Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin also referred to as ascorbic acid and L-ascorbic acid. Its chemical formula is C6H8O6. It generally occurs as a slightly yellow or white crystal or powder with a mild acidic taste. It oxidizes in solution but remains stable in air. However, it is insoluble in chloroform and benzene and partially soluble in alcohol. It is very important for the immune system as it helps in the repair of tissues and the enzymatic production of neurotransmitters. It aids the body to produce collagen which is an imperative protein used to make skin, blood vessels, cartilage, ligaments and tendons. It is also required for maintaining bones and teeth. It functions as an antioxidant and also works as a perfect protection to the skin from pollution.
Normal doses of vitamin C can be taken even during pregnancy however large doses can cause gastrointestinal discomfort, headache, trouble sleeping and flushing of the skin. Vitamin C deficiency can be caused due to various factors such as smoking, pregnancy, strenuous exercise, hypertension and diabetes. The deficiency of vitamin c results in a disease called scurvy. Vitamin C is found in vegetables, and fruits such as kiwi fruit, strawberries, bell peppers, guavas, broccoli, thyme, lemons, oranges, papaya and lychees.
Consumers have started looking for healthy foods and products including vitamin C supplements due to the importance and benefits of utilizing vitamin C various reasons such as skincare, healing wounds, reduction of chronic diseases, blood pressure control and strengthening the immune system. It has also been said that consuming vitamin C can give the same benefits as going on a morning walk. For those women who smoke during pregnancy the regular consumption of vitamin C is speculated to reduce the harm on the infant’s lungs. Vitamin C has also been said to increase the survival rates after sepsis.
The rising consumption of vitamin C due to its preventive and curing properties in preventing health problems, such as scurvy is a prominent factor driving the demand of Vitamin C market as per the newly released market study by Value Market Research. Several technological developments have been witnessed in the production of vitamin C which has offered several benefits to manufacturers.
To improve the efficiency of the vitamin several technological developments such as encapsulation through methods like spray drying, spray chilling and extrusion are being used. These methods ensure higher stability and higher consumer acceptability of the vitamin C products. However due to disruption in the supply of certain essential pharmaceutical ingredients there is said to be a shortage of some medicines containing vitamin C. The reason for this shortage is mainly for those medicines whose raw materials come down from China as the Chinese government has enforced laws supporting environmental concerns that have led to this shut down of the manufacturing units.
Naira Shekhawat has been into Content Writing just after completing her Graduation in English Literature. Her love for words has won her many accolades in her respective jobs ever since. Naira covers business sections for VMR News. She is a traveller by heart and loves writing on food blogs as a freelancer.