Produce Collagen. Vitamin C is the key ingredient for healthy production of collagen, which is the structural component of bones, tendons, ligaments and blood vessels. When the body is deficient in vitamin C it can lead to scurvy, a disease characterized by bruising, bleeding, tooth loss and immense joint pain. In order to prevent occurrences of scurvy it is recommended for an adult to take in at least 90 mg of vitamin C each day. Those who smoke may need to take in as much as 125 mg per day. Taking in these amounts should be easy as one 6 oz. glass of orange can provide up to 93 mg of vitamin C.