When you hear the words "Vitamin C," do you think of oranges? Would you be surprised to know B. that sweet red peppers contain twice as much? Keep watching to find out why it matters. Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin, which means it is not stored in the body and must be replenished daily. It is responsible for the growth and repair of tissue in all parts of your body. Vitamin C is necessary to form collagen, a protein used to make skin, scar tissue and blood vessels. A natural antioxidant, Vitamin C also blocks damage caused by free radicals, which are by-products of the digestive process and can also be found as toxins in the air. Since the 1970 publication of the book Vitamin C and the Common Cold, rumors have abounded regarding Vitamin C's ability to prevent and treat colds. Modern studies, however, have called this idea into question. Now that we know what Vitamin C does, let's look at where it comes from. Vitamin C is found in all fruits and vegetables. The highest concentrations exist in sweet red peppers, strawberries, broccoli, oranges and grapefruits. A. Most women need 75 milligrams of Vitamin C daily, B. while adult men and pregnant women require 90 milligrams. C. Breastfeeding women need more, about 120 milligrams daily. Smokers should also ingest120 milligrams of Vitamin C daily, because they are under increased oxidative stress from the toxins in cigarettes. Some drugs, such as birth control pills, aspirin and the anticoagulant warfarin, may contribute to lower levels of Vitamin C. Talk to your doctor about a complete list of substances that may affect this vitamin. Vitamin C is essential for tissue growth and repair. Because the vitamin is not stored in the body, toxic overload is rare. However, you shou