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Vitamin C is a strong antioxidant - Antioxidants act to protect the cells and limit the damage by stabilizing and mopping up free radicals. Studies show that consuming more vitamin C can increase your blood antioxidant levels by up to 30%. This helps the body’s natural defences fight inflammation.

Vitamin C can slow skin ageing - Vitamin C affects cells on the inside and outside of the body and its antioxidant properties can be beneficial when it comes to ageing. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition examined links between nutrient intakes and skin ageing in 4,025 women aged 40-74. It found that higher vitamin C intakes were associated with a lower likelihood of a wrinkled appearance, dryness of the skin, and a better skin-ageing appearance.

Vitamin C helps prevent iron deficiency - Iron is an important nutrient that has a variety of functions in the body. It’s essential for making red blood cells and transporting oxygen throughout the body. Vitamin C supplements can help improve the absorption of iron from the diet. Vitamin C assists in converting iron that is poorly absorbed, such as plant-based sources of iron, into a form that is easier to absorb. This is especially useful for people on a meat-free diet, as meat is a major source of iron. In fact, a study found that simply consuming 100 mg of vitamin C may improve iron absorption by 67%. As a result, vitamin C may help reduce the risk of anaemia among people prone to iron deficiency.

Vitamin C supports eye health - Vitamin C helps protect against oxidative damage. Oxidative damage is a key factor in two of the most common age-related cataracts: cortical and nuclear cataracts. Cortical cataracts develop on the edges of the lens, while nuclear cataracts occur deep in its centre or “nucleus.” A 2016 study found that participants who reported consuming more vitamin C showed a 33% reduction in the risk of cataract progression. They also had clearer lenses overall.