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Vitamin C


Insel, Turner, and Ross define an antioxidant as "a substance that combines with or otherwise neutralizes a free radical, thus preventing oxidative damage to the cells and tissue." A free radical is capable of going and taking electrons away from DNA, proteins, or unsaturated fatty acids (Grosvenor and Smolin). These free radicals can cause harm to the body, but this harm can be prevented by the use of Vitamin C. As an antioxidant, Vitamin C reduces the risk of many chronic diseases by neutralizing free radicals. Some diseases involved are heart disease, different forms of cancer, and cataracts (Nutrition 390). .
             A third function provided by Vitamin C involves the absorption of Iron. The act of being a reducing agent allows Vitamin C to enhance the absorption of Iron into the body (Nutrition 391). The main type of iron that is absorbed well by Vitamin C is nonheme iron. Nonheme iron is a product that is provided by plants. The act of reducing the nonheme iron allows the intestine to better absorb the iron. This enhanced absorption of iron lead to improved energy metabolism in the body. .
             Deficiencies of Vitamin C.
             The body must have Vitamin C to provide the previously-mentioned functions for the body to operate properly. If Vitamin C is not present and a deficiency occurs, a common disease can occur in the body. This disease is known as scurvy. This deficiency causes the body to basically breakdown in areas where Vitamin C provides its functions. The body then has problems producing collagen, which leds to weak and brittle bones. The body can also demonstrate many other changes that are caused by scurvy that can be observed through different stages. These stages were stated by the University of Virginia study. The first stages can be seen by hemorrhages found throughout the body, specifically on the arms and legs. The second stage involves raised red spots that appear on the skin.


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