| Antioxidant Vitamin C – Ascorbic Acid – L-Threonate |
| Vitamin C is a water-soluble antioxidant that can protect the cells from oxidation by free radicals. It is also able to protect other vitamins such as vitamin E or folic acid from oxidation and maintain them in their active form.
The various biochemical forms of vitamin C (ascorbic acid, ascorbates or the fat-soluble ascorbyl palmitate) are all metabolized in a similar way. The ascorbate content is oxidized to dehydroascorbic acid, which in turn is converted into vitamin C metabolites such as L-threonate. These vitamin C metabolites are endogenous substances and familiar to the body. Research shows that L-threonate (a salt of L-threonic acid) improves vitamin C uptake, vitamin C retention and vitamin C activity, a fact that was decisive in the development and patenting of the new raw material Ester C® -. Ester C® is a combination of calcium ascorbate with 0.9% threonate.
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| Ester C® higher uptake rates, 24-hour retention, better tolerance, fewer urinary stones |
| The bioavailability of vitamin C decreases with higher intakes of vitamin C. While about 90% is absorbed with an intake of 100 mg, the absorption rate at 1000 mg drops to below 60% (1). For this reason, a daily intake has been recommended for oral supplementation. Due to the presence of calcium L-threonate, vitamin C is absorbed more quickly and, even at higher doses, is better absorbed by the intestine into the bloodstream (2) and better absorbed into the cells and tissue (3), where it is retained for longer. This results in a higher and more even vitamin C level in the tissue than in conventional vitamin C supplements. A clinical study has shown that Ester C® increases vitamin C status in the body and white blood cells up to 24 hours after ingestion (4). In a direct comparison, Ester C® supplementation was more effective in the prevention and treatment of colds than conventional vitamin C (5). The improved gastric tolerance of Ester C® (6) and the reduced risk of urinary stone formation due to reduced urinary oxalate excretion (4) are additional advantages for therapeutic practice. Ester C® has decisive advantages for the patient and the therapist: Ester C® is not acidic and well tolerated by the stomach and the –has a lower risk of urinary stones that are association with high vitamin C supplementation. |
| Vitamin C – A classic immune support |
| For colds, timely and sufficiently high vitamin C supplementation can significantly decrease the duration of the disease in adults and children (7). High doses of vitamin C can prevent a decrease in the vitamin C concentration in the leukocytes and thus increase their phagocytosis activity (1). Since Ester C® is retained in the white blood cells in the long term, this vitamin C form ensures 24-hour immune protection (8). |
| Vitamin C for wound healing |
| The wound healing process requires the formation and storage of collagen at the injured site. As an essential cofactor in collagen formation, vitamin C is required in these processes and also has an anti-inflammatory effect (9). Patients with wound healing disorders, decubitus, ulcer crusis, burns and after surgery benefit from an adequate vitamin C supply (1), ideally in combination with zinc. |
| Cardiovascular disorders |
| A meta-analysis shows that 500 mg vitamin C, taken for at least 4 weeks, can lead to a significant decrease of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides in serum (10). Due to its protective function, vitamin C can also prevent oxidative changes in cholesterol and LDL fractions. In addition, vitamin C appears to have endothelial relaxant properties. . Supportive vitamin C supplementation is therefore useful for patients with atherosclerotic changes and high blood pressure (11). |
| Cancer |
| Various epidemiological studies have found a significant correlation between vitamin C intake and the incidence of certain types of cancer. The risk of developing stomach, breast, lung or colon cancer is significantly increased in patients with low vitamin C plasma levels (12). Recent studies have also shown that vitamin C in pharmacological doses can cause apoptosis of certain tumor cells (13). |
| Vitamin C in diabetes mellitus |
| Diabetics have significantly reduced vitamin C plasma levels and lower intracellular vitamin C concentrations. The development of late complications such as retino-, nephro- and neuropathies can be linked to this (1). In a study in diabetics, 1 g vitamin C significantly reduced fasting blood sugar, serum insulin, triglyceride levels, LDL and HbA1c, which can reduce the risk of diabetes complications (14). A permanent supplementation of 1 to 3 g vitamin C per day is recommended as an supportive orthomolecular measure for diabetics. |
| Antioxidant protection for smokers |
| Smoking is associated with increased oxidative stress and low vitamin C plasma levels (15). Ester C® also shows a retention effect in white blood cells in smokers, thus ensuring 24-hour immune protection (8). |
| Rutin and quercetin, the natural "vitamin savers"; |
| The bioflavonoids rutin and quercetin have an antioxidant effect on vitamin C, i.e. they recycle oxidized vitamin C and therefore act as “vitamin savers“ and „vitamin enhancers“ (1). In nature, they usually occur in combination, which is why a synergistic effect of these substances has been suspected for a long time. Due to their antioxidant properties, bioflavonoids, like vitamin C, also have anticarcinogenic, immunostimulatory (7) and anti-edemic effects. |
| Natural vitamin C from fruit extracts of acerola and camu camu |
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The fruits of the acerola cherry (Malpighia glabra) have an exceptionally high vitamin C content of up to 25%. Compared to oranges, the acerola cherry can contain 30 times as much vitamin C and twice as much magnesium and pantothenic acid. The fruits also contain iron, calcium, phosphorus and vitamins A, vitamin B1, vitamin B2 and niacin. In total, about 150 components were identified in the acerola cherry. In Brazil, the consumption of acerola juice is as common as orange juice consumption in Europe and North America. The fresh fruits are also used as a natural remedy for fever and diarrhea. They have anti-inflammatory, astringent and diuretic effects and are used as a heart tonic and stimulant for the liver and kidney system. Acerola cherry also provides natural support for anemia, diabetes, high cholesterol, liver problems, rheumatism, tuberculosis and during recovery.
The fruits of the tropical camu camu shrub are also characterized by a high vitamin C content, which exceeds that of oranges by a factor of 30 to 50. The red fruits also contain a lot of iron, niacin, vitamin B2, phosphorus, carotenoids and bioflavonoids and thus have antioxidant, astringent and calming effects.
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