Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), is a water-soluble vitamin. Humans do not have the ability to make their own vitamin C and we need to obtain this crucial vitamin through our diets. Vitamin C is required for the synthesis of collagen, an important structural component of blood vessels, tendons, ligaments, and bone. Vitamin C is critical to brain function and is known to affect our moods. In addition, vitamin C is required in the process of producing energy in our bodies. Vitamin C is a highly effective antioxidant. Even in small amounts vitamin C can protect indispensable molecules in the body from damage by free radicals, which bombard us daily from internal and external sources such as pollution and cigarette smoke.