How does vitamin C help make collagen and connective tissue?

Vitamin C is a water-soluble organic compound that serves as an essential cofactor in the synthesis of collagen. Collagen is a vital structural protein that acts as the primary building block for connective tissues, including skin, blood vessels, bones, and cartilage.12

By facilitating the production of this protein, vitamin C is fundamental to the body's ability to maintain tissue integrity, support growth, and ensure effective wound healing. When the body lacks sufficient vitamin C, it cannot properly synthesize collagen, which leads to scurvy—a condition marked by the breakdown of connective tissues, resulting in symptoms such as joint pain, bleeding gums, and poor healing. Because humans cannot synthesize this vitamin internally, it must be obtained through dietary sources like fresh fruits and vegetables.12