infocus #63 September 2021 Vitamin C: Shapes and colours

DOI: 10.22443/rms.inf.1.209

Vitamin C – otherwise known as ascorbic acid - is an essential nutrient involved in the repair of tissue and effective immune system function.

Perhaps most famous for its role in staving off scurvy among 18th Century sailors, it is still taken as a crucial dietary supplement across the world. And while it might not be effective in preventing the common cold, some researchers have claimed it can at least help reduce the severity and longevity of symptoms.

Dissolved in water, it also looks pretty amazing under the microscope, as micro-photographer Karl Deckart shows here.