Vitamin C is well-known for its powerful antioxidant protection and immune support, as well as for the promotion of healthy joints.
It's also involved in collagen formation, which is important for healthy nails, skin and hair.
- Immune optimization†
- Antioxidant-rich protection†
- Certified organic
Introduction
In 1928, Hungarian biochemist and Nobel Prize winner, Dr. Szent-Gyorgyi isolated vitamin C. Even before vitamin C was officially discovered as a vitamin, its effects were well known. During colonial times, sailors stocked limes and citrus juice on board their ships to help support their health during long voyages. Because of this practice, sailors became known as “limeys.”
How Does It Work?
Vitamin C is one of the most important nutrients to the human body and contributes to a number of biomechanical processes.† Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin, meaning that the body flushes excess vitamin C and excretes it in urine. Therefore, it must be replenished on a regular basis. Crucial to the production of collagen and connective tissue, vitamin C is important for the health of skin, cartilage, blood vessels, and other cells.†
Antioxidant†
Vitamin C is an exceptional antioxidant, operating as a valuable free-radical scavenger to protect cells from damaging reactive oxygen molecules.†13 Working outside and inside human cells, vitamin C also has the ability to inhibit oxidative mitochondrial DNA damage, thereby protecting cellular health.†1 It scavenges aqueous superoxide and hydroxyl radicals and is the only antioxidant that completely protects plasma lipids from peroxidation by aqueous peroxyl radicals in vitro.†2
Immunity†
Vitamin C acts as a powerful supporting component to the immune system.† Due to its antioxidant properties, it is highly concentrated in leukocytes (white blood cells) and is used rapidly during attacks on the body, enhancing leukocyte response and function.†3 Linus Pauling, a scientist and Nobel-prize winner, recommended vitamin C to boost immunity and promote longevity.† Several studies have shown that vitamin C supports the body's ability to protect itself from foreign matter.†4,5
Cardiovascular Health†
Vitamin C is an antioxidant clinically shown to support the health of the cardiovascular system and increase HDL “good” cholesterol levels.†6,7 By inhibiting lipid oxidation in HDL, vitamin C preserves the cardioprotective abilities of HDL.†8 An important factor in many metabolic reactions, including the conversion of cholesterol to bile salts and the formation of healthy connective tissue, vitamin C provides protection for the inner lining of the arteries.†9,10
Eye Health†
Ascorbic acid is found in large concentrations in the eye and protects the eye from oxidative stress.†11,4 Vitamin C promotes clear vision and improves lens health that often diminishes with age.† In one study, vitamin C intake over 135 mg per day increased eye health by 64 percent.†12
Vitamin C Intake
Humans are one of the few beings that cannot synthesize their own vitamin C.13 It must be obtained from dietary sources. Because vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin, it must be replenished regularly, which can be difficult, especially with an inadequate diet or stressors that may affect absorption.
The results of a six-year, nationwide study showed that only 60 percent of participants consumed adequate levels of vitamin C. Although doctors recommend that people eat fruits and vegetables every day, the most commonly consumed are iceberg lettuce, raw tomatoes, french fries, bananas, and orange juice. From that list, only orange juice is a good source of vitamin C.14 In addition, vitamin C amounts in fruits and vegetables are compromised by many factors, including harvesting and storage methods, damage and bruising, cooking method, and freezing.15,16
Organic
According to the USDA, the term organic means that the food or ingredient is produced by farmers who emphasize the use of renewable resources and the conservation of soil and water to enhance environmental quality for future generations. Animals are raised without antibiotics or growth hormones; plants are grown without most conventional pesticides, fertilizers with synthetic ingredients or sewage sludge, bioengineering, or ionizing radiation. Producers and manufacturers of organic products must be certified by a government-approved certifying agency.17 True Organics™: Vitamin C is manufactured in a facility that has been certified as an organic processor by Quality Assurance International, a USDA accredited certifying agent.
