Vitamin C — functions, amounts and sources

Why people take it

Vitamin C carries one of the broadest sets of permitted wordings under European regulation: normal collagen formation, normal immune function, protection of cells from oxidative stress, reduction of tiredness and improved iron absorption.

In joint formulas it usually appears precisely because of the collagen link: vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of cartilage and bones.

Vitamin C is water-soluble and the body does not keep a reserve of it: part of a single large dose is simply excreted. In practice 500 mg twice a day therefore makes more sense than 1000 mg at once. For a sensitive stomach, buffered forms — ascorbates — are usually tolerated more gently than pure ascorbic acid. Vitamin C also improves the absorption of plant iron, which is why it often appears alongside iron formulas.

Permitted wordings and use

• Contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of cartilage and bones
• Contributes to the normal function of the immune system
• Contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress
• Increases iron absorption

Food sources

Rich sources in Georgia include rosehip, peppers, kiwi, citrus, cabbage and fresh herbs. Note that heat treatment partly destroys vitamin C.