When you think of vitamin C, you probably picture bright oranges and citrus fruits. But there's a lot more to this essential vitamin than that. It contributes to the normal function of the immune system, to normal collagen formation for the normal function of your skin, and to the protection of cells from oxidative stress – and because your body can't make or store it, you need a little every day.
Most people get all the vitamin C they need from a varied diet rich in fruit and vegetables – and it's not just citrus, with peppers, strawberries and broccoli among the richest sources. A supplement can help at times when your diet falls short, and vitamin C also increases iron absorption, which is useful alongside plant-based sources of iron. It comes in several forms, from capsules to pastilles and effervescent tablets.
