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Vitamin C

Vitamin C

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is an essential nutrient that plays a critical role in several bodily functions. It is a powerful antioxidant and helps to strengthen the immune system. In addition, vitamin C is important for collagen production, which helps maintain healthy skin, bones, and blood vessels.

Vitamin C - ascorbic acid or buffered vitamin C?

Vitamin C, an essential water-soluble vitamin known for its powerful antioxidant effect and essential role in supporting our immune system, comes in different forms. The best-known form is ascorbic acid, but the buffered variant is quickly gaining popularity. But what exactly are the differences and how do you know which shape suits you best?

Ascorbic acid: This traditional form of vitamin C is directly active in the body and plays a key role in the synthesis of collagen, the absorption of iron and the support of our immune system. Although very effective, ascorbic acid may cause stomach irritation or discomfort in some people, especially at higher doses, which is important to consider with your vitamin C needs.

Buffered Vitamin C: Buffered vitamin C, often in the form of calcium ascorbate, is vitamin C (ascorbic acid) combined with a mineral buffer such as calcium, magnesium or potassium, which helps to reduce acidity. This makes it gentler on the digestive system and can be a good choice for those with sensitive stomachs, ensuring you get enough vitamin C without discomfort.

When choosing between ascorbic acid and buffered vitamin C, consider your personal health situation, your tolerance for acidic foods, and any specific health goals you have. Both forms can make valuable contributions to your daily diet, but by choosing the right one you can maximize the benefits of vitamin C without unnecessary discomfort.

What is vitamin C good for?

Vitamin C has several functions in the body, including:

Antioxidant: It protects cells from free radical damage and helps regenerate other antioxidants, such as vitamin E.
Immunity: Vitamin C supports the immune system by stimulating white blood cells and promoting antibody production, which shows what vitamin C is needed for.
Collagen synthesis: Vitamin C is important for the production of collagen, an important protein that supports the skin, bones, blood vessels and other tissues.
Iron absorption: It helps increase the absorption of plant iron, which is important for red blood cell production and the body's oxygen supply.

How much Vitamin C per day?

The recommended daily allowance of vitamin C varies depending on age, gender and stage of life. According to the Dutch Health Council, the RDA for vitamin C for adults is 75 mg for women and 90 mg vitamin C for men. Pregnant and breastfeeding women need more vitamin C, 85 mg and 100 mg per day respectively. However, we often choose higher doses of vitamin C in our products, because of the many benefits that vitamin C offers, including its positive influence on the immune system and its role in collagen synthesis. Other reasons for this are:

Increased need: Some people may have an increased need for vitamin C due to certain conditions or lifestyle factors. Smokers, for example, have a higher need for vitamin C because smoking increases oxidative stress in the body. People recovering from an illness or surgery can also benefit from extra vitamin C to support the healing process.
Improved absorption: A higher dose of vitamin C in supplements can help optimize its absorption. The body absorbs vitamin C in a saturable process, meaning there is a limit to the amount of vitamin C that can be absorbed at a time. A higher dosage can ensure that enough vitamin C is available to be absorbed, even if the body can only process some of it.
Increased Antioxidant Effects: Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and higher doses may provide additional protection against the damaging effects of free radicals. This can contribute to better resistance to diseases and slow down the aging process. It provides protection for healthy cells and tissues.
Buffer against deficiencies: A higher dose of vitamin C in supplements can act as a buffer against possible deficiencies due to insufficient dietary intake or an increased need due to illness or stress.

Nutrition - What is vitamin C in?

Vitamin C is found in various foods, especially fruits and vegetables. Citrus fruits, such as oranges, grapefruits, blackcurrants and lemons, are excellent sources of vitamin C. Other foods high in vitamin C include kiwis, peppers, broccoli, strawberries and Brussels sprouts. These foods can also ensure that you get enough vitamin C. Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin and you pee out any excess vitamin C.

You can order vitamin C supplements (including buffered vitamin C) from Golden Naturals

While it is possible to get enough vitamin C from a balanced diet, some people choose to increase their intake with our vitamin C supplements to ensure they get enough vitamin C. Golden Naturals offers various forms of vitamin C capsules, including ascorbic acid, calcium ascorbate also called buffered vitamin C, bioflavonoids, hesperidin and Ester C in tablet form (pills) and capsules.

Ascorbic acid is the most common form of vitamin C in supplements. It is a water-soluble form and is easily absorbed by the body. Calcium ascorbate is a buffered form of vitamin C that is less acidic and therefore gentler on the stomach. Both forms are effective in providing the benefits of vitamin C.

Bioflavonoids , such as hesperidin, are natural compounds often found in foods along with vitamin C. They work synergistically with vitamin C and can improve its absorption and effectiveness. That is why some Golden Naturals vitamin C supplements also contain bioflavonoids.

Ester C is a patented form of vitamin C that contains calcium ascorbate and metabolites. It is known for its rapid absorption and long-term retention in the body, which can lead to better availability of vitamin C. Ester C is also gentler on the stomach and may be a good option for people sensitive to ascorbic acid.

If you're looking for a vitamin that will support your immune system, consider the different options from Golden Naturals. Our high-quality products can help you reach the daily reference intake of vitamin C and support your overall health and well-being. Visit our website to order your vitamin C and benefit from our fast delivery and excellent customer service.