Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is the great healing vitamin of the body. It is particularly valuable to those who are suffering from some severe infection or prolonged illness. When vitamin C is absent from the diet, a serious disease known as scurvy develops. This disease is more fully described at the previous post.

Vitamin C is easily destroyed by heat and will not withstand prolonged cooking. Baking soda destroys vitamin C cannot be stored in the body but must be taken in every day. Young babies being fed on artificial formulas, such as powdered milk, should be given fresh orange juice each day. Best sources of vitamin C are oranges, tomatoes, avocados, cantaloupe, and other fresh fruits in season. Most vegetables also contain vitamin C, but some of this is probably lost in the process of cooking.