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.