It is a well-documented fact that Vitamin C, otherwise known as Ascorbic Acid, helps to keep the body's soft tissues in good working order. As far back as the 18th century, sailors used to eat lemons and limes in order to avoid degenerative skin conditions, and today, fresh fruit and vegetables remain a key ingredient in any balanced diet.

As well as helping to maintain supple, healthy skin, Vitamin C is an immune booster and participates in protecting the body from illness and infection. It is also useful in combating free radicals, and as a result, it helps to ward off serious afflictions like heart disease, and even cancer.

A Vitamin C deficiency manifests is a number of ways. These include nosebleeds, a feeling of weakness, lethargy and, significantly, sore and swollen gums. Symptoms in the mouth herald the beginnings of a serious deficiency, and those who start to see more here should contact their healthcare professional. (more...)