In nature, vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is always bound to bioflavonoids, enzymes and other micronutrients, but supplement manufacturers figured out how to isolate vitamin C and produce a synthetic version from corn syrup. This process allows them to cheaply produce ascorbic acid supplements that are chemically identical to plant-based vitamin C.
However, just because synthetic vitamin C is chemically identical doesn’t mean it acts the same biologically. The body can only absorb a small percentage of synthetic vitamin C, and it is able to use even less. That’s why many synthetic vitamin C supplements on the market are packaged in extremely high doses—it takes a large dose to have a small impact in the body. These high dose synthetic vitamin C supplements often come with another downside: The acidity of the isolated ascorbic acid can irritate the stomach and cause gastrointestinal issues.
Vitamin C supplements made from whole food sources, like Truth Nutrition Organic Vitamin C, keep ascorbic acid paired with bioflavonoids and other plant compounds as nature intended. This full-spectrum composite of vitamin C slows the digestion and release of ascorbic acid into the bloodstream, improving its absorption and utilization in the body. In fact, some experts estimate that whole food-derived vitamin C is up to two times more bioavailable than synthetic versions, meaning you need to take a much smaller dose to make a noticeable impact on your health. Bioflavonoids and trace minerals in whole-food derived vitamin C supplements also help balance the pH, reducing acidity and sidestepping any gastrointestinal distress.
Vitamin C is perhaps best known for its ability to strengthen the immune system, but how exactly does this nutrient work to help the body fend off illness-causing pathogens? Through multiple pathways!
First and foremost, vitamin C both stimulates the production of white blood cells (immune cells that attack and destroy viruses and bacteria), and increases the activity of these cells, making them more efficient at eradicating infections.
Vitamin C also promotes the growth and spread of antibodies, proteins that bind to foreign or harmful compounds in the blood and tag them for removal. This versatile nutrient also plays a critical role in maintaining the skin and mucous membranes that serve as the body’s first line of defence in keeping viruses and bacteria out.
Vitamin C’s antioxidant effects also work to dial down inflammation, which can help curb symptoms like a stuffy nose or aches and pains if you do get sick.
All told, these effects have been shown to reduce the risk of getting sick, and can help reduce the severity of symptoms and speed recovery if an infection does take hold.
Powerful immune support is just one of the myriad of benefits that you’ll enjoy when you supplement with Truth Nutrition Organic Vitamin C. This nutrient is an essential cofactor in dozens of enzymatic reactions that optimize biological processes throughout the body, helping to keep you looking and feeling great. A few of the perks:
Fewer wrinkles. Vitamin C works double-duty to help protect against signs of premature aging: The nutrient stimulates the production of collagen, the protein that keeps skin firm and supple. Plus, antioxidant properties of vitamin C can also help neutralize damaging ultraviolet-rays before they can harm skin cells, helping to prevent and treat the UV-induced photodamage that can cause fine lines and wrinkles.
Speedier metabolism. Vitamin C supports the biosynthesis of carnitine, a molecule that shuttles fatty acids into cells to be burned for fuel. By helping maintain optimal levels of carnitine, vitamin C can help improve the body’s rate of fat oxidation, or fat burning.
Less stress. Vitamin C regulates the adrenal glands’ output of the fight or flight hormone cortisol, effectively lowering the body’s physiological response to stress. Some studies show this effect helps subjects who supplement with vitamin C stay calm in tense situations.
Sunnier moods. This versatile nutrient is required to manufacture neurotransmitters, like serotonin and dopamine, which can in turn help improve mood and sharpen thinking. In fact, one study published in the journal Nutrition found that supplementing with vitamin C improved acutely hospitalized patients’ mood scores by 34%.
A healthy heart. Through its powerful antioxidant function, vitamin C can help protect the heart and blood vessels from oxidative damage and inflammation. The payoff: In a study from Johns Hopkins University, vitamin C showed promise for lowering blood pressure in hypertension patients.
Amla Fruit. Also known as the Indian Gooseberry, Alma packs as much vitamin C as 20 oranges in a single fruit about the size of a plum. Often used in restorative Ayurvedic tonics, this tart, pungent fruit is revered for its rich stores of flavonols, which have been shown in clinical studies to nourish and protect the brain, lower cholesterol, balance blood sugar and support healthy liver function.
Acerola Cherry. This tropical fruit, native to the West Indies and the Carribean, boasts the second highest levels of bioavailable vitamin C of any known plant, only being outperformed by Camu Camu. In addition to vitamin C, acerola cherries are a good source of energizing iron and B-vitamins, and antioxidants that show promise in treating a number of health ailments.
Camu Camu. This vibrant red sour berry grows in the Amazonian rainforest, but is renowned worldwide for its high vitamin C content and rich stores of anthocyanins and ellagic acid. Camu Camu has been shown to be naturally antibacterial, and its antioxidant effects are so powerful that its juice was shown to improve the respiratory and heart health in smokers.
Rose Hips. The beautiful blooms of the rose plant get all the attention, but beneath the petals lie round, edible, seed filled bulbs, known as rose hips, with powerful health benefits. Rose hips’ unique combination of vitamin C and antiinflammatory oils have been shown to combat oxidative stress and inflammation in the joints, reducing aches and pains in arthritis patients. Additional studies have shown rose hips to be beneficial for weight loss and heart health.