Vitamin C, also called ascorbic acid, maintains the
ligaments, tendons, and other supportive tissue. It is found
in fruits and in potatoes. Because it's an antioxidant it
helps regulate your blood cells, keeping blood cells from
becoming deformed from the toxics in the air, which in some
cases can cause cancer.

The best function of vitamin C is the formation of collagen,
a protein substance that keeps the cell together. Vitamin C
enhances the absorption of iron. It is needed for buoyant
health, vitality and endurance. It keeps your skin clear,
with a fresh complexion and healthy gums and teeth. It is
very important for the functions of all glands and organs.
This vitamin maintains the bones and proper functioning of
the adrenal and thyroid glands. It promotes healing and
protects against all forms of stress - physical and mental.

So what happens if you don't take enough vitamin c? If you
become deficiency of vitamin C you will have soft gums, skin
haemorrhages, capillary weakness, deterioration in collagen,
anaemia, and slow healing of sores and wounds. You will see
yourself aging faster, thyroid insufficiency, and your
resistance to all infections will be very low. Its
deficiency enhances the toxic effect of drugs and
environmental poisons. Mild deficiencies of vitamin C may
appear in the form of lassitude, fatigue, anorexia, muscular
pain, and greater susceptibility to infection. Long
deficiency may cause scurvy, which is very dangerous.

Scurvy is a disease that results from insufficient intake of
vitamin C. This can leads to formation of livid spots on the
skin, soft spongy gums and bleeding from mucous membranes. A
quote from Enchanted learning.com, ?Many sailors on long
trips got scurvy, which at first debilitates and then kills
the victim. When the cause of scurvy was determined to be a
dietary deficiency, limes and other foods high in vitamin C
were brought on long sea journeys, putting an end to the
problem of scurvy. Bringing limes aboard is why sailors used
to be called "limeys."

You can find vitamin c in fruits and vegetables. But most
food fall short or loose their source when it is cooked. To
get the full benefits you will have to eat fresh fruit and
vegetables. Taking vitamin c supplements is also another
great way, taking a supplement can help you get the require
amount you need everyday.