The National Academy of Sciences estimates that a third of all Americans aren’t getting enough vitamin C in their diet. Certain people need more than others, but generally everyone needs to eat foods rich in this vitamin because the body is incapable of storing this water-soluble nutrient.

Smokers, pregnant women, breast feeders and the elderly all need higher levels. Additionally, people taking birth control pills, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids and sulfa drugs need more of this vitamin too. Often taking a magnesium supplement will ensure proper absorption.

vitamin C
You might need extra of the C vitamin if you’re a smoker or a drinker, if you have a virus or fever, if you’re extremely stressed all the time, if you are taking antibiotics or cortisone or if you’re exposed to environmental toxins like lead, mercury or cadmium.

This vitamin aids in the formation of collagen and other connective tissues. It takes an active role in maintaining healthy blood vessels, healing wounds, producing thyroid hormones, metabolizing folic acid and tryptophan, as well as regulating the excretion of stress hormones like norepinephrine and epinephrine. Without this vitamin, we’d have a hard time regulating proper iron and calcium absorption.

Extremely low levels of vitamin C may result in a deficiency, including magnesium supplement. The earliest symptoms include dry and splitting hair, gingivitis and bleeding gums, scaly skin and a slow wound-healing rate, easy bruising, nosebleeds, swollen and painful joints, anemia, weight gain and a diminished immune system.

At worst, someone with an inadequate amount of this vitamin can contract scurvy, resulting in dark purple spots on the legs, spongy gums, sunken-in eyes, abnormal bleeding, nail loss, open scars, skin discoloration, severe diarrhea and even death.

calcium absorption
Not only is calcium supplement a key in maintaining for osteoporosis, it is also part of aging healthily, by being protected from inflammatory diseases, skin disorders and immune system failure.

You can find a number of products containing this vitamin, including skin rejuvenation creams, wrinkle creams and acne washes. Whether you get your vitamins through food or through supplements, you’ll likely find yourself feeling much better.