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| What it may do: help treat rheumatoid arthritis. |
| RDA: 10 milligrams. |
| Where to find it: in most foods (except sugar, fats, and alcohol); best sources include wheat germ, legumes, avocado, mushrooms, dried apricots, pears, dates, whole grains, eggs, and liver. |
| Vitamin C |
| What it does: helps form and maintain connective tissue; promotes growth and bone and tooth formation; helps the body absorb iron; promotes healing; enhances disease resistance by acting as an antioxidant. |
| What it may do: protect against many forms of cancer, including cancer of the stomach, pancreas, cervix, bladder, lungs, breasts, mouth, and esophagus; as well as childhood brain tumors (which are linked to low levels of vitamin C in the mother); prevent cataracts by preventing cell oxidation; help prevent heart disease by minimizing plaque buildup in the arteries, increasing levels of other antioxidants, and increasing levels of HDL (''good") cholesterol. High levels of C are also associated with lower blood pressure, thus reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke. |
| RDA: 60 milligrams. |
| Where to find it: citrus fruit, guava, black currants, strawberries, tomatoes, potatoes, cauliflower, peppers, and leafy green vegetables (especially when eaten raw). |
| Vitamin D |
| What it does: promotes growth and aids in bone, tooth, and nail formation by helping the body absorb calcium. |
| What it may do: help prevent osteoporosis when |
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