Boosts immunity

Because vitamin C is involved in many parts of the immune system, it is one of the most common reasons people take vitamin C supplements.

For example, vitamin C promotes the production of white blood cells called lymphocytes and phagocytes, which help the body fight infection. Second, vitamin C improves the function of these white blood cells while also protecting them from potentially harmful molecules like free radicals. Vitamin C is also an essential part of the skin's defensive mechanism. It's transported actively to the skin, where it can work as an antioxidant and reinforce the skin's barriers. Vitamin C supplementation has also been demonstrated to reduce the time it takes for wounds to heal. Low vitamin C levels have also been related to negative health consequences. For example, people with pneumonia have lower vitamin C levels, and vitamin C supplements have been demonstrated to speed up recovery.