ascorbate

A. Ascorbic acid is actually vitamin C. It may not necessarily help you to drop the pounds, but a deficiency in vitamin C can cause weight gain because of a slowed metabolism. It is also needed for the growth and repair of tissues in all parts of your body, and too little can cause an increase in easy bruising and dry, scaly skin! It is essential for the healing of wounds, and for the repair and maintenance of cartilage, bones, and teeth. It is a good antioxidant, needed to block some of the damage caused by free radicals, which are by-products that results when our body transforms food into energy. Antioxidants also helps in reducing the damage to the body caused by toxic chemicals and pollutants such as cigarette smoke. The body does not manufacture vitamin C on its own, so it is important to include plenty of vitamin C-containing foods in your daily diet, or to take a vitamin C supplement.