What is Multivitamin Complex?
Vitamin C
(ascorbic acid) is a water soluble vitamin. This
essential nutrient must be obtained from the diet in order to
maintain body stores as well as preventing a deficiency and
therefore a disruption to normal body functions.
Many fruits and
vegetables contain vitamin C. However, modern day diets are
generally very low in vitamin C. This, combined with other
lifestyle factors such as:
-
Stress
-
Diabetes
-
Smoking
-
Old age
-
Alcohol
-
Allergies
-
Antibiotics
-
Oral contraceptive pill
- will increase
the body’s requirements for vitamin C.
The
role of Vitamin C in the body:
-
Involved in the formation and maintenance of collagen
Þ
the basis of connective tissue
Þ
found in skin, ligament, cartilage, vertebral discs, bones and
teeth.
-
Collagen gives
support and shape to the body.
-
Aids wound healing
and burns.
-
Stimulates adrenal
function and release of adrenal hormones.
-
Helps body cope
with stress.
-
May help prevent
and treat infections and disease.
-
Antioxidant and
immune stimulating.
The RDA for vitamin C
is generally very low and nowhere near therapeutic dosages.
Supplementation is necessary in most cases.
ASCORBIC
ACID
This the form in which vitamin C is found in
nature and the term is interchangeable with vitamin C. It is the most
easily absorbed form of vitamin C.
CALCIUM
ASCORBATE
A non-acidic form of vitamin C that also
contains absorbable calcium. Being non-acidic, this form is gentle on
the stomach.
ROSEHIPS
One of
the best natural sources of vitamin C available.
BIOFLAVONOIDS
Including rutin, hesperidin and quercetin. Bioflavonoids are water
soluble companions of ascorbic acid which are usually found in the same
foods. Bioflavonoids increase the absorption of vitamin C as well as
protect it from oxidation. They increase the strength of capillaries,
helping to prevent bruising caused by the rupturing of these.
Quercetin has been shown to decrease allergic reactions and inhibit
inflammatory substances. It has been used in the treatment of
injuries, bursitis, asthma, arthritis and eye disorders.
Researchers have discovered that plant flavanoids are extremely powerful
anti-oxidants, some up to 50 times as strong as Vitamin E.
PINE BARK EXTRACT
from the French Maritime Pine has been shown to have anti-oxidant
capabilities 50 times more powerful than Vitamin E and 20 times more
powerful than Vitamin C.
GRAPE SEED EXTRACT
contains flavanoids and other compounds believed to be responsible for
the ‘French Paradox’ (the apparent compatibility of a high fat diet with
a low incidence of coronary atherosclerosis) as well as other vascular
health improvements.
PROANTHOXIDANT TM
contains a group of powerfully antioxidant flavanoids and
proanthocyanidins that provide a synergistic activity. It has been
shown that bioflavanoids together possesses a longer acting anti-oxidant
activity.
1.
Anti-oxidant flavanoids enhance the de-activation of potential
carcinogens and scavenge free-radicals which are involved in cell damage
and tumour development. Certain flavanoids may therefore reduce
cancer risk in humans.
2.
By potentiating Vitamin C, reducing free-radical damage, protecting
brain and nerve tissue, protecting against cardiovascular disease and
helping to prevent collagen destruction, plant flavanoids may help to
heal or prevent many disease states that are becoming increasingly
common. |
