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Vitamin C

Also called: ascorbic acid, vit c

A vitamin that acts as an antioxidant, helps make collagen and improves iron absorption.

Why people take it
Immunity, colds and skin.
What the evidence says
Taking it regularly may shorten colds slightly but does not prevent them for most people.
Be careful
More than 2,000 mg a day can cause diarrhoea and raises the risk of kidney stones in some people.
In food
Amla, guava, citrus fruits, tomatoes, capsicum.

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Common questions

What is Vitamin C?

A vitamin that acts as an antioxidant, helps make collagen and improves iron absorption.

Why do people take Vitamin C?

Immunity, colds and skin.

Does Vitamin C work?

Taking it regularly may shorten colds slightly but does not prevent them for most people.

Is Vitamin C safe?

More than 2,000 mg a day can cause diarrhoea and raises the risk of kidney stones in some people.

Sources and further reading

NIH Office of Dietary Supplements: vitamin C

Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu.

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For information only, not medical advice. Supplements are not medicines: they are not tested and approved like drugs before they are sold, and they can interact with medicines. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before you start one, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, take regular medicines, or have kidney, liver or heart disease.