Vitamin C a Winter Favourite

Wednesday, July 12th 2006

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Vitamin C is a relatively new discovery less than 80 years old. Albert Szent-Gyorgyi (1893-1986) isolated this substance in 1928 during enzyme research and renamed it ascorbic acid. Szent-Gyorgyi received the Nobel Prize in 1937 for his discoveries with special reference to vitamin C.

Several advances have been made in vitamin C research and our knowledge of this very important vitamin has increased considerably with Dr Linus Pauling: "I conclude from this study that the prophylactic intake of ascorbic acid, the dose taken regularly to preserve good health and provide protection against disease, almost certainly should be more than 250mg per day for most people. Other considerations led me to suggest the range 250mg to 4000mg, or even 10,000mg for the recommended daily intake for most people. Linus Pauling, 1986.

Double Nobel Prize winner, Linus Pauling, argued that ascorbate could prevent or cure heart disease, stroke, cancer and infections.

Cold Remedy

Vitamin C has been touted as a cold remedy for decades and with good reason. When a group of 12 placebo-controlled studies were reviewed, the researchers found that taking 1000-8000mgs (1 to 8 grams) of vitamin C slashed the length of illness and the severity of cold symptoms by almost 25%.

The news is even better for kids. Another review study found that vitamin C supplements led to even greater benefits for children's colds than for grown-ups. This study also shed light on how much vitamin C is best in the battle against colds. Taking 2 grams (2,000mg) or more a day was superior to just 1 gram daily in terms of reducing the duration of cold symptoms.

Family C Powder provides three forms of vitamin C, which together with a bioflavonoid complex work to support immune and circulatory health. The bioflavonoids are hesperidin, quercetin and rutin. Bioflavonoids work with Vitamin C, providing an aid to absorption & protection from oxidation. Bioflavonoids also work at a cellular level to prevent the uptake of environmental poisons. This delicious powder is ideal for the whole family. Orange and Lemon flavour. Uses Stevia as the sweetener. No added gluten, yeast, sugar or dairy

The following products are all useful Vitamin C supplements:

Chewable Vitamin C 500mg
Ester C 550mg
Ester C 1000mg plus Bioflavonoids
Ester-C Powder
Family C - 300 grams
Extra C Powder
Mega C High Potency
Revitalise Vitamin C 1000mg
Vitamin C 500mg
Vitamin C with Hesperidin Complex
Yummi Bears Vitamin C
Zinc Fix Orange

Related health information can be found here:

Adrenal Support
Antioxidants
Cancer
Cold & Flu
Cold Sores
Energy
Immunity
Infections Internal
Skin Health
Vitamin C is essential for fighting infections, wound healing and coping with stress

Related articles can be found here:

Calcium Ascorbate

Doctors recommend a multi-vitamin a day

Naturally Healthy Teeth and Gums

New Zealanders Need Zinc

System Well: Immunity boost

Tasty Chewable Ester-C

If you need help or advice, you are welcome to email our naturopathic team with your health question.

Disclaimer: The health information presented here has been written for the New Zealand health consumer. It is of a general nature and is only intended to provide a summary of the subjects covered. The information is not intended to be comprehensive or to provide medical advice to you. While all care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information, no responsibility or liability is accepted, and no person should act in reliance on any statement contained in the information provided. All health ailments should be treated by a qualified health professional.

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