Vitamin C is probably the most known about vitamin out there and probably the first one you think about when feeling under the weather. For good reason too. It is also one of the safest and most effective vitamins to add to your diet. Vitamin C is also known as ascorbic acid and is water soluble. It can be found in many of the fruit and vegetables we eat.

Vitamin C has many benefits and can be used topically in creams and face oils, as well as taken in supplement form. Always try get the most from your diet though!

Excellent antioxidant

Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant in our body fighting off free radicals which cause oxidative stress and damage to our cells. Oxidation is the route cause of most chronic illness, so definitely something to work on reducing as much as possible - and vitamin C can help with that!

Increases iron absorption

Vitamin C plays an important role in synthesising other vitamins and minerals, in particular iron. Vitamin C enhances the absorption of iron from the foods we eat, which can help prevent iron deficiency anaemia. Try be conscious of adding vitamin C rich foods to your meal to increase the iron absorption.

Improves immune system function

Vitamin C’s most popular use is probably to ‘boost’ the immune system. Whilst you can't technically boost your immune system you can improve its function and keep it balanced and supported if you are deficient. Studies have shown that vitamin C can help reduce the length of illness and having high levels in our body can help prevent chronic health problems.

Try getting most of your vitamin C from fruit and vegetables each day, but if you are struggling to get the required amount in (which probably only 20% of us are,) speak to your Doctor about introducing a vitamin C supplement. The tolerable upper limit for vitamin C is set at 2000milligrams a day for adults.