Natural Factors Vitamin C (Calcium Ascorbate) 1,000mg - 180 Caps

Natural Factors Vitamin C Calcium Ascorbate Powder mixes easily with food and drinks, offering versatility for those who have swallowing difficulties. This form is also recommended for people who experience gastrointestinal problems (abdominal pain or diarrhea) with plain ascorbic acid, or are taking higher doses of vitamin C daily for therapeutic reasons.

The Importance of Vitamin C

The Basics
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, brussels 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.

Colds & Flu

Colds and flus are a part of everyday life. They are usually caused by viruses, although if left untreated, bacteria can move in and cause infection as well. Colds and flus can be treated effectively with natural therapies that both kill the infecting organism and support the immune system. Lingering or recurrent infection is a signal of an immune system that is overwhelmed. Natural therapies are also helpful in these cases, to restore disease resistance.

Cold symptoms include congestion, runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, dry cough, swollen glands and a low fever. As the cold progresses discharges may increase and become green or yellow in colour. The duration of a cold is usually 7 10 days. Flus usually have the same symptoms as a cold but are more severe. High fever, chills and body ache also occur. Flus can also attack the gastrointestinal system and cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. The duration of a flu is usually one week, but full recovery can take longer.