Fwd: [S-A] Antioxidant Rescue: Vitamin C

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" Misty L. Trepke " <mistytrepke wrote:

Tue, 22 Jul 2003 14:42:42 -0000

[s-A] Antioxidant Rescue: Vitamin C

 

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Misty L. Trepke

http://www..com

 

Antioxidant Rescue: Vitamin C and Vitamin C Ester

 

Antioxidants are a classification of several organic substances,

which include vitamins C and E, vitamin A (converted from beta-

carotene), selenium, alpha lipoic acid, and carotenoids. Together as

antioxidants, these substances are thought to be effective in

helping

to prevent certain cancers, [6, 27] cardiovascular disease, [7] and

cataracts [8]. At the cellular level, antioxidants serve to

deactivate certain free radicals in turn helping to decrease

inflammation. [9,28]. The best source for antioxidants are in

fruits and vegetables.

 

Vitamin C: The Key Antioxidant

The most abundant, water-soluble antioxidant in the body is Vitamin

C. Vitamin C acts primarily in cellular fluid. Vitamin C scavenges

free radicals and cleans up waste products. In addition to its anti-

oxidative activities, vitamin C benefits many other body functions.

Vitamin C is necessary for the synthesis of collagen, which is an

important component in the structural make up of blood vessels,

tendons, ligaments, and bone. Vitamin C also plays an important role

in the synthesis of the neurotransmitters and norepinephrine.

 

Neurotransmitters are critical to brain function and are known to

affect mood. Vitamin C, even in small amounts, can protect

molecules

in the body, such as proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic

acids (DNA and RNA) from damage by free radicals. Vitamin C helps in

the fight against free-radical formation caused by pollution and

cigarette smoke and also helps return vitamin E to its active form.

Linus Pauling, Ph.D, a leading researcher of vitamin C and two-time

winner of the Nobel Prize, advised adults to take 2 to 10 grams per

day. People require at least 60mgs of vitamin C per day in order to

prevent scurvy. The optimal amount of vitamin C is closer to 400 to

3,000 mg per day, in divided doses, more if the body is under

stress.

 

Current research findings have shown that vitamin C may lower the

risk of developing cataracts and other eye diseases. In some

studies,

Vitamin C has helped lower blood pressure and cholesterol and has

been shown to help prevent stroke and heart attacks. [10].

 

Researchers have found that people who suffer from asthma,

arthritis,

cancer, diabetes, heart disease and muscle injury after exercise

have

lower levels of vitamin C in their blood than non-sufferers. [11].

 

Those with the highest intake of vitamin C and vitamin E from food

appeared to be the least likely to develop Alzheimer's disease.

[14].

To take advantage of the antioxidant benefits, choose foods rich in

vitamin C, such as citrus fruits (i.e: oranges, grapefruits), sweet

peppers, tomatoes, strawberries and broccoli.

 

 

Vitamin C Ester: The Ultimate Antioxidant

 

Vitamin C Ester (Ascorbyl palmitate), which is composed of basic

Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) joined with a fatty acid (Palmitic acid)

derived from palm oil, creates an " ester bond " . Vitamin C Ester is

therefore fat soluble and can rapidly penetrate the skin, as well as

the phospholipid bilayer of cells Ascorbyl palmitate has been

added

to a number of skin creams due to interest in its antioxidant

properties as well as the important role of vitamin C in collagen

synthesis. [24]. Although ascorbyl palmitate is also available as an

oral supplement, it is likely that most of it is hydrolyzed to

ascorbic acid and palmitic acid in the digestive tract before it is

absorbed. [25]

 

The increased absorption of Vitamin C Ester is therefore, 6 times

greater than Vitamin C alone. [24]. Vitamin C Ester helps stimulate

the growth of fibroblasts, the cells that produce collagen and

elastin in human skin, which in turn, provides a more youthful

appearance.

 

Vitamin C Ester should not be confused with Ester-C®. Ester-C® is

a

trademarked version of Vitamin C Ester. The only published study in

humans found no difference between Ester-C® and commercially

available ascorbic acid tablets with respect to the absorption and

urinary excretion of vitamin C. [26].

 

 

 

Andrew Pacholyk LMT, MT-BC, CA

Peacefulmind.com

Alternative medicine and therapies

for healing mind, body & spirit!

 

 

 

 

 

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