
Please note: this is not a Food State item.
Vitamin C occurs naturally in citrus fruits and leafy vegetables, tomatoes, potatoes and sweet potatoes. Vitamin C occurs in nature in a food complex which includes the bioflavonoids hesperidin and rutin, and it is these associated food factors which assist its absorption in the body. Most of the vitamin C sold on the market is the isolated molecule of ascorbic acid, hence the main difference between vitamin C as it occurs in food and the isolated supplement is in its absorption potential.
Vitamin C and its action in the body
Vitamin C is synthesised naturally by all species of primates, except man, together with guinea pigs and the Indian fruit bat. It is thought that a genetic mutation caused this situation some 25-60 million years ago.
It is involved in the:
• Formation and maintenance of collagen;
• Metabolism of tryptophan (a brain chemical);
• Antioxidant activity;
• Detoxification;
• Maintenance of a healthy immune system;
• Absorption of iron;
• Growth and repair of tissue;
• Maintenance of normal blood cholesterol levels; and
• Metabolism of fat.
Who may choose to take vitamin C supplements?
• People whose diets contain little fresh fruit and vegetables
• The elderly and those dependent on institutional catering
• Smokers and those who drink alcohol
• Those with demanding lifestyles
• Those wishing to maintain normal cholesterol levels
• People who take aspirin, particularly those on long-term prescription medication
• Athletes and those whose work involves physical activity
Best Natural Sources
Vitamin C can be obtained from many natural sources. The best known sources are the citrus fruits: oranges, lemons, tangerines, limes and grapefruits. The fruits with the highest natural concentrations are citrus fruits, rose hips, strawberries and acerola cherries. Vegetable sources include: red and green peppers, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, tomatoes, asparagus, parsley, dark leafy greens, cabbage and sauerkraut. Grains and beans contain very small quantities, except when sprouted, when they provide excellent amounts. The richest vegetable source is the green pepper, which contains more vitamin C than an orange, weight-for-weight.
RDA
The RDA for adults is considered to be 80mg, although a more adequate level for optimum health would be a total intake of around 500mg per day. Requirements for
vitamin C vary according to age (needs increase with years), state of health, weight, activity, energy levels and metabolism. Needs are increased with stress (emotional and environmental), illness and injuries. Smoking, birth control pills, cortisone use and aspirin all decrease vitamin C levels.
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Bioflavonoids (sometimes known as Vitamin P)
Vitamin C is best absorbed in the presence of bioflavonoids. Most bioflavonoids are citrus-derived. In the same way that bioflavonoids are naturally-occurring in the
presence of vitamin C in fruit (e.g. orange peel).
Suggested Intake: 1 capsule daily, or take as directed by a practitioner.
Suitable for: Vegetarians, vegans and for people with Candida and yeast sensitivities.
Contraindications: None.
Non-Active Ingredients: Vegetable magnesium stearate, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose.
Non GM & Free From: wheat; starch, gluten; lactose; added colourings, sweeteners & preservatives.
Storage: Keep cool, dry & out of direct sunlight.
| Nutrient | Per Capsule |
%RDA |
| Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) | 1000mg |
1250 |
| Bioflavonoids | 50mg |
* |
| RDA = Recommended Daily Allowance * = no RDA |
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