The human body does not produce
vitamin C, so all of this important nutrient's requirements must be
obtained through our diets, which are frequently deficient in vitamins.
Lifestyle factors such as smoking, environmental pollutants and
food-processing techniques can impact the level of vitamin C in your
body. In addition, vitamin C is not stored in the body, so it must be
replaced daily.
Vitamin C benefits many systems in our bodies, particularly the
cardiovascular system. It is integral to the production of collagen
molecules that provide the stability necessary for proper cardiovascular
function. Bio-C provides a balance of high-potency vitamin C formulated
with four select forms of this important antioxidant nutrient plus
bioflavonoids to promote absorption.*
Formulated to assure disintegration and dissolution to meet and exceed
all standards, Bio-C does not contain sugar, starch, salt or
preservatives.
RESEARCH BRIEF
Vitamin C is widely touted for benefiting the immune system, but it
also offers significant benefits for cardiovascular function.
First, it aids in the production of collagen and elastin, which are the
reinforcement rods of the body. Current clinical evidence suggests that
the lack of adequate amounts of vitamin C over a period of years results
in a breakdown of the collagen and elastin structure of the blood vessel
walls. This breakdown leads to tiny, microscopic cracks or fissures in
the walls. Cholesterol globules, surrounded by sticky lipoprotein (a)
molecules, lodge in these cracks forming a sort of natural "plaster
cast" to prevent blood leakage. This natural repair system eventually
overshoots and the buildup of atherosclerotic deposits results. These
fat deposits in the arteries of the heart can cause heart attacks and
strokes.
FAQs
Q. There are so many different types of vitamin C. Which one
is the most easily assimilated and absorbed by the body?
A. A composition of different forms of vitamin C helps optimize
your body's usage of this nutrient. Ascorbic acid and ascorbic salts are
very important along with ascorbyl palmitate, a fat-soluble form of
vitamin C that remains active in the body for about 24 hours and is very
well absorbed. Bio-C contains all of these, along with citrus
bioflavonoids, which work with vitamin C to increase its biological
efficacy in your body.
Q. My multivitamin contains vitamin C. Why do I need to take
Bio-C in addition to a multivitamin?
A. Most multivitamins offer a number of beneficial nutrients. To
provide the variety and quantity of vitamin C offered in Bio-C, a
multivitamin would be too large to swallow easily. Multivitamins are
beneficial, but you can enhance your nutritional program by also
including Bio-C.
Q. If I take Bio-C and a multivitamin, will I be consuming too
much vitamin C?
A. No. This important nutrient is water-soluble, so your body can
naturally eliminate excess supplies. Because of its water-soluble
nature, vitamin C must be replaced in your body daily.
Q. In addition to increasing my vitamin C intake through
supplements, what are some food sources from which I can obtain
beneficial amounts of this nutrient?
A. Many fruits - including oranges, cantaloupe, kiwi,
blueberries, strawberries and honeydew melon - are good sources of
vitamin C. Red and green bell peppers, broccoli, cauliflower and
tomatoes also contain vitamin C.
REFERENCES
Liu J.F.; Lee Y.W. Vitamin C supplementation restores the impaired
vitamin E status of guinea pigs fed oxidized frying oil. School of
Nutrition and Health Science, Taipei Medical College, Taipei Taiwan,
R.O.C., J. Nutr., 1998 Jan., 128:1, 116-22
Wen Y.; Cooke T.; Feely J. The effect of pharmacological supplementation
with vitamin C on low-density lipoprotein oxidation. Department of
Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Trinity Centre for Health Sciences, St.
James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland, Br. J. Clin. Pharmacol., 1997
July, 44:1, 94-7
Johnston C.S.; Thompson L.L. Vitamin C status of an outpatient
population. Department of Family Resources and Human Development,
Arizona State University, Tempe 85287-2502, USA, J. Am. Coll. Nutr.,
1998 Aug., 17:4, 366-70
Gustafsson U.; Wang F.H.; Axelson M.; Kallner A.; Sahlin S.; Einarsson
K. The effect of vitamin C in high doses on plasma and biliary lipid
composition in patients with cholesterol gallstones: prolongation of the
nucleation time. Department of Surgery, Danderyd Hospital, Sweden, Eur.
J. Clin. Invest,May, 27:5, 387-91
Cunningham J.J. The glucose/insulin system and vitamin C: implications
in insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Department of Nutrition,
University of Massachusetts, Amherst 01003-1420, USA, Am. Coll. Nutr.,8
April, 17:2, 105-8
Maramag C.; Menon M.; Balaji K.C.; Reddy P.G.; Laxmanan S. Effect of
vitamin C on prostate cancer cells in vitro: effect on cell number,
viability and DNA synthesis. Division of Urologic and Transplantation
Surgery, University of Massachusetts Medical Center, Worcester 01655,
USA, Prostate, 1997 Aug., 32:3, 188-95
Girodon F.; Blache D.; Monget A.L.; Lombart M.; Brunet Lecompte P.;
Arnaud J.; Richard M.J.; Galan P. Effect of a two-year supplementation
with low doses of antioxidant vitamins and/or minerals in elderly
subjects on levels of nutrients and antioxidant defense parameters.
Laboratoire de Biochimie des Lipoproteines, Universite de Bourgogne,
Dijon, France J. Am. Coll. Nutr., 1997 Aug., 16:4, 357-65 50-81-7
Simon JA, Hudes ES, Tice JA. Relation of serum ascorbic acid to
mortality among US adults. J Am Coll Nutr. 2001 Jun;20(#):255-63.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the
Food & Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose,
treat, cure or prevent any disease. |
