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(uh-SKOR-bik A-sid)
| | One of several vitamins that the body needs in small amounts to function and stay healthy. Ascorbic acid is needed to fight infections, heal wounds, and keep tissues healthy, including blood vessels, cartilage, ligaments, tendons, bones, muscle, skin, teeth, and gums. It is an antioxidant that helps prevent tissue damage caused by free radicals. Ascorbic acid is found in all fruits and vegetables, especially citrus fruits, strawberries, cantaloupe, green peppers, tomatoes, broccoli, leafy greens, and potatoes. It is water-soluble (excreted in urine if not used right away) and must be taken in every day. Ascorbic acid is being studied in the prevention and treatment of some types of cancer. Also called vitamin C. |
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