In addition to the long-known benefit of scurvy prevention, current research associates increased intake of vitamin c with a variety of other positive effects on health, including decreased risks of cancer, cataracts, and cardiovascular disease. Most likely, these benefits are related to the vitamin’s antioxidant capabilities. The current recommended daily allowance (rda) of 60 milligrams of vitamin c per day is based on the minimum amount needed to prevent scurvy, but may not be sufficient to protect against other diseases. To reevaluate the rda for vitamin c, two researchers reviewed the biochemical, clinical and epidemiological research into the role of vitamin c in disease prevention. Based on data from 238 studies, these reviewers concluded that an increased vitamin c intake is necessary to help prevent diseases besides scurvy, resulting in a new rda value approximately two times greater than the present one. The article presents an excellent overview of the antioxidant capabilities of vitamin c, particularly its function in humans.

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