Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is an essential water-soluble vitamin with important roles in antioxidant defence, collagen formation, immune function and tissue repair.

Humans cannot produce vitamin C and must obtain it through food or supplements. Good dietary sources include kiwifruit, citrus fruits, berries, capsicum and leafy vegetables.

Collagen and Connective Tissue

Vitamin C is required for the normal production of collagen, the structural protein found in skin, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, bones and blood vessels.

This makes adequate vitamin C particularly relevant to skin health, wound healing, joint and connective tissue support, especially alongside protein and collagen-rich foods or supplements.

Antioxidant and Immune Support

As an antioxidant, vitamin C helps protect cells from oxidative stress generated through normal metabolism, exercise and environmental exposure.

It also supports several aspects of normal immune function and helps regenerate other antioxidants, including vitamin E.

During periods of increased physical or immune demand, maintaining adequate vitamin C intake supports the body's normal protective systems.

Iron Absorption

Vitamin C can improve the absorption of non-heme iron, the form found predominantly in plant foods and many supplements.

Consuming vitamin C alongside foods such as legumes, leafy greens or fortified cereals can therefore help the body make better use of dietary iron.

Vitamin C for Pets

Dogs and cats differ from humans because they can normally manufacture vitamin C within their own bodies, so it is not considered an essential dietary vitamin for healthy pets.

Vitamin C may still be included in pet formulas for antioxidant support, collagen formation and general cellular protection, particularly alongside other antioxidants and connective-tissue nutrients.

Vitamin C in O2B Products

At O2B Healthy, vitamin C is available on its own in O2B Vitamin C and is also used throughout formulas including O2B Currant C Powder and Capsules, O2B French Collagen, O2B ProVision®, O2B Multi Vitamin, O2B Allerg-eze and O2B Hyper Zinc. For pets, it is included in O2B K9+ Joints and O2B K9+ Allergies. Across these products, vitamin C complements ingredients such as collagen, blackcurrants, antioxidants and connective tissue nutrients to support immune function, collagen formation, antioxidant protection and overall wellbeing.