An essential water-soluble vitamin involved in at least 300 biochemical pathways in the body. Humans cannot synthesise Vitamin C and so require a daily intake. Fragile, highly unstable and easily destroyed by heat and light, our requirement is higher than any other water-soluble vitamin. As a nutrient, is needed for collagen production, an integral part of skin, tendons, bones, gums, teeth, and blood vessels, as well as growth and repair of tissue and helping to maintain normal blood fat and cholesterol levels.