Complex C - 60 + 12 Tabs BONUS

vitamin C

Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that is not stored within the body. Humans cannot manufacture their own vitamin C, either, meaning it must be taken in through diet and supplementation. Vitamin C is the most widely used supplement. It is recommended that vitamin C be taken in divided doses throughout the day, as excess is lost in urine within a few hours of ingestion. Vitamin C can be found in an abundant number of fruits and vegetables.
Citrus fruits, cantaloupe, berries, mango, papaya, pineapple, leafy greens, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cauliflower, sweet potatoes, red and green peppers, tomato/tomato juice and squash are all rich in vitamin C. Vitamin C is sensitive to heat, so it is recommended to eat these foods raw or only lightly cooked.

WHAT DOES IT DO?

Collagen, Baby!
Vitamin C is essential for the production of a protein called collagen, which in turn plays an integral role in cartilage, tendons, ligaments, blood vessels and skin. As such, vitamin C is necessary for the fast and effective healing of wounds and injuries to these areas, all over the body. It promotes less visible scarring during healing, as the body is only able to form new tissue with the help of vitamin C. Along with calcium, vitamin C also helps to repair and maintain bones and teeth.

Protect your Heart
The role that vitamin C has in heart health can be summed up using one word. Protection. Studies have shown that vitamin C can protect the arteries of the body (remember collagen plays a role here, as well) against damage. Being high in antioxidants, it has been shown to slow the progression of atherosclerosis. Research does not support claims that vitamin C itself can lower cholesterol, but does support findings that suggest it can reduce damage or build up of LDL (bad cholesterol) plaques within the blood vessels. Individuals with low vitamin C levels have an increased risk of stroke, heart attack and peripheral artery disease. Individuals with diets high in antioxidants, such as those high in vitamin C rich foods, are also at a decreased risk of developing high blood pressure.

Immune health
Some practitioners swear by vitamin C for its treatment of cold, flu and other viral infections. The truth is, there is little research to support the use of vitamin C as a CURE for the common cold. That being said, studies do support its ongoing intake as a means to reduce the chance of complications due to cold (pneumonia, bronchitis, etc.), as well as help decrease the severity and duration of cold. Because vitamin C is depleted with stress, there is also evidence to suggest it may be beneficial for the prevention and treatment of stress related immune deficiencies.

Deficiency
Severe vitamin C deficiency is rare, but low vitamin C levels are more and more common. Signs and symptoms include poor wound healing, easy bruising, nose bleeds, rough/dry/scaly skin, and dry, splitting hair, gingivitis and decreased immunity. These symptoms can get quite severe, with extreme deficiency known as scurvy. Cigarette smoking can seriously lower vitamin C levels. These individuals must compensate through diet or supplementation. Stress, physical and mental/emotional, can also deplete vitamin C levels, as can some medications, including Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatories (NSAID's).

Types
There are several types of vitamin C. Ascorbic acid is the basic form. To buffer the natural acidity of vitamin C manufacturers 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, those who cannot tolerate acidic substances, and those with compromised absorption or digestive processes. Vitamin C comes in a variety of dosage forms including conventional capsules, time-released caps/tablets, syrups, powders and chewable tablets. A qualified practitioner can 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 bioflavonoids, 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 bioflavonoid.

Important Information
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 Vitamin C, impacting internal levels. Vitamin C supplements should be taken away from ginseng. Some diabetic medications and sulfa drugs may be less effective when taken with vitamin C. Individuals with hemochromatosis should not be supplementing with vitamin C. High oral doses, usually over 2000 mg, can cause some abdominal cramping and diarrhea. Speak with your doctor before supplementing with vitamin C if undergoing conventional cell treatments. Vitamin C can interfere with some blood work, including glucose levels, causing false readings.

About MegaFood

Our Men's Health Category offers men a range of age-specific products to suit the nutritional needs and challenges throughout their life. Our whole food multi-vitamin and mineral formulas can be safely combined with any MegaFood product. Choose from our selection - both with or without organic herbs and nourishing concentrated whole foods - to create your own well-rounded whole food supplement program.

MegaFood is a pioneer in the natural products industry, being the first company to make vitamins from scratch, with farm fresh whole foods. For 40 years, we have been making wholesome nutritional supplements that deliver the promise of farm fresh foods. All of us at MegaFood are committed to producing the most authentic nourishment possible, and are dedicated to improving the lives of others with the products we make.

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MegaFood has made whole food supplements for 40 years and we take great pride in knowing we deliver the promise of farm fresh foods to you in every product we make. Doing this is not easy, yet we believe farm fresh whole foods are the best way to deliver authentic nourishment and not just vitamins and minerals alone.

To make dietary supplements that provide the most authentic nourishment possible, we first begin with sourcing fruits, vegetables and whole grains from our Farm Fresh Farm Partners throughout the United States and Canada. We work with family-owned farmers known for their commitment to grow with care and ethical farming practices. Each season we receive freshly harvested foods right at our back door, where they are then rigorously examined for quality, prior to beginning their journey through our privately-owned facility and one-of-kind Slo-Food Process.

To retain the freshness of the foods we source from the farm to each tablet we produce, our Slo-Food Process was designed to be slow and gentle. This means we do not expose the foods to damaging temperatures that diminish the foods nutritional value, nor destroy any of the colorful aromatic compounds that give a freshly harvested food its color, taste and nutritional punch! By preserving freshness of the foods we source, we believe it makes all the difference in our products and your health.