Health Benefits of Vitamin C

Many individuals in midtown Toronto, who have recently visited a nutritionist and/or registered dietitian, are not completely knowledgeable about vitamin C and its health benefits. Therefore, this week Mint Nutrition Clinic is targeting the vitamin C topic, and answering common questions regarding this powerful vitamin. 

What is Vitamin C

Vitamin C stands for ascorbic acid, and its required for all humans, because we cannot produce it in our bodies (Eatright Ontario, 2017). Also, on average adult needs 90 mg/day of this vitamin (Eatright Ontario, 2017). This vitamin is water soluble; meaning it mixes well with water and extra amounts of it in the body is eliminated in the urine. Many whole foods contain vitamin C; for example, citrus fruits, potatoes, strawberries, bell peppers, kiwis, mangoes, etc.Two servings of fruit a day is enough for an individual who is seeking to eat sufficient vitamin C. 

Myths About Vitamin C

Over consumption of vitamin C does not result in a lower risk of getting a cold, or the flu (Eatright Ontario, 2017). Another myth is that vitamin C is higher in organic foods, and this is false (Eatright Ontario, 2017). Lastly, most healthy adults do not need to take vitamin C supplements; they should focus on eating a well balanced diet instead (Eatright Ontario, 2017). At Mint Nutrition Clinic, we help our clients eat a well balanced diet and receive all of the vitamin C that they need; therefore reducing their risk of developing a vitamin deficiency.

Click Here to meet our nutritionists and registered dietitians today! Our goal is to be the best nutritionist and/or registered dietitian in Toronto, and we strive to help our clients become successful and reach all of their goals (for example, maintaining their weight loss goals and diet plans). 

 

References

Eatright Ontario. (2017). What you need to know about vitamin C. Retrieved from https://www.eatrightontario.ca/en/Articles/Vitamins-and-Minerals/What-you-need-to-know-about-vitamin-C.aspx