Vitamin C, also called ascorbic acid, is a naturally occurring vitamin that you need for a number of bodily functions. Vitamin C is important for bone, muscle, cartilage and vascular health. It is also an important component of regulating iron metabolism, which is necessary for red blood cells to carry oxygen to all of the cells and tissues of your body. Your body is not capable of producing vitamin C on its own, so you must make sure that you are getting enough of it from your nutrition in the form of fruits and vegetables that are naturally rich in this vitamin, like oranges, pineapples and broccoli. Alternatively, you may supplement your diet with vitamin C pills or tablets. When considering the use of vitamin supplements, you should be aware of all ingredients to ensure that you are not taking something that you may be allergic to or that will negatively interact with other medications you might be taking.