National Vitamin C Day - Vitamin C is good for us. But how, exactly? Read on to learn more.

National Vitamin C Day 2024 – April 4, 2024

National Vitamin C Day is on April 4 each year. Today, we recognize the gazillion ways vitamin C is good for our body, mind, and soul. This powerhouse of vitamins not only wards off cold but benefits us in several important ways. A regular intake of vitamin C can lower the risk of heart disease and reduce blood pressure. It’s amazing for our skin and hair. What’s more incredible is that it’s abundantly present in some of our favorite foods — tomatoes, oranges, bell peppers, and lemons, to name a few. This National Vitamin C Day, let’s learn something new about this super vitamin. And while we’re at it, let’s give our health a little uplift too!

History of National Vitamin C Day

We know vitamin C has several health benefits, but it was only recently that National Vitamin C Day came into existence. In 2019, a skincare line, SkinCeuticals, created National Vitamin C Day. The aim was to generate awareness around vitamin C. The day also celebrated a research breakthrough. SkinCeuticals established parameters to allow the effective delivery of antioxidants in vitamin C to the skin. The findings proved beyond a doubt the benefits of topical application of vitamin C to the skin.Much before its official discovery in 1932, health experts determined that citrus fruits could effectively prevent scurvy — a debilitating disease that claimed the lives of millions of sailors from 1500 to 1800. Loading up on vitamin C isn’t a new concept. In the 1970s, double Nobel Laureate Linus Pauling championed daily super doses of oranges to prevent the common cold. He wasn’t wrong about its efficacy but was off the mark in his daily recommended dosage — 12 to 24 oranges a day!Vitamin C, also called ‘ascorbic acid’, dissolves in water. It remains in our tissues but doesn’t store well in the body. To avoid overdosing on vitamin C, scientists recommend a daily intake of 90 mg for men above 19 years and 75 mg for women. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant. It can heal wounds and control infection. Among others, it’s also responsible for the production of collagen — a crucial structural protein found throughout the connective tissues in our body.Collagen is a protein that holds our body together, giving it structure and added strength. Our pantries and kitchen shelves already contain some of the best natural sources of vitamin C. Make sure to stock up on citrus fruits like lemon, oranges, and grapefruit that have a ton of vitamin C. Other excellent sources are tomatoes, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, white potatoes, and bell peppers.

National Vitamin C Day timeline

1747
Scurvy Prevention And Citrus

In a study, British Naval surgeon James Lind finds that six men on a citrus diet from HMS Salisbury recover from scurvy.

1880
‘Limeys’ Becomes Slang

British sailors stock up on limes supply from the Caribbean, leading to the nickname ‘limeys’.

1928
The Birth Of Vitamin C

Hungarian biochemist Albert Szent-Györgyi isolates a component called ‘hexuronic acid’ from plant juices, which is later called ‘vitamin C.’

1970
Oranges And The Common Cold

Linus Pauling publishes “Vitamin C and The Common Cold,” a book recommending mega doses of vitamin C to prevent colds.

National Vitamin C Day FAQs

Is daily vitamin C good for you?

A daily intake of vitamin C reduces the risk of several health complications. Since vitamin C cannot be stored in the body, it needs to be a part of your daily diet. Most people’s daily diets usually contain sufficient amounts of vitamin C required in a day.  

How much vitamin C do you need a day?

Adults aged 19 to 64 ideally require 65 to 90 milligrams (mg) of vitamin C a day.

Is it better to eat an orange or take vitamin C?

Eating an orange is better than popping a vitamin C supplement. The mix of antioxidants in vitamin C is much more effective when found together — they remain that way in an orange. It isn’t the case with vitamin C pills. 

How To Observe National Vitamin C Day

  1. Drink orange juice

    If you don’t already, start your day with a glass of refreshing orange juice. None of the packaged stuff, however. Freshly-squeezed is the way to go!

  2. Add lemon to your food

    We love how a squeeze of lemon juice makes everything taste amazing! Use lemon juice on salad dressings, grilled meats, or spicy curries. Your taste buds and body will thank you!

  3. Start a garden

    Take the commitment to a healthy body further by starting a kitchen garden. Plant vegetables and fruits rich in Vitamin C, like tomatoes, oranges, lemon, and peppers.

5 Facts About Sea Buckthorn Berry That Will Blow Your Mind

  1. This berry puts oranges to shame

    Sea Buckthorn Berry contains at least eight times more vitamin C than oranges.

  2. A curious scientific name

    The berry is called ‘Hippophae rhamnoides’ or ‘shiny horse,’ since Ancient Greeks fed their horses sea buckthorn leaves to make their coats shinier.

  3. Effective on radiation burns

    Russian astronauts apply sea buckthorn oil to heal radiation burns caused while reentering the Earth’s atmosphere.

  4. Shockingly tart

    These extremely sour berries taste best combined with some form of sugar before ingesting.

  5. Get all your omegas here

    Sea buckthorn oil is one of the only plant foods with all four omega fatty acids — omega-3, omega-6, omega-7, and omega-9.

Why National Vitamin C Day Is Important

  1. It prioritizes health

    National Vitamin C Day reminds us that good health equals consistent daily habits. Whether you’re sipping on OJ or loading up on veggies — the little, everyday steps make a big difference.

  2. Eating healthy is easy

    We can find vitamin C everywhere, and in all things tasty! Snacking on oranges, strawberries, or downing a glass of lemonade gives us the refreshing health fix we need. All of it sans crazy diets or workout regimes.

  3. There’s something about vitamin C

    Call us crazy, but the idea of vitamin C appeals to our senses. The association with citrus might have something to with it. Staying healthy is easy when we associate it with something we love.

National Vitamin C Day dates

Year Date Day
2023 April 4 Tuesday
2024 April 4 Thursday
2025 April 4 Friday
2026 April 4 Saturday
2027 April 4 Sunday