The latest research from Arizona State University reaffirms the need for Americans to increase consumption of foods rich in vitamin C. "Low intake of vegetables and fruits, especially citrus fruits, lead to inadequate vitamin C intakes among adults," according to Dr. Jeffrey Hampl,

PhD, RD.

Previous research has shown that only 1 in 5 adults consumes the recommended "5 a day" daily servings of fruits in vegetables. What complicates the situation more, according to Hampl, is that some adults who are consuming the recommended servings of fruits and vegetables per day continue to be vitamin C deficient.

The current Recommended Daily Allowance for
vitamin C in adults is 60 milligrams per day. As
high as 18% of adults, however, are obtaining less
than half (30 mg) of the RDA per day. Another
24% are considered marginal - with an intake
somewhere between 30-60 mg / day. What this
means to consumers is that the 42% of American adults who are not ingesting adequate vitamin
C must start including foods higher in the essential water soluble nutrient.

The point: Although scurvy is not a threat to many adults, the lack of vitamin c is. Even though many adults may be consuming enough vitamin c to prevent scurvy, they still may be damagin their health. As stated in more detail on our diet page vitamin c may prevent heart disease and some types of cancer.

Other health vennifits of vitamin c include promoting overall body functions. Vitamin c helps form collagen in connective tissue. Aids in the treatment of cancer, cholesterol,heart disease, blood clots, allergies, and arthritis. It also contributes to hemoglobin and red-blood-cell production in bone marrow. Helps heal wounds and broken bones.