Ascorbic acid or vitamin C is an essential nutrient for our bodies. When the human body has an insufficient amount of vitamin C present, the disease called scurvy can develop. Scurvy is caused when a lack of fresh plant food is eaten. This disease has been around since ancient times.

Ascorbic acid was finally made synthetically in 1934 and ever since it has been widely used as a food additive. The recommended daily intake of vitamin C is widely debated, but it is thought that 45 to 95 milligrams a day is sufficient for good health although many people propose that mega doses should be taken of upwards to 2000 milligrams daily.

It is undisputed that vitamin C is the most popular vitamin on earth. Aside from taking it to treat the common cold, people regularly take vitamin C with the hopes that will will cure a wide range of ailments. Vitamin C can be found in broccoli, red peppers, currants, brussel sprouts, parsley, potatoes, citrus fruits and strawberries, to name a few.

Vitamin C is essential for a healthy immune system and one is able to take large amounts of it without it building up within the body. The body simply uses what it needs and then eliminates the excess through the urine. Vitamin C protects against infection and safeguards the body against radiation.

Many people do not eat enough vitamin C on a daily basis, but by taking supplements rich in the vitamin a person can easily meet the recommended amount of Vitamin C. There are many proclamations made concerning the ailments that can be treated and even cured with Vitamin C―practically anything, including the common cold, is reputed to being treatable with the proper dosage of Vitamin C. Some of these claims are backed up by studies while others are purely anecdotal.

Vitamin C is a known powerful antioxidant that can protect your body from damage caused by aging and stress. The human brain and other cells are sensitive to damage from oxidative stress, so consuming vitamin C can prevent this damage from occurring. Vitamin C also aides in eliminating lead from the body. People who smoke have higher levels of lead in their bodies than do non-smokers, so vitamin C can assist in getting rid of this toxin.

The U.S. Government says that adult men need 90 milligrams of vitamin C daily while women require 75 milligrams of this essential vitamin on a daily basis.