What role does Vitamin C play in the body?

Vitamin C plays a critical role in collagen production, which is essential for maintaining the structure and integrity of various tissues in the body, including skin, blood vessels, cartilage, and bones. Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body and is crucial for the healing of wounds, as well as for overall skin health and elasticity. Vitamin C serves as a cofactor for the enzymes involved in collagen synthesis, facilitating the conversion of pro-collagen into collagen fibers.

In addition to its role in collagen production, Vitamin C also acts as an antioxidant, helping to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. This aspect of its function is important for overall health and can impact various bodily systems. However, it is primarily the involvement of Vitamin C in collagen synthesis that underscores its importance in supporting structural health and healing processes.