting scientific evidence. Vitamin C is claimed to be helpful for conditions such as the common cold, arthritis, asthma, and allergies. There may also be vitamin C benefits for children, as long as the vitamin is taken in moderate amounts.

What Are the Benefits of Vitamin C?

 Vitamin C is often claimed to provide a wide variety of health benefits (when taken by mouth). It is also claimed to provide numerous cosmetic benefits (when applied to the skin or taken by mouth). Sometimes vitamin C is claimed to be beneficial for the following uses:
 

 

 

 

    • Protection from sun damage
    • Wrinkle reduction.

 

Many of the claimed health benefits of vitamin C have little or no supporting scientific evidence in their favor (see Does Vitamin C Work? for more information). Generally, the most benefit is seen in people who have a vitamin C deficiency. Vitamin C supplementation is probably less beneficial for people who already have an adequate intake of vitamin C. Many foods naturally contain vitamin C, and vitamin C is added to many foods and beverages as well.
 

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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;
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