Natural Factors Vitamin C Crystals, 250g

Feature Summary

Vitamin C is necessary for maintaining all collagen structures, promoting wound repair, strong bones and teeth, and healthy gums. As a powerful antioxidant it protects the aqueous areas of the body (including the blood, intracellular fluid and interstitial fluid) from free radicals. Vitamin C protects LDL cholesterol from oxidation and also helps to regenerate vitamin E.

As it is a water-soluble vitamin, the body cannot store vitamin C, making regular supplementation vital. The body's need for vitamin C increases during times of stress because vitamin C participates in the production of vital chemicals such as norepinephrine, needed for the "fight or flight" response. Vitamin C also acts as a detoxifier, helping to cleanse the body of toxins, such as cigarette smoke, carbon monoxide, etc.

Vitamin C comes from starch, derived from the stalks of a variety of plants. Pure ascorbic acid crystals are extracted from this material. There is no residue left over after it is made so there is virtually no chance of allergies to the vitamin C itself.

Ingredients

Each serving (1/4 tsp) contains:
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid).............................1200 mg
1/4 tsp (1 g) is equivalent to 1000 mg of vitamin C

Recommended Adult Dose

Stir 1/4 teaspoon daily into juice or any other liquid or food that is desired or as directed by a health care practitioner. Keep out of the reach of children.

Contraindications

• Vitamin C may increase the absorption of aluminum from aluminum-containing antacids such as ALternaGEL^®, Amphojel^®, Basaljel^®, Nephrox^®, Maalox^®, and Mylanta^®. Take vitamin C at least 2 hours before or after taking one of these products.
• Certain medicines, such as antibiotics, blood thinners and aspirin may interact with vitamin C. Consult your health care practitioner if you are on any medications. Some interactions may increase the need for vitamin C, other interactions may be negative.
• As this product contains citrus bioflavonoids, there is one caution: bioflavonoids are non-toxic, so drug interactions are virtually unknown; however, citrus bioflavonoids contain grapefruit flavonoids that may interact with certain medications. The reason that grapefruit is problematic with certain drugs is that it contains high levels of a flavonoid (plant pigment) called naringin. This substance reduces the activity of a group of P450 enzymes known as CYP3A enzymes.
• Your body uses these enzymes to break down certain drugs, such as calcium channel blockers (used in the treatment of high blood pressure), sedatives (for example, midazolam), cyclosporin (an immune suppressant given to people who have received organ transplants) and statins (lipid-lowering drugs). If the drugs are not metabolized, they remain in the body in higher concentrations, increasing the risk of unwanted toxic effects. If taking these drugs, be aware of this effect and consult your health care practitioner.

Additional Information

Children: Suitable for children at one-half the adult dose.

Pregnancy and Nursing: The dosage range during pregnancy and lactation is 100 to 500 mg daily.

Seniors: No special precautions are known.