Vitamin C supports the body's immune system, helping us to fight infection. It helps to form tissues and then to prevent tissues becoming damaged. It heals wounds by aiding in the formation of collagen, the substance that 'glues' wounds together and forms new tissue. Vitamin C also increases the absorption of iron from food.

How will I know if I'm not getting enough Vitamin C?

Our bodies are not good at storing Vitamin C, but the amount of vitamin C needed to prevent deficiency is actually quite small, so deficiency is very rare and hardly ever seen in Ireland. A condition known as 'scurvy' is caused by Vitamin C deficiency and used to be common in sailors who were out at sea without fresh food for long periods, but even they realised that deficiency could be avoided by taking a few limes along on the voyage!

Can I take too much Vitamin C?

It is hard to take too much vitamin C from diet alone, but if you regularly use large doses of vitamin C supplements, toxic levels can occur. As our bodies cannot store Vitamin C, usually the excess is passed from the body through the urine and out of the body. However, if you are prone to conditions such as gout, kidney stones or iron overload, taking excessive doses of vitamin C supplement can make these conditions worse.

Can Vitamin C cure colds and flu's?

Vitamin C does have an important role to play in fighting infections, but there is very little statistical evidence that taking Vitamin C supplements can decrease the length of a cold or flu. At most, taking doses of Vitamin C can reduce the length of a cold by about 2 hours - and that's not in every case - hardly a reason to spend a fortune on Vitamin C supplements, is it?

Making sure that you eat vitamin C-containing foods on a regular basis is the best way to meet your needs for this vitamin. By eating fresh fruit and vegetables, you will get enough vitamin C, as well as reducing your risk of heart disease!