“If a potato can produce vitamin C, why can’t we? Within the animal kingdom only humans and guinea pigs are unable to synthesize vitamin C in their own bodies. Why us and guinea pigs? No point asking. Nobody knows.†~ Bill Bryson, author of “At Home: A Short History of Private Life†(Photo by USDA’s Scott Bauer}

How much vitamin C do you take during cold and flu season? A thousand milligrams…4 thousand. Did you know that body can only process a certain amount of vitamin C and anything left over is flushed away with all your other waste?

Today’s guest is University of Missouri Extension nutritionist Tammy Roberts. She talks about how much vitamin C we need; it’s different for men and women.  She also explains that many foods are a good source of the vitamin.

Vitamin C Doesn’t Prevent Colds

Ascorbic acid trial

Vitamin C

Bates County Extension Center

One medium guava has 165 mg of vitamin C (Photo by USDA’s Penny Greb)

One kiwifruit has 64 mg of vitamin C

Two tomatoes have 46.4 mg of vitamin C (Photo by David Besa)

One cup of blackberries has 30.2 mg of vitamin C (Photo by USDA’s Scott Bauer)