Ascorbic acid:Vitamin C, anessentialnutrient found mainly in fruits and vegetables. The body requiresascorbic acidin order to form and maintain bones, blood vessels, and skin. Ascorbic acid also promotes the healing of cuts, abrasions and wounds; helps fight infections; inhibits conversion of irritants in smog, tobacco smoke, and certain foods into cancer-causing substances; appears to lessen the risk of developinghigh blood pressureandheart disease; helps regulatecholesterollevels; prevents the development ofscurvy; appears to lower the risk of developing cataracts; and aids in iron absorption. Ascorbic acid can cause adverse reactions when taken with some drugs.
