Vitamin C is necessary for maintaining all collagen structures, promoting wound repair, strong bones and teeth, and healthy gums. As a powerful antioxidant, it protects the aqueous areas of the body (including the blood, intracellular fluid and interstitial fluid) from free radicals and the damage they cause. Vitamin C protects LDL cholesterol from oxidation and also helps to regenerate vitamin E.

As a water-soluble vitamin, the body does not store vitamin C making regular supplementation vital. The body's need for vitamin C increases during times of stress because vitamin C participates in the production of vital chemicals such as norepinephrine, which produces the "fight or flight" response. Vitamin C also acts as a detoxifier, helping to cleanse the body of toxins, such as cigarette smoke, carbon monoxide, etc.

Bioflavonoids (vitamin-like molecules that are found in the peel of citrus fruits and other fruits and vegetables) enhance the activity of vitamin C and may improve the body's ability to hold and absorb vitamin C by 35 per cent.