Vitamin C, also known as L ascorbic acid, is one of the most essential nutrients your body depends on to perform key physiological functions. Unlike most animals, the human body cannot synthesize vitamin C naturally. This makes it crucial to obtain sufficient vitamin C through your daily diet to support overall health, immunity and cellular repair. Most people recognise citrus fruits as the primary sources of vitamin C, but the vitamin is found in a much wider range of fruits and vegetables. Since vitamin C benefits several systems in the body, ensuring consistent intake becomes an important part of preventive healthcare as well.