Vitamin C

What is Ester C

Ester-C® Calcium Ascorbate is a unique and patented form of vitamin C. It is made using a proprietary, water-based manufacturing process which results in a pH neutral product that contains naturally occurring vitamin C metabolites. These metabolites activate the vitamin C molecules making it easier for the body to transport them from cell to cell for numerous health benefits.

The science behind Ester C

• 24-Hour Immune Protection*
A recent clinical study showed that Ester-C® increased vitamin C levels in the body for up to 24 hours.¹ White blood cell levels of Vitamin C were elevated in subjects receiving Ester-C® when measured 24 hours after initial dose. The presence of key metabolites such as threonate has been shown to be responsible for this increased level and retention of Vitamin C by the cells.

• Non-Acidic and Gentle on the Stomach
In a recently published study, individuals sensitive to acidic foods were given one gram of vitamin C as ascorbic acid or as Ester-C®. Subjects reported heartburn “significantly more frequent and severe after intake of ascorbic acid” and subjects rated Ester-C® as tolerated “very good” significantly more than ascorbic acid.² So for anyone who has difficulty tolerating vitamin C, it's comforting to know that Ester-C is non-acidic and gentle on the stomach.

Benefits of Ester C

The main benefit of Ester-C® is its quick absorption and 24-hour retention in the immune system. This unique ingredient:

• remains active in the white blood cells for up to 24 hours*
• offers powerful, highly advanced immune support*
• is non-acidic, so it’s gentle on the digestive tract
• contains naturally-occurring metabolites for quick absorption and maximum retention
• is so unique it’s patented
• is backed by science

Regulation of collagen synthesis by ascorbic acid.

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1981 May;78(5):2879-82.
Murad S, Grove D, Lindberg KA, Reynolds G, Sivarajah A, Pinnell SR.

After prolonged exposure to ascorbate, collagen synthesis in cultured human skin fibroblasts increased approximately 8-fold with no significant change in synthesis of noncollagen protein. This effect of ascorbate appears to be unrelated to its cofactor function in collagen hydroxylation. The collagenous protein secreted in the absence of added ascorbate was normal in hydroxylysine but was mildly deficient in hydroxyproline. In parallel experiments, lysine hydroxylase (peptidyllysine, 2-oxoglutarate:oxygen 5-oxidoreductase, EC 1.14.11.4) activity increased 3-fold in response to ascorbate administration whereas proline hydroxylase (prolyl-glycyl-peptide, 2-oxoglutarate:oxygen oxidoreductase, EC 1.14.11.2) activity decreased considerably. These results suggest that collage polypeptide synthesis, posttranslational hydroxylations, and activities of the two hydroxylases are independently regulated by ascorbate.

Toward a new recommended dietary allowance for vitamin C based on antioxidant and health effects in humans.

Carr AC, Frei B. Am J Clin Nutr. 1999 Jun;69(6):1086-107.
Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University, Corvallis 97331, USA.
The current recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for vitamin C for adult nonsmoking men and women is 60 mg/d, which is based on a mean requirement of 46 mg/d to prevent the deficiency disease scurvy. However, recent scientific evidence indicates that an increased intake of vitamin C is associated with a reduced risk of chronic diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and cataract, probably through antioxidant mechanisms. It is likely that the amount of vitamin C required to prevent scurvy is not sufficient to optimally protect against these diseases. Because the RDA is defined as "the average daily dietary intake level that is sufficient to meet the nutrient requirement of nearly all healthy individuals in a group," it is appropriate to reevaluate the RDA for vitamin C. Therefore, we reviewed the biochemical, clinical, and epidemiologic evidence to date for a role of vitamin C in chronic disease prevention. The totality of the reviewed data suggests that an intake of 90-100 mg vitamin C/d is required for optimum reduction of chronic disease risk in nonsmoking men and women. This amount is about twice the amount on which the current RDA for vitamin C is based, suggesting a new RDA of 120 mg vitamin C/d.