Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin. Unlike most mammals and other animals, humans do not have the ability to make their own vitamin C. Therefore, we must obtain our required vitamin C through our diet and or supplementation.
Nutri-Link supplies a range of Vit C products from ascorbic acid to mineral ascorbates and with the lowest allergenic profiles with source material being from corn and from cassava (ARG products). Allergy Research were the first company to commercially produce buffered Vit C.
What Does It Do?
Vitamin C is an important component for collagen synthesis. Collagen, an important structural component of blood vessels, tendons, ligaments, and bone. Vitamin C also plays an important role in the synthesis of the neurotransmitter, norepinephrine. Neurotransmitters are critical to brain function and are involved in managing mood. In addition, vitamin C is required for the synthesis of carnitine, a small molecule essential for the transport of fat into cellular organelles (our energy factories) called mitochondria, where the fat is converted to make cellular energy.[1]
Vitamin C is also involved in the metabolism of cholesterol to bile acids, which may have implications for blood cholesterol levels and the incidence of gallstones as well as gastrointestinal health and immune function.[2]
Vitamin C is also a highly effective antioxidant. Even in small amounts vitamin C can protect essential molecules in the body, such as proteins, lipids (fats), carbohydrates, and the nucleic acids (DNA and RNA), from damage by free radicals and reactive oxygen species. These are generated from normal metabolism as well as through exposure to toxins and pollutants (e.g., cigarette smoke).
References
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;69(6):1086-1107. View Abstract
Simon JA, Hudes ES. Serum ascorbic acid and gallbladder disease prevalence among US adults: the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III). Arch Intern Med. 2000;160(7):931-936. View Abstract
