Vitamin C is important for maintaining general health, but also vital for a range of metabolic reactions, which help the body use the energy from the food we eat. This means the immune system defences are strengthened against infections and your cells are healthy and fighting fit.  Vitamin C can also help with the absorption of iron, which is an important mineral for the body.

Vitamin C is available naturally from many sources including, Oranges, red and green peppers, strawberries, blackcurrants, broccoli and potatoes.

Adults 19-64 need 40mg of vitamin C a day. However we do not store vitamin C, so you do need to make sure you are getting enough each day.

Vitamin C deficiency is no longer a common problem in the UK, which most people able to ensure above 100 mg each day. However the initial problems from a deficiency of C are fatigue, skin problems and in some very severe cases, scurvy, but this is very rare in the UK.

Though there is no evidence to say that vitamin C can reduce the risk of getting a cold, taking at least 200mg during a cold has been shown in some cases to reduce the length of the virus. There are many good supplements out there if you feel you are not getting enough vitamin C in your diet.

Thank you for reading!

Bev x