Collagen formation, antioxidant systems and enhanced non-haem iron absorption.
Switzerland age 18–65: 95 mg/day women, 110 mg/day men.
Peppers, citrus, kiwi, berries, broccoli, cabbage and potatoes.
Scurvy: fatigue, bleeding gums, bruising, poor wound healing and joint/bone pain.
Severe deficiency weakens connective tissue and wound healing. It is rare with a varied diet.
Bleeding gums, pinpoint bleeding and corkscrew hairs can occur in scurvy but require assessment.
Very restricted food variety, smoking, alcohol/drug dependence, malabsorption and frailty.
Diet history and clinical signs; laboratory testing when suspicion is justified.
Fruit and vegetables first. Supplements help when intake is low but do not broadly prevent colds or chronic disease.
High doses commonly cause gastrointestinal symptoms; kidney-stone risk matters in susceptible people.