Vitamin C & Bioflavonoids Supplements

What is Vitamin C?

Vitamin C is a water-soluble nutrient found in various foods and dietary supplements. It is an essential nutrient that’s crucial to ensure the growth and repair of all bodily tissues, the synthesis of collagen, and the production of key neurotransmitters that are responsible for brain and nervous system function. Vitamin C is also required for optimal immune health; a deficiency has been shown to weaken immune defences and resistance to infections. Just as interestingly, supplementing with this nutrient is known to reduce the severity and duration of the cold and flu.

Bioflavonoids, a class of polyphenolic metabolites found in plants, (notably, in vitamin C-rich foods) are potent antioxidants that work in tandem with vitamin C to enhance its antioxidant properties by keeping it active longer. As a standalone, bioflavonoids have been shown to down-regulate inflammation, protect against cardiovascular disease and stroke, promote optimal visual function, decrease inflammation, relieve allergic conditions, reduce bruising and nosebleeds, as well as help treat venous insufficiency.

Key Health Benefits of Vitamin C & Bioflavanoids Supplementation

• Anti-Aging

• Boosts Immunity/Stimulates White Blood Cells

• Helps Prevent Cataracts & Age-Related Macular Degeneration

• Neutralizes Free Radicals

• Protects the Brain & Cognition

• Reduces Risk of Chronic Disease

What is Vitamin C Good For?

• Boosts Immunity

• Fights Free Radical Damage

• Promotes the Health of Bone, Skin, Teeth, & Joints

• Stimulates collagen Formation

• Supports Heart Health

Vitamin C Supplements: Potency, Forms & Formats

Potency & Formats

These supplements are one of the most widely used supplements worldwide thanks to its diverse and well-documented health benefits. It can be found in tablets, powders, capsules, and liquids, as well as in a range of new innovations. The potency of vitamin C supplements is usually anywhere from 500mg to 1000mg, and the recommended dose is usually in the 500 to 4,000mg daily range, though your health care practitioner may recommend a higher dose.

Forms

Vitamin C supplements come in many different forms. Some of the most common include:

Ascorbic Acid is the form of vitamin C naturally found in food. While effective and highly bioavailable, ascorbic acid is also quite acidic, so may be more difficult on the gut of certain individuals. It may cause issues such as heartburn, diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, and vomiting. In these instances, it’s best to consider a buffered form.

Mineral Ascorbates (Buffered C - Ester C is one such supplement) are manufactured by reacting ascorbic acid with mineral carbonates in aqueous solutions which results in a far less acidic form of vitamin C. As a result, mineral ascorbates are better tolerated and are ideal for those requiring a higher dose, or anyone who experiences GI issues when taking regular ascorbic acid.

Liposomal C is a form of vitamin C that is contained in a liposome, which protects it from stomach acid and enzymes (digestion). This promotes greater bioavailability than un-encapsulated forms, while also avoiding the risks associated with intravenous administration.

Ascorbyl Palmitate is made by combining ascorbic acid with palmitic acid, which results in an oil-soluble form of vitamin C that is effective in a pH up to 6. It is considered a stable form of this vitamin, and its dual solubility has been shown to allow it to be incorporated into cell membranes and to protect them from oxidative damage.

Please note there are many more forms of vitamin C available on the market. It’s important to do a little research to find out which is best for you.

Choosing The Right Vitamin C Supplements For You

Your body’s need for vitamin C increases if you are on oral contraceptives, antidepressants, analgesics, anticoagulants, steroids, or if you regularly consume alcohol. Vitamin C supplementation can diminish the efficacy of certain diabetes medications and sulfa drugs.

High doses may cause GI discomfort such as cramping, gas, and diarrhea. If you have been advised to take a high dose, make sure to take it in divided doses throughout the day.