Effects and Benefits of Vitamin C

3. Avoid Gout

While breaking down certain foods, the body produces uric acid, a waste product. At high levels, uric acid can crystallize and deposit in the joints, leading to a form of arthritis called gout. People with gout experience swelling and extreme pain, often in their big toes. Multiple studies indicate that vitamin C may lower the risk of developing gout due to a direct link between it and uric acid levels. One study suggests that vitamin C supplements reduce the risk of gout by 44%.