Vitamin C is also known as ascorbic acid and is a water-soluble, antioxidant vitamin that plays a role in more than 300 bodily functions. It is essential to help support health and wellness and requires daily replenishment. Unfortunately, human beings - unlike most other animals - cannot manufacture vitamin C. Nor can they store vitamin C to any appreciable amount. Instead, the kidneys, acting as regulators, excrete vitamin C causing the need for regular replenishment. In addition, vitamin C is destroyed during food preparation. Vitamin C primary function is to help maintain collagen, a protein necessary for forming skin, ligaments, bones and teeth and for helping to maintain the strength of blood vessel walls. High levels of vitamin C are also essential for the metabolism of white blood cells, which are critical components of the immune system. In addition, vitamin C plays an important role in the absorption of iron, which is necessary for the formation of red blood cells and in the utilization of folic acid, one of the B-complex vitamins. Bioflavonoids work together with vitamin C to build strong capillaries and serve as antioxidants and as anti-inflammatory agents.