Library · Molecule
Vitamin C
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Vitamin C, also called L-ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin, meaning it dissolves in water. It is also essential, and humans cannot make it: we get it from fruits and vegetables such as citrus and strawberries.
One of its central roles is in collagen, a protein that is part of the body's tissues. The collagen molecule is built like a rope of three braided strands, a shape called a triple helix. When vitamin C is lacking, the braid doesn't form properly. This shows up in the capillaries, the tiniest blood vessels: less collagen surrounds them, and they become fragile.
The disease this deficiency causes has its own name: scurvy. As it progresses, signs appear such as swollen gums, petechiae, which are tiny red dots on the skin, and bruises.
In brief
Vitamin C, or L-ascorbic acid, is an essential water-soluble vitamin that humans cannot synthesize; we get it from fruits and vegetables such as citrus and strawberries.
It is central to collagen synthesis: without it, collagen's triple helix forms poorly, less collagen surrounds the capillaries, and they become fragile.
Collagen is like a three-strand rope that doesn't braid properly without vitamin C.
Its deficiency causes scurvy, which as it progresses produces signs such as swollen gums, petechiae and bruises.
Sources (2)
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, StatPearls PublishingVitamin C, StatPearlsPublished
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, StatPearls PublishingVitamin C Deficiency, StatPearlsPublished
This page explains the topic in general terms; it does not tell anyone what treatment to follow.
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