Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is an important nutrient found in many foods, such as oranges, red and green peppers, and kiwi. It is also available in supplement form.
molecules that can damage cells at the genetic level
Historically, vitamin C was used to prevent or treat scurvy, a condition caused by vitamin C deficiency. Today, vitamin C is considered an "immune booster" and is often taken as a cold remedy. There is some evidence that taking it may shorten the length and severity of a cold.1