The amount of free radicals increases when the body is exposed to stress, for example during illness, smoking or during hard physical work, which can cause damage to the body's cells, proteins and genetic material. The antioxidant vitamin C protects the body by neutralizing the reactive oxygen compounds.
Vitamin C also contributes to normal collagen formation, which is important for the normal function of blood vessels, bones, cartilage, skin, gums and teeth. Collagen builds up skin, hair, nails and cartilage, among other things, and is the body's most commonly occurring protein. Collagen is found naturally throughout the body, but decreases as we age. Vitamin C also contributes to reducing fatigue and exhaustion, to normal psychological function, normal energy metabolism and to the normal function of the nervous system. A mild lack of vitamin C can lead to fatigue, bleeding gums, nosebleeds and impaired wound healing, while a severe lack of the vitamin can lead to scurvy.
One capsule provides 500 mg of vitamin C and 150 mg of bioflavonoids that support the body's ability to absorb vitamin C.
