Vitamin C

Product Introduction in English

Product Name: Vitamin C

1. Product Overview
Vitamin C, chemically known as L-ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble essential vitamin that cannot be synthesized by the human body. It acts as a potent antioxidant and a cofactor for numerous crucial enzymes. It is vital for collagen synthesis, immune function, iron absorption, and neurotransmitter production.

2. Key Characteristics & Functions

• Antioxidant Activity: Effectively neutralizes free radicals, protecting cells from oxidative damage, which may help slow aging and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

• Collagen Synthesis: An essential cofactor for collagen production, crucial for maintaining the health of skin, blood vessels, bones, gums, and for wound healing.

• Immune Enhancement: Supports the function of white blood cells (immune cells) and helps maintain the integrity of the skin and mucosal barriers, the first line of defense against infection.

• Iron Absorption Enhancement: Converts non-heme iron (from plant foods) into a more absorbable form, effectively preventing iron-deficiency anemia.

• Ancillary Functions: Involved in synthesizing neurotransmitters (e.g., norepinephrine) and carnitine, and plays a role in cholesterol metabolism.

3. Primary Sources & Applications

• Natural Food Sources: Primarily found in fresh fruits and vegetables, such as sea buckthorn, fresh jujube, kiwi, citrus fruits (oranges, lemons), strawberries, bell peppers, broccoli, and tomatoes.

• Food Industry Application:

  • Nutritional Fortifier: Added to fruit juices, beverages, infant foods, and cereals to boost nutrient content.

  • Food Additive: Used as an antioxidant to prevent oxidative spoilage and browning in processed foods (e.g., meat products, canned goods, fats); and as an acidity regulator to provide a sour taste.

• Dietary Supplements: Widely available as vitamin C tablets, effervescent tablets, capsules, chewables, liquids, and injectables, used for daily health maintenance, immune support, or during periods of illness like the common cold.

• Skincare & Pharmaceuticals: Used as an antioxidant and brightening ingredient in serums, creams, etc.; high-dose intravenous infusions are used for specific medical support (e.g., severe infections, post-surgery recovery).

4. Safety & Dosage

• Recommended Intake: The recommended daily intake for Chinese adults is 100 mg. The suggested intake for preventing non-communicable chronic diseases is 200 mg per day.

• Deficiency: Prolonged severe deficiency leads to scurvy, characterized by fatigue, gum bleeding, joint pain, poor wound healing, and subcutaneous hemorrhage.

• Tolerance & Toxicity: Vitamin C has very low toxicity. Excessive intake (typically >2000 mg/day) may cause gastrointestinal discomfort like diarrhea and bloating. Being water-soluble, excess amounts are excreted in urine, but chronic megadoses may increase the risk of kidney stones, especially in predisposed individuals.