Vitamin C is one of the powerful antioxidants and free radical scavengers. Deficiency of Vitamin C is known to cause scurvy. The commonly advised dosages are between 20 to 60mg daily in order to prevent scurvy. According Linus Pauling who won Nobel Prize twice, Vitamin C if taken in large numbers far exceeding the daily minimum advised dosage would produce and increased feeling of well being and can ward of many diseases including the common cold.
Vitamin C has properties far more beneficial than preventing scurvy and to get complete benefits it has to be taken in far higher quantities. Dr.Pauling has concluded that normal Vitamin C intake among adults should be in the range of 2500 mg to 9000 mg. In fact such a large dosage was taken by our ancestors long ago. Their diet was mainly fruits and vegetables with highest concentration of Vitamin C. There is normally no side effects with taking larger doses up to 10,000 mg per day only beyond this dosage there could be minor side effects like stomach upset. Our modern day diet consists of processed, fast and packaged food which has been stripped of all the nutrients. So we have to ensure that we get ample amount of this vital nutrient through supplements or fruits that are rich in this nutrient.
Many researchers have confirmed the not only common cold but a wide range of diseases can be effectively prevented by Vitamin C. This made the scientists wonder the real cause of these diseases and for accelerated aging. It was later learned that it was the oxidation process of the cells and tissues in the body that caused these ailments and premature aging. It is now established that Vitamin C is a substance that prevents oxidation (i.e.) it is an antioxidant.