Dietary Changes:
* Eat plenty of vitamin C-rich foods:
* Fruits: Oranges, grapefruits, strawberries, lemons, limes, kiwi, blueberries, papaya, cantaloupe.
* Vegetables: Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kale, spinach, peppers (especially red), tomatoes, potatoes (with skin).
* Focus on fresh foods: Vitamin C is lost during cooking and processing, so fresh fruits and vegetables are best.
* Consider supplements: If you're concerned about getting enough vitamin C, talk to your doctor about a vitamin C supplement.
Other Considerations:
* Smokers: Smoking depletes vitamin C levels, so smokers need to pay extra attention to their intake.
* Infants: Breastfed infants should receive vitamin C supplements until they can eat a variety of foods.
* Elderly: Older adults may have trouble absorbing vitamin C.
* Certain medical conditions: Some medical conditions, such as chronic kidney disease and inflammatory bowel disease, can interfere with vitamin C absorption.
Important Note: This information is for general knowledge purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with your doctor or a healthcare professional for personalized advice.