By Susan Hazels Mitmesser, PhD Senior Director of Nutrition & Scientific Affairs, American Health®/Ester-C®
What makes Ester-C® different from other vitamin C preparations?
Ester-C® is a unique, patented form of vitamin C that is non-acidic. What makes it so different is the way the product is created. During the manufacturing process, ascorbic acid is neutralized to make calcium ascorbate, which also contains the same vitamin C metabolites your body naturally produces. This process is water-based and free of chemical solvents.
Metabolites make it easier for vitamin C molecules to be retained by your white blood cells, which are an important part of your immune system.* As a result, they greatly enhance the retention of vitamin C levels in these immune cells for up to 24 hours.*
Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin, meaning it flushes out of our system. To maintain the levels that our bodies require, we need to ensure that what we may lose throughout the day is continually replenished. Unlike traditional vitamin C ascorbic acid, Ester-C® stays in your immune system all day and all night—so you get 24-hour immune support and potent antioxidant activity with just a once daily, 1,000 mg serving.*
Does Ester-C® Effervescent have additional ingredients besides vitamin C?
Vitamin C supplements are typically consumed as tablets or capsules, but some individuals have a difficult time swallowing them or just prefer an alternative form. Ester-C® Effervescent Powder Packets mix well with water for easy consumption and are Non- GMO, 100% Vegetarian, and Gluten- Free. Each packet delivers 1,000 mg of Ester-C® plus B vitamins to promote energy metabolism and electrolytes to aid in hydration.* It is also available in three delicious 100% natural fruit flavors—Orange, Lemon Lime, and Raspberry. One packet a day is all you need for 24-hour immune support.*
How do they work together to support your health?
In the human body, vitamin C participates in collagen production.* It is also a key antioxidant that helps cell and blood components fight harmful oxidative damage from free radicals.* By these mechanisms, vitamin C sustains normal body processes, including the maintenance of normal tissue repair functions and cardiovascular health, as well as immune system support.* B vitamins are important for cellular energy metabolism and electrolytes help maintain fluid balance.*
What systems does Vitamin C affect in the body?
Vitamin C affects many important functions throughout the body and it is the primary antioxidant in our blood.* It scavenges free radicals produced by normal biological functions to keep these radicals from damaging other parts of the body.* Vitamin C also works to regenerate vitamin E, which is the primary antioxidant in cell membranes.* It helps the cells fight free radical damage and facilitates the absorption of non-heme iron and iron from plant sources.*
In addition, vitamin C is important for collagen production.* We usually think of the skin when it comes to collagen, but it is also an important part of our blood vessels.* Arteries have to be able to expand and contract with the force of the heart pumping blood and collagen maintains pliability/ elasticity for every day circulatory or cardiovascular health.* Furthermore, collagen is important for bone quality.* We often hear about bone density being important, but the strength of bones is also critical. Collagen makes up the foundation of bone, which holds minerals like calcium together.* Other proteins besides collagen, such as carnitine, which shuttles fat into the area of the cell so it can be converted to energy are also directly impacted by vitamin C.
What kinds of research have been done on Ester-C®?
Numerous cellular, animal, and human studies have been conducted on Ester-C®. We've measured collagen production and uptake of vitamin C in cells with and without metabolites; bioavailability and the treatment of scurvy with Ester-C® in animals; and the uptake, retention, and side effects of vitamin C in humans.
We constantly evaluate the science surrounding vitamin C and the health benefits of this unique compound. We recently completed an additional study reconfirming Ester-C®'s 24-hour immune support.* Furthermore, we are in the planning stages of designing another Ester-C® study in which additional clinical endpoints and benefits will be identified. Our goal at American Health®, the parent company of Ester-C®, is to continually contribute to the pool of vitamin C science, while serving as a valuable and reliable resource for consumers.
Who can benefit most from this product?
Because humans lack the enzyme, gulanolactone oxidase, required to synthesize vitamin C from glucose, vitamin C must be replenished daily via food or supplements. As a water-soluble essential nutrient, vitamin C is not made or stored in the body and must be consumed by everyone, every day. There are also a few segments of the population that may have an increased need. These groups include people who avoid whole plant foods, smokers who need more of the antioxidant, and those who take proton pump inhibitor medications for acid reflux, which can inhibit the absorption of vitamin C from the digestive tract. A supplement like Ester-C®, which delivers 24-hour immune support with just one daily serving of 1000 mg, can ensure optimum vitamin C intake for anyone concerned about nutritional adequacy.* As always, please consult your doctor if you are taking any medications or have any other concerns.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
