Introduction:In M2 we were asked the question 'What are vitamins – and who needs them'? Vitamins are essential substances that cannot be produced by the body. We need small amounts of vitamins for growth and development. Without vitamins the body cannot survive. Many foods naturally contain vitamins. Some popular foods, such as breakfast cereals, are protected with vitamins and minerals. But there are some people who are very particular and don't like to eat many foods. These people don't get all the vitamins they need, so they won't be healthy. Additionally, young children can only eat certain amounts of food, which means they don't get all their vitamins either and will need to take supplements to get the vitamins they need to keep them healthy. Through this world essay I will find out if it is necessary to take vitamin supplements. The supplement I will be researching is Vitamin C. How does it work? Vitamin C is one of the safest and most effective nutrients, experts say; “It may not be the cure for the common cold, although it is thought to help prevent more serious complications” (Kathleen M. Zelman, 2010). Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin, meaning your body doesn't store it. We have to get what we need from food. Vitamin C is necessary for the growth and repair of tissues in all parts of the body. It helps the body produce collagen, an important protein used to make skin, cartilage, tendons, ligaments and blood vessels. Vitamin C is needed to heal wounds and to repair and maintain bones and teeth. It is rare to be severely deficient in vitamin C, although evidence suggests that many people may have low levels of vitamin C. Cigarette smoking...... middle of article ......http://www.netdoctor .co.uk/health_advice/facts/vitamins.htm. [Accessed May 23, 2014]. Vitamin C Benefits, Sources, Supplements & More. 2014. Vitamin C Benefits, Sources, Supplements & More. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/the-benefits- of-vitamin-c. [Accessed May 23, 2014].Steven D.. 2014. University of Maryland Medical Center. [ONLINE] Available at: http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/supplement/vitamin-c-ascorbic-acid. [Accessed 23 May 14].Alison Evert. 2014. Medline Plus provides reliable health information. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002404.htm. [Accessed 23 May 14].Bailey R. 2013. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM). [ONLINE] Available at: http://nccam.nih.gov/health/supplements/wiseuse.htm. [Accessed 23 May 14].By Maddy White