Ascorbic acid, or vitamin C was first discovered by James Lind in 1747. He was a Scottish naval surgeon who believed that there is a nutrient in citrus fruits that prevents scurvy. At that time, British sailors were plagued with scurvy. Lind showed that they can avoid this disease by eating fresh fruits. Fortunately for them, citrus fruits such as limes, lemons, and oranges are easy to bring on long voyages. Then, 1912, ascorbic acid was rediscovered by two Norwegians, A. Hoist and T. Froelich. By then, many were convinced that ascorbic acid is important to a person’s health that this vitamin was artificially synthesized in 1935. Vitamin C is the first vitamin to be created in the laboratory. The only problem is that vitamin C, a water soluble vitamin, easily breaks down when exposed to higher temperature.

Vitamin C is known for several health benefits. It keeps the gums and muscles healthy. It helps a wound heal faster. And it makes the body tougher against infections. Vitamin C actually helps in the formation of collagen, a protein which is necessary in keeping the skin, the tendons, and the bones healthy. Linus Pauling, a Nobel Prize winner, declares that vitamin C can prevent the common cold. He recommends that a person must take 250 to 15,000 mg of vitamin C everyday. This is way beyond the RDA recommended dose of 60 mg. According to Pauling, vitamin C boosts and strengthens the body’s immune system. Other scientists suspect that vitamin C also has anti-cancer capabilities.

This vitamin can be obtained from citrus fruits, such as oranges. Other fruits like strawberries and cantaloupe, also have ascorbic acid. But the fruit guava was discovered to contain more vitamin C than any other fruit. Vegetables, such as tomatoes, broccoli, and cabbage are also good sources of vitamin C. Fruit juices and beverages, while being manufactured, have lost their original vitamin C. But now, many manufacturers have decided to enrich their fruit beverages with vitamin C.

The most common disease associated with the lack of vitamin C is called scurvy. This disease is characterized by the swelling of the legs and feet. There will be discomfort and pain if the legs are bended or flexed. There will also be bone lesions which can be excruciatingly painful.

Aside from scurvy, a person who lacks vitamin C may also suffer anemia. His growth will be retarded. He easily gets irritated. He will experience shortness of breath. And he is prone to infection and sickness.

Too much ascorbic acid, however, can lead to some dangerous effects, such as a discomfort in the stomach and intestines, a formation of kidney stones, and a destruction of red blood cells.