Vitamin C and Collagen Health

Vitamin C and Collagen Health

Vitamin C plays a crucial role in building and protecting collagen throughout your body. Without enough vitamin C, your body cannot synthesize new collagen efficiently, which impacts skin, joints, blood vessels, gums, and more. [oai_citation:2‡How To Boost Collagen with Vitamin C.html](sediment://file_00000000c55461f7919fc5043906cade)

The Importance of Vitamin C in Collagen Production

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Collagen is continually manufactured to repair the tissues lost to daily wear and free-radical damage (think exercise micro-tears, joint friction, and environmental stressors). Vitamin C is needed at nearly every step of the collagen formation process; deficiency disrupts connective tissue integrity and can lead to classic scurvy symptoms such as bruising, gum problems, and tissue weakness. [oai_citation:3‡How To Boost Collagen with Vitamin C.html](sediment://file_00000000c55461f7919fc5043906cade)

The Protection of Collagen From Free-Radical Damage

Once collagen is created, it is under constant attack from friction, toxins, and free radicals. Vitamin C is a well-known antioxidant that helps protect collagen structures from this damage. [oai_citation:4‡How To Boost Collagen with Vitamin C.html](sediment://file_00000000c55461f7919fc5043906cade)

How Do You Get the Vitamin C You Need?

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Beyond citrus fruits, many foods are excellent sources of vitamin C:

  • green peppers
  • watermelon
  • papaya
  • cantaloupe
  • strawberries
  • tomatoes (fresh or canned)
  • potatoes
  • Brussels sprouts
  • cauliflower
  • cabbage
  • kiwi
  • mango
  • broccoli
  • turnip greens
  • acerola (Barbados) cherries
  • winter squash
  • raspberries
  • blueberries
  • cranberries
  • pineapple
  • spinach
  • red peppers

Fortified juices can also contribute vitamin C. Because vitamin C is sensitive to light, air, and heat, raw or lightly cooked fruits and vegetables generally retain more than heavily cooked options. [oai_citation:5‡How To Boost Collagen with Vitamin C.html](sediment://file_00000000c55461f7919fc5043906cade)

The Different Forms of Vitamin C on the Market

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You can purchase natural or synthetic vitamin C (ascorbic acid) as tablets, capsules, chewables, powders, effervescents, and liquids. If you use chewables, rinse your mouth to protect tooth enamel. Buffered and ester forms are available for those who find regular ascorbic acid harsh on the stomach. [oai_citation:6‡How To Boost Collagen with Vitamin C.html](sediment://file_00000000c55461f7919fc5043906cade)

How to Take It

Consistent, divided dosing is recommended (e.g., 2–3 times per day with meals). Some references suggest 250–500 mg twice daily for general support, while higher intakes have historically been advocated by Linus Pauling for certain needs. Consult a qualified professional for personalized guidance. [oai_citation:7‡How To Boost Collagen with Vitamin C.html](sediment://file_00000000c55461f7919fc5043906cade)

Bottom Line

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Vitamin C helps your body build new collagen and protect existing collagen from oxidative stress. Prioritizing whole-food sources and steady intake can support healthy skin, joints, blood vessels, and connective tissues. [oai_citation:8‡How To Boost Collagen with Vitamin C.html](sediment://file_00000000c55461f7919fc5043906cade)

Explore more: collagencomplete.com/studies/. [oai_citation:9‡How To Boost Collagen with Vitamin C.html](sediment://file_00000000c55461f7919fc5043906cade)

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