Vitamin C, alpha-C™, 90 Veg Capsules Buffered, Non-Acidic Vitamin C One Capsule Supplies 500 mg of Vitamin C Provides 8x the RDA of Vitamin C Antioxidant Protection Threonic Acid & Alpha Lipoic Acid Enhanced Vegetarian/Vegan Formula Gentle Digestive Formula

alpha-C™ contains the vitamin C metabolite, Threonic Acid, which has been shown to enhance cellular uptake of vitamin C. This buffered, non-acidic supplement also contains Alpha-Lipoic Acid, an antioxidant that may further enhance the body's utilization of vitamin C. The addition of Bioflavonoids as synergists helps to enhance absorption, protecting the body's cells and molecules from damage by free radicals. Flavonoids exhibit beneficial effects on capillary permeability and therefore support blood flow. They are antioxidants that work synergistically with vitamin C.

What is Calcium Ascorbate?

Calcium Ascorbate is a buffered salt (mineral) form of the water-soluble antioxidant Vitamin C (ascorbic acid). Calciummakes vitamin C more gentle for the special needs of those who may have a sensitive gastrointestinal tract. The pH of this buffered mineral, Ascorbate, is approximately 6.8~7.4 as compared to Ascorbic Acid that has a pH of 2.5. Calcium Ascorbate provides approximately 10% elemental Calcium.

What does Calcium Ascorbate do?

Ascorbate (vitamin C) is a reducing sugarthat is involved inthe formation of collagen and healthy connective tissue. A deficiency in Ascorbate results in a disease called Scurvy which manifests as weakened collagen fibers, rotting teeth, delayed healing and open sores on the skin. Ascorbate is involved in many other vital functions such as the mobilization of iron, stimulation of the immune system and as an anti-oxidant for scavenging of reactive free radicals.

Is this a necessary vitamin or can our bodies make enough to satisfy our needs?

Many plants and animals do not need to consume foods high in Ascorbic Acid to meet their need for vitamin C because they are genetically programmed to produce enzymes that convert glucose into Ascorbic Acid. Unfortunately, humans have only 3 of the 4 enzymes necessary for internal production of Ascorbic Acid, therefore we must satisfy our physical needs through our intake of foods rich in vitamin C and/or take a good supplement.

Can I pour the powder inVitamin C capsules into a liquid instead of swallowing the capsule?

Many people do not want to or cannot swallow capsules, tablets or softgels, for various reasons. Encapsulated vitamin C can be opened and emptied into a liquid for consumption. Juice or water is recommended if you choose this method. However, taking vitamin C with wateris the recommended method of ingestion.