How to Increase Vitamin C Intake

Eating a diet rich in foods containing vitamin C can help the body maintain healthy bones, skin and teeth. Vitamin C promotes the formation of collagen, a protein that helps repair and maintain tissue throughout the body. A deficiency can lead to a variety of issues from gingivitis to the inability to heal wounds quickly. So keep your health in check by using these simple ideas to increase the amount of vitamin C in your diet.

Instructions

• 1

  Add citrus fruits like oranges, lemons and grapefruit to your diet. Just 4 to 6 ounces of orange juice a day provides the minimum daily requirement of vitamin C.

• 2

  Go green. Broccoli, cabbage, kale and green peppers all contain high amounts of vitamin C.

• 3

  Increase your intake of beta-carotene by eating orange foods. Sweet potatoes, pumpkin, yams and carrots all contain high levels of the mineral that the body turns into vitamin C during digestion.

• 4

  Add herb such as garlic and watercress to your food, both are known to contain high levels of vitamin C.

• 5

  Take supplements if you don't think you're getting enough vitamin C in your diet. But if you're eating at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day, you're probably getting the vitamin C you need.