In order to label a product “organic,” the formula must contain at least 95% organic ingredients. In addition, only products that are at least 95% organic can use the USDA organic seal or other certified seal on the package. This is a quick way for customers to check that they are getting an organic product.17
Conclusion
Vitamin C helps the body build and repair cells, acts as an antioxidant, and is important for immune support.† True Organics™: Vitamin C provides the natural goodness of vitamin C in a convenient organic tablet.
Directions
Take 3 tablets daily.
Precautions
If you are pregnant, nursing, or taking prescription drugs, consult your healthcare practitioner prior to use.
Storage Recommendations
Store at controlled room temperature, 59° to 86°F (15° – 30°C).
References
- KC S, Carcamo JM, Golde DW. Vitamin C enters mitochondria via facilitative glucose transporter 1 (Glut1) and confers mitochondrial protection against oxidative injury. FASEB J. 2005 Oct;19(12):1657-67.
- Shils ME. Vitamin C In: Shils ME, Olson JA, Shine M, Ross AC, Eds. Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease. 9th ed. Baltimore, Md: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 1999:467-483.
- Murray M, Pizzorno J. Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine. 2nd edition. Prima Health Publishing. Rocklin, CA. 1998:155.
- Fleming T., ed. Vitamin C. In: PDR® for Nutritional Supplements. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company; 2001: 486-498.
- Field CJ, Johnson IR, Schley PD. Nutrients and their role in host resistance to infection. J Leukoc Biol. 2002 Jan;71(1):16-32.
- Jacques PD, Sulsky SI, Perrone GE, Jenner J, Schaefer EJ. Effect of vitamin C supplementation on lipoprotein cholesterol, apolipoprotein, and triglyceride.
concentrations. Ann Epidemiol. 1995 Jan ;5(1) :52-9.
- Hallfrisch J, Singh VN, Muller DC, Baldwin H, Bannon ME, Andres R. High plasma vitamin C associated with high plasma HDL- and HDL2 cholesterol. Am J Clin Nutr. 1994 Jul;60(1):100-5.
- Hillstrom RJ, Yacapin-Ammons AK, Lynch SM. Vitamin C inhibits lipid oxidation in human HDL. J Nutr. 2003 Oct;133(10):3047-51.
- Marieb E. Vitamins. In: Human Anatomy and Physiology. San Francisco, CA: Pearson Benjamin Cummings; 2004:946-950.
- Wilkinson IB, Megson IL, MacCullum H, Sogo N, Cockcroft JR, Webb DJ. Oral vitamin C reduces arterial stiffness and platelet aggregation in humans. J Acrdiovasc Pharmacol. 1999 Nov;34(5):690-3.
- Head KA. Natural therapies for ocular disorders, part two: cataracts and glaucoma. Altern Med Rev. 2001 Apr;6(2):141-66.
- Valero MP, Fletcher AE, De Stavola BL, Vioque J, Alepuz VC. Vitamin C is associated with reduced risk of cataract in a Mediterranean population. J Nutr. 2002 Jun;132(6):1299-306.
- Carr AC, Frei B.Toward a new recommended dietary allowance for vitamin C based on antioxidant and health effects in humans. Am J Clin Nutr. 1999 Jun;69(6):1086-107. Review.
- Hampl JS, Taylor CA, Johnston CS. Vitamin C Deficiency and Depletion in the United States: The Third national Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1988 to 1994. Am J Public Health. 2004 May;94(5):870-5.
- Lee SK, Kader AA. Preharvest and postharvest factors influencing vitamin C content of horticultural crops. Postharvest Biology and Technology. 2000:207-220.
- Gil MI, Ferreres F, Tomas-Barberan FA. Effect of postharvest storage and processing on the antioxidant constituents (flavonoids and vitamin C) of fresh-cut spinach. J Agric Food Chem. 2002 Aug 28;50(18):5107-14.
- The National Organic Program. Organic Food Standards and Labels: The Facts. Available at: http://www.ams.usda.gov/nop/Consumers/brochure.html. Accessed on January 30, 2007.