Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) has remained one of the most beneficial and most consumed vitamins in this past century. Since the origin of the disease Scurvy was discovered in the latter 1920’s, Vitamin C’s importance has not been neglected by society or the scientific community. Vitamin C has a long and varied history of supplementation not only relating to Scurvy, but also as an immune system enhancer, and is heralded by many as an anti-cancer agent.

Today we know that this water-soluble vitamin cannot be manufactured in our bodies. Other primates, guinea pigs, exotic species, and most importantly, human beings lack the proper enzyme to synthesize Vitamin C in our bodies. This important aspect means that it is a dietary essential; we must depend on proper supplementation and sound diet to derive this valuable nutrient source.

There are two biologically active forms of Vitamin C:

• l-ascorbic acid
• l-dehydroascorbic acid