Vitamin C is also an important physiological antioxidant and has been shown to regenerate other antioxidants within the body, including alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E). Collagen is an essential component of connective tissue, which plays a vital role in wound healing. Vitamin C is required for the biosynthesis of collagen, L-carnitine, and certain neurotransmitters vitamin C is also involved in protein metabolism. Humans, unlike most animals, are unable to synthesize vitamin C endogenously, so it is an essential dietary component. Vitamin C, also known as L-ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin that is naturally present in some foods, added to others, and available as a dietary supplement. For a reader-friendly overview of Vitamin C, see our consumer fact sheet on Vitamin C.įor information on vitamin C and COVID-19, see Dietary Supplements in the Time of COVID-19. This is a fact sheet intended for health professionals.
