Davinci - Poten - C With Potassium - 90 Vtabs - Food Science

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is the most widely used supplement. Humans cannot manufacture their own vitamin C; therefore it must be taken in through the diet. Vitamin C is a water-soluble antioxidant that is used all over the body. It speeds tissue growth and repair, supports hormone production, increases immune system functioning, protects the body from toxins and prevents cancer. It also regulates cholesterol, blood pressure and blood clotting.

There are several types of vitamin C. Ascorbic acid is the basic form. To buffer the natural acidity of vitamin C manufacturers can bind it to other molecules. Two examples are calcium ascorbate (Ester-C) and ascorbyl palmitate. It also makes vitamin C easier for the body to absorb and decreases the loss of the vitamin through the urine. This increases the cost of the supplement but it is beneficial to those taking high doses of vitamin C and those who cannot tolerate acidic substances.

Vitamin C comes in a variety of dosage forms including conventional pills, time-released tablets, syrups, powders and chewable tablets. A qualified practitioner can even administer it intravenously. Vitamin C is usually derived from corn or dextrose but tapioca-sourced C is also available. Vitamin C is often combined with bioflavinoids like hesperidin and rutin. These substances work synergistically with Vitamin C. Rose hips are a good substitute for straight vitamin C because they are the richest natural source of vitamin C. Rose hips are also a good source of bioflavinoids. Vitamin C is lost in the urine only a few hours after it is taken so frequent dosing is important.

Vitamin C needs are increased if you use oral contraceptives, antidepressants, analgesics, anticoagulants, steroids or alcohol. Cooking, light, oxygen, tobacco smoke and carbon monoxide destroy Vitaminn C. Vitamin C supplements should be taken away from ginseng. Some diabetic medications and sulfa drugs may be less effective when taken with vitamin C. Cancer patients undergoing treatment should seek advice regarding vitamin C supplementation.

Bioflavonoids

Also referred to as vitamin P, bioflavanoids work closely with vitamin C. The two are a particularly effective combination for supporting capillary health. Bioflavanoids help in strengthening and protecting collagen made from vitamin C, preventing capillary fragility. When our capillaries are described as fragile, easy bruising, bleeding gums and in severe cases hemorrhage can all be common.

Bioflavanoids are also well known for their antioxidant activity, preventing free radical damage and oxidation of LDL cholesterol, as well as increasing the anti-oxidant capacity of other nutrients. Bioflavanoids are showing great promise for use in the prevention and treatment of heart disease and cancer because of these anti-oxidant effects.

Specific bioflavanoids have affinities for specific organs and disease processes, like quercetin for the respiratory tract and conditions such as asthma and allergy, or milk thistle for liver support. Refer to the articles on these specific bioflavanoids for more information.

There are no known safety issues or upper limit in terms of dosage for bioflavanoids. Bioflavanoids are available in powder or capsule form and are often offered in combination products with a number of bioflavanoids together. They can be purchased separately, as well. Many green or multivitamin combinations will include a number of bioflavanoids for their anti-oxidant benefits.

Immune Support

The immune system is the police force of the body. It is a complex system of cells that defend the body from invading organisms, regulate inflammation and control abnormal cell growth. Many organs are involved in the immune response, the bone marrow, lymphatic system, thymus, liver and spleen. Bone marrow produces red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets.

The spleen is a location where immune cells can monitor the blood for foreign matter. It also speeds up red blood cell production and activates blood clotting. The liver can increase body temperature and induce sweating to help fight off infections. The thymus produces B cells, which make antibodies, and T cells, which are part of the immune response.

The immune system is capable of fighting off intruders and remembering them so that they are killed off quickly if they invade again. The immune system must be able to differentiate self from non-self in order to know what to attack. If it does not recognize the body's own tissue than autoimmune diseases occurs.