What is Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C)?
Vitamin C, otherwise known as Ascorbic Acid, or more specifically L-Ascorbic Acid, is a water-soluble vitamin that is of paramount importance to life. In 1937 the Nobel Prize for Medicine was awarded to Albert Szent-Györgyi for his studies of the biological functions of ascorbic acid. In its natural form, ascorbic acid can be described as a white to yellowish crystal or powder. Commercial vitamin C is often a combination of ascorbic acid, sodium ascorbate and/or other ascorbates. Because the vitamin is water-soluble, it must be consistently replenished and replaced by consuming fresh fruits, especially those found in the citrus family that is dominated by oranges, lemons, limes, and tangerines. Vitamin C can also be derived from green leafy vegetables. Owing to the fact that Vitamin C is an essential nutrient found mainly in fruits and vegetables, the body needs vitamin C to strengthen and maintain bones, blood vessels, and skin. It can be said that among the common nutrients and bioch