COOPERATIVE KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY FACT SHEET
Information about the Kentucky State University Cooperative Extension Program 2020
Dr. Kristopher R. Grimes, Associate Professor and State Extension Specialist for Nutrition and Nutrition Education
require an additional 30-35 mg of Vitamin C per day (NIH, 2020). Citrus fruits are a common source of Vitamin C; however, they are not the only source. Below is a list of food items that are high in Vitamin C:
In the mid 18th century, British sailors, whose diet consisted primarily of bread and meat, began to succumb to several painful and deadly symptoms. The symptoms included bleeding gums, loose teeth, poor wound healing and, eventually, death. Today, we know this disease as scurvy. It was later discovered that introducing citrus fruits such as limes, lemons and oranges slowly healed the condition and prevented the illness in others. Fast forward to the early 20th century: A Hungarian biochemist, Albert Szent-Györgyi, discovered ascorbic acid popularly known as Vitamin C.
Vitamin C is an essential water-soluble vitamin and a powerful antioxidant. Women need approximately 75 mg every day while men require approximately 90 mg. Due to the presence of free radicals and harmful oxidants, smokers will require an additional 30-35 mg of Vitamin C per day (NIH, 2020). Citrus fruits are a common source of Vitamin C; however, they are not the only source. Below is a list of food items that are high in Vitamin C:
| Food (Serving Size) | Milligrams (mg) of Vitamin C |
|---|---|
| Red Bell Pepper (1 large raw) | 209 mg |
| Green Bell Pepper (1 large raw) | 131 mg |
| Broccoli (1 cup) | 102 mg |
| Vegetable Juice (1 cup) | 72 mg |
| Strawberries (1 cup, raw) | 98 mg |
| Grapefruit (1 whole fruit) | 79 mg |
| Orange (1 whole fruit) | 70 mg |
While Vitamin C became famous for preventing and treating scurvy, we have since discovered many other benefits. Vitamin C benefits our health by: