Vitamin C
Vitamin C is one of the most widely used vitamin supplements. It first gained attention long ago when sailors discovered that eating limes with vitamin C reduced scurvy. Today, it is best known for its ability to support the immune system and fight off free radicals or unpaired atoms and out-of-control cells, with studies showing fewer reports of decreased wellness and improved immune health.* Promising new research suggests it may even play a role in antioxidant support and promoting heart health.*
Vitamin C is an ascorbic acid that is absorbed by the intestines and then reabsorbed through the kidneys. It is a powerful antioxidant that aids the body in many key metabolic reactions, functioning within the blood stream and inside cells to promote cell membrane strength and improved immune system function.* Vitamin C is important as a free radical scavenger.* Free radicals are the natural by-products of everyday metabolic and immune system processes. They are incomplete atoms or molecules that attack nearby molecules in an attempt to become complete. Antioxidants such as vitamin C are part of the body's natural support system against free radicals, safely neutralizing the harmful substances and helping to promote healthy cells.*
Vitamin C can be found in a number of foods, especially fruits and vegetables. Examples include oranges, grapefruits, tangerines, lemons, limes, papaya, strawberries, tomatoes, broccoli, green peppers, red bell peppers, raw lettuce, leafy greens and cantaloupe.
Humans are one of the few animals that do not synthesize vitamin C in their bodies. Therefore in order to get the necessary amount of vitamin C, it is important to take a high quality nutritional supplement. Vitamin C in supplement form is more predictable in composition and more easily managed for consistent consumption than from foods. Within supplements, vitamin C most often comes in the form of various mineral ascorbates, as they are easier to absorb, more easily tolerated and provide a source of several dietary minerals.
The US Government currently sets the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) of vitamin C at 75-90 mg for non-smoking adults, 110-125 mg for smokers, 15-45 mg for children, 85 mg for pregnant women and 125 mg for breastfeeding women . Other scientific bodies, including The Vitamin C Foundation, recommend much higher dosages - as much as 3000 mg per day -- in order to realize vitamin C's full benefits in promoting cardiovascular health and antioxidant support.*
In developed countries, inadequate Vitamin C levels can occur with general poor nutrition, but severe deficiency (causing scurvy) is uncommon. Symptoms include fatigue, depression and connective tissue defects (e.g., gingivitis, petechiae, rash, internal bleeding, impaired wound healing). In infants and children, bone growth may be impaired. Diagnosis of vitamin C deficiency is usually clinical and treatment consists of oral vitamin C. Severe deficiency results in scurvy, an acute or chronic disorder characterized by hemorrhagic manifestations and abnormal osteoid and dentin formation.
Although the safety of vitamin C supplements is well established, there are also reports in the clinical practice that high doses of ascorbic acid can cause stomach upset and gastrointestinal side effects in some individuals. This issue can negatively impact patient compliance whether these dosages are self-prescribed or prescribed by a physician.
A unique patented form of vitamin C containing naturally occurring metabolites, Ester-C® Calcium Ascorbate is currently available and helps overcome these concerns. It is manufactured using a water-based process and is pH neutral, making it gentler on the stomach.* Clinical evidence indicates that Ester-C® is a well tolerated form of vitamin C.*
Ester-C® is one of the world's most researched brands of vitamin C. In a 60-day study of 168 healthy participants, subjects receiving Ester-C® had significantly fewer reports of decreased well-being and immune system health compared to a placebo group.2
1 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Department of Agriculture. Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2005. 6th Edition, Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, January 2005
2 Van Straten, M et al. 2002. Vitamin C supplement: a double-blind, placebo-controlled survey. Adv Ther 19(3): May-Jun: 151-9