Vitamin C supplements have enjoyed popularity for decades, but recent findings are changing who is taking them and for what reasons. Find out what the latest studies have to say about vitamin C.

Why do you need vitamin C? Vitamin C has long been rumored to shorten the length of a cold (and to prevent colds), but recent studies suggest otherwise. It does, however, lower your vulnerability to heart diease and cancer, which are much more significant than a cold, and it also is hoped to slow eyesight degeneration associated with age.

What are the best natural sources of vitamin C? You can get vitamin C from fruits and vegetables, especially citrus fruits. So many foods are fortified with vitamin C these days that you are probably getting a good amount from food and beverages as well. Take this into consideration when determining supplemental dosages.

What is the recommended amount fo vitamin C? If you are an adult, you will benefit from taking at least 75 mg and not more than 2000 mg of vitamin C each day. If you take over 2000 mg, you run the risk of diarrhea, kidney stones, and a variety of other health complications. When dosing children, consider age, weight, and how much vitamin C the child gets through food and beverages, since many child-friendly products are fortified. If you are pregnant, you should avoid megadoses of vitamin C since daily intake of over 2000 IU has been linked to premature births and development of scurvy in newborns.

Will taking vitamin C supplements improve your health? Medical experts feel you will get the most out of natural sources of vitamin C, and will get diminshed benefits from taking vitamin C supplements. It seems that our bodies make best use of natural sources of vitamin C, but it’s challenging to eat and drink enough of this nutrient. Try taking a vitamin C supplement along with food for best results.

Vitamin C supplements are currently still considered a good idea, but you should still try to eat as much vitamin C as possible through your meal plan choices and use supplements to close the gap.

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