Vitamin C, a water-soluble substance similar to carbohydrates, plays a vital role in animal metabolism. While most animals produce it, some, including humans, must obtain it through diet to prevent scurvy. Vitamin C is crucial for collagen synthesis, wound healing, immune system stimulation, and acts as an antioxidant, protecting against free radical damage.
How Does Vitamin C Function as an Antioxidant?
Vitamin C functions as an antioxidant by neutralizing harmful molecules known as free radicals. These free radicals can damage cells and tissues, leading to inflammation and various health issues. Vitamin C effectively donates electrons to these unstable molecules, stabilizing them and preventing them from causing further damage.
What Are the Benefits of Vitamin C for Muscle Tissue?
While the provided search results do not specifically mention horses or muscle tissue, they do highlight the general benefits of Vitamin C. Vitamin C is essential for the synthesis of collagen, a protein important in the formation of connective tissue and in wound healing. It also acts as an antioxidant, protecting against damage by reactive molecules called free radicals and helps in stimulating the immune system.
How Much Vitamin C Is Needed Daily?
An adult man needs about 70 mg of vitamin C per day. Citrus fruits and fresh vegetables are the best dietary sources of the vitamin.
What Factors Affect Vitamin C Levels in Food?
Vitamin C is easily destroyed by reactions with oxygen, especially in neutral or alkaline solutions or at elevated temperatures, making it difficult to preserve in foods. It is often added to certain fruits to prevent browning.
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