What it means
The chemical name for vitamin CVY-tuh-min SEEA water-soluble vitamin in fruits and vegetables that the body needs to make collagen, heal wounds and absorb iron; also called ascorbic acid.Full entry . The body uses it to make collagen, the protein that holds skin, gums and blood vessels together, and it helps the gut absorb iron. Lack of it causes scurvy, with bleeding gums, easy bruising and poor wound healing. It is found in citrus fruit, peppers, tomatoes and leafy greens, and given as a supplement by mouth or IV.
For the nurse
Extra vitamin C is often given with iron supplements to help absorption. Very large doses can cause diarrhea and kidney stones in some people.
At a glance
| Drug class | vitamin (water-soluble) |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Ascor (injection) |
| Spanish | ácido ascórbico |
| Also written | Ascor |