The History of Vitamin C

The human body constantly needs nutrients to keep vital processes running. The body obtains these nutrients from a variety of foods and nutritional sources. In addition, the body needs two main types of nutrients, some in relatively great amounts and relatively small amounts. One of the nutrients that form part of the second group is Vitamin C. But what is Vitamin C? How was it discovered?

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, or ascorbate, is an essential micronutrient for humans and other animal species. When the human body lacks the necessary amount of vitamin C, a condition known as scurvy may occur. The initial symptoms of scurvy include malaise and lethargy. Other symptoms that followed were spots on the skin and spongy gums. After scurvy advances, then the illness can result on loss of teeth, fever, and even death. Scurvy was common in sailors as these individuals traveled sometimes for several years and their diets were confined to food that could last for a long period of time. And since there was no refrigeration available, fruits and vegetables that could provide Vitamin C were not available. 

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In 1536, Jacques Cartier, a French explorer, used a leaf extract to cure scurvy in explorers in Newfoundland and in 1593, Sir Richard Hawkins was able to discover that citrus fruits were a cure for sailors' constant battle with scurvy. Furthermore, as time went by, and more experiments were developed, more and more information about Vitamin C has been discovered.

Today, it is known that 10mg of vitamin C are enough to prevent or cure scurvy. Studies have show that vitamin C is essential for normal collagen, which is a group of proteins found in animals and is the main component of connective tissue, making up about 25% to 35% of the whole body protein content.