Why take vitamin C in 1000 mg capsules if you can eat fruit?

Fresh vegetables and fruit are the main source of vitamin C in everyday life. However, the actual ascorbic acid content of foods depends on the variety, storage conditions and cooking method: heat treatment and prolonged storage destroy a significant part of the vitamin.

In situations when your diet temporarily lacks fresh plant foods — business trips, a busy work schedule, the cold season — a capsule with a fixed dose of 1000 mg of L-ascorbic acid means you do not have to guess how much vitamin C you got from food. One capsule a day spares you the need to keep track of several portions of food.

In addition, ascorbic acid is involved in collagen synthesis, the protection of cells from oxidative stress and energy metabolism — processes that come under greater strain with fatigue, lack of sleep and exposure to adverse external factors. At such times the body's need for vitamin C may be higher than usual.

At the same time, the supplement does not replace a balanced diet: a varied diet with plenty of fresh food remains the priority. The capsules are an addition to it, not an alternative. If you have chronic conditions, are pregnant or take medicines, it is advisable to consult a specialist before starting to take them.