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Vitamin C / Ascorbic acid - Why are supplements beneficial?

Medically Reviewed by The Medindia Medical Review Team on Feb 14, 2016


Why are supplements beneficial?

The role of antioxidants in the prevention of heart disease and cancers is now well documented. Research has pointed to the manifold benefit of increased intake of fresh fruits and vegetables which can even lower the incidences of cancer. The benefits of antioxidants, such as Vitamins E and C, are that they are believed to lower the chances of developing atherosclerosis, by combating oxidation.


However, the use of ascorbic acid as a potent antioxidant in the prevention of atherosclerosis, cancer and stroke is still debatable.

Linus Pauling suggested the use of huge doses of vitamin C, in excess of 1 gram a day, to counter common cold. Yet, research does not substantiate this connection.

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