Vitamin C. You probably look at this essential vitamin with orange-colored glasses. For most people, the phrase “vitamin C” conjures up visions of orange juice and bright citrus fruit. Vitamin C has a lot to bring to the table, and you can find it in many more places (and foods!), not just oranges. From providing immune support to being a powerful antioxidant, vitamin C is an essential part of your daily wellness.* Let’s dive into vitamin C, its sources, benefits, and some Nature’s Way products that can help you get your daily dose. What is vitamin C? Vitamin C is an essential water-soluble vitamin that your body can’t produce on its own, meaning it must be obtained from sources like diet and supplements. Vitamin C is also an antioxidant, an essential nutrient found naturally in some foods. Vitamin C and antioxidants Through its antioxidant activity, vitamin C protects the body from oxidative damage by neutralizing harmful free radicals.* Free radicals are unstable molecules that form in the body as byproducts of processes like metabolism and exposure to environmental factors like pollution, UV rays, and smoking. Antioxidants combat free radicals by neutralizing them through electron donation, stabilizing the free radicals and providing a defense system for the body. Other benefits of vitamin C Vitamin C supports our general health in a number of ways.* Most notably, vitamin C has been shown to support immune health.* Vitamin C helps support healthy skin by promoting collagen production, an essential component of connective tissue.* The consumption of vitamin C also helps improve the absorption of non-heme iron, the type of iron found in plant-based foods.* Foods rich in vitamin C Vitamin C is found in a variety of foods, specifically fruits and vegetables like: Citrus fruits (oranges, grapefruits, lemons, and limes) Cruciferous vegetables (brussels sprouts, kale, and broccoli) White potatoes Red bell peppers Strawberries Guava Kiwi Search for these fruits and veggies next time you’re at the grocery store or your local farmer’s market to add vitamin C to your daily diet. How much vitamin C should I consume daily? It’s important to consume the recommended amount of vitamin C per day, either from your diet or from supplements. The Daily Value (DV) for vitamin C is 90 mg/day for ages 4+. The %DV is what you see on the Supplement Facts section of a supplement label and is set by the FDA as a general reference amount. The Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) are set by the Food and Nutrition Board at the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies and are reflective of age, sex, and life stage. The RDAs for vitamin C: Men age 19+: 90 mg/day Women age 19+: 75 mg/day Women age 19+, during pregnancy: 85 mg/day Women age 19+, during lactation: 120 mg/day Individuals who smoke require 35 mg/day more vitamin C than non-smokers Nature’s Way vitamin C products Nature’s Way has a variety of vitamin C products available in gummy, capsule, and lozenge forms, so meeting your daily vitamin C goals is easier than ever. Vitamin C Gummies: These yummy gummies are a perfect addition to your wellness routine with 278% DV for vitamin C per 2-gummy serving. Nature’s Way Vitamin C Gummies support immune health and strengthen collagen for healthy skin.* Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids: Bioflavonoids are plant compounds naturally found in various fruits and vegetables. Two capsules contain bioflavonoids from citrus fruits and 1,000 mg of vitamin C to support healthy immune function, promote collagen production for healthy skin, and provide antioxidant support.* Sambucus Immune Lozenges: These delicious lozenges are made with our unique, organic black elderberry extract and high potency vitamin C for immune support.* Pack these in your purse or work bag so you can have them on hand for daily immune support.*