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Why can't vitamin C be stored in our body?

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Last updated date: 17th Apr 2024
Total views: 413.7k
Views today: 6.13k
Answer
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Hint- The vitamin mentioned in the question i.e. vitamin C cannot be made in our body and is also water soluble and thus is excreted from our body through sweat or urine. Further is explained in the solution below.

Complete answer:

The reason vitamin C isn't stored well is because your body can't make it, and vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin. This means it dissolves in water, and what your body doesn't use right away is excreted through urine. Thus, it is not stored in our body to a significant extent.
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin, which means it cannot be stored in the body and we must take it from dietary sources. Although the advantageous effects of fruits and vegetables that are rich in vitamin C have long been recognized, it was not isolated scientifically until 1933.
When dietary consumption of vitamin C is insufficient, the production of collagen is interrupted and cannot replace collagen needed, resulting in the breakdown of tissues.
This leads to a health condition known as scurvy, which can be directly caused by Vitamin C deficiency. Symptoms of scurvy may include:
Muscle pain, particularly in legs
Joint pain
Fatigue
Redness on skin
Swollen gums and possible bleeding
Dyspnea
All vitamin C needed for normal bodily functions needs to come from daily dietary consumption, as it cannot be produced or stored in the body.
Although vitamin C deficiency and resulting symptoms of scurvy are uncommon in today’s society, the prevalence is higher in particular populations that have less access to fresh fruit and vegetables. People who are elderly, drug-dependent or have a low income are more likely to suffer.

Note: We have also written the diseases caused by the deficiency of vitamin C because extra information never hurt anyone. Always write everything you know about the subject asked in the question.
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