Calcium supplements are an excellent alternative for people who fear their diet preferences are not giving them enough calcium. This is especially true for people who avoid dairy or who are lactose intolerant. The two main forms of calcium in supplements are carbonate and citrate. Calcium carbonate is more commonly available and is both inexpensive and convenient. The carbonate and citrate forms are similarly well absorbed, and both can be taken with or without food. One caveat, however, relates to people who don’t make much stomach acid, as is the case for those taking a proton-pump inhibitor or hydrogen blocker. In this scenario, taking the calcium supplement with a meal is best. Other calcium forms in supplements or fortified foods include gluconate, lactate, and phosphate. Calcium citrate malate is a well-absorbed form of calcium found in some fortified juices.
How well your body absorbs calcium from a supplement depends, in part, on how concentrated elemental calcium is in that supplement. Absorption is highest in doses equal to or less than 500 milligrams. So, for example, if you like to take 1,000 milligrams of calcium per day from supplement, it’s ideal to split the dose and take 500 milligrams at a time, two separate times during the day. Those who take a proton-pump inhibitor like Prilosec or Nexium to contral acid reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or Tagamet or Zantac (which work a different way but have the same effect of inhibiting the production of acid in the stomach), need to be extra careful about getting enough calcium. Because stomach acid helps the body absorb calcium by dissolving the calcium pill, thus freeing the calcium so it can be absorbed by the small intestine, lowering stomach acid levels may stop its proper absorption. In 2006, the Journal of the American Medical Association published a study suggesting that long-term (more than a year) use of proton-pump inhibitors in high doses increased the risk of hip fracture by 245 percent. The subjects in the study were all over the age of fifty, and the researchers said the effects were particularly in people already at risk of osteoporosis.
However, if you take your calcium pill with a meal, as your meal is being ground up in the stomach so, too, is the calcium pill – without the need for stomach acid. This is why doctors tell their patients to take their calcium pill with their meals.
Some people who take calcium supplements experience gas, bloating, constipation, or a combination of these symptoms. These symptoms can often be resolved by spreading out the calcium dose throughout the day, taking the supplement with meals, or changing the brand of supplement used. The older you get, the harder it becomes to produce adequate stomach acid, as you did when you were younger (and able to down just about anything without gastrointestinal problems). For this reason, taking a calcium supplement with a meal is best.
Supplements that combine calcium and vitamin D are an even better option, as the vitamin, once it gets activated in the liver and kidneys, increases calcium absorption and provide other health benefits. Vitamin D is essential to the uptake of calcium from your diet, helping the calcium to become more easily absorbed in the bloodstream and bones.
Because of its ability to neutralize stomach acid, calcium carbonate is found in several over-the-counter antacid products, such as Turns and Rolaids. Thus these drugs serve two purposes – calming stomach acid and providing bioavailable calcium. The fact that you’re chewing the calcium makes it easily absorbed.
People at Risk for Calcium Deficiency and Why
Postmenopausal women: Low estrogen stores dampen proper calcium metabolism and regulation.
Vegetarians: Avoiding diary and consuming mostly vegetables, some of which have compounds known to inhibit calcium absorption, including phytates and oxalate, act as a double whammy.
People whose diets include lots of protein and sale: High intake of sodium and protein increases calcium excretion.
Lactose-intolerant people: Those who have trouble digesting dairy products, and thus avoid them, are frequently found to be calcium deficient and have lower bone density.
USANA Vitamins Body Rox™ Active Calcium™ Chewable - Features the benefits of USANA’s Active Calcium formula and formulated to support bone development during the teenage growth spurt.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Beating Down Heart Disease
The farther away from the equator you live, the higher your blood pressure get. What gives? Is it in the air? The water? The food? No, it’s in the sky – the sun, or lack thereof.
Because of vitamin D’s actions in the body, sun exposure has a dramatic effect on heart and circulatory disease. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a very serious condition that is the main cause of stroke and heart attack. If you live in s sunny climate, you are less likely to have high blood pressure than if you live somewhere with less sunlight at certain times of the year. People tend to have healthier blood pressure during the summer than during the winter because there’s more sunlight available – and thus more vitamin D in the body. When exposed to the same amount of sunlight, people with fairer skin have levels of vitamin D (the darker your skin, the more melanin there is in it, and consequently the more difficult it is for you to produce vitamin D from the sun). There’s now specific evidence that people who live in sunnier climates have fewer heart attacks. Heart failure is also associated with vitamin D deficiency.
Hypertension: The Silent Killer
One in four adult Americans – fifty million in all – suffers from hypertension, the main sign of which is high blood pressure. More than half of Americans older than sixty have hypertension. It’s expected to affect 1.6 billion people worldwide by the year 2025. Despite its prevalence, high blood pressure is often ignored or undiagnosed because it has no symptoms. However, hypertension is a prime risk factor for heart disease and stroke, the first and third leading causes of death in this county. It’s a chief factor in our nation’s struggle with chronic disease, disability, and even death. Because it is an insidious and deadly disease, hypertension is sometimes called the silent killer.
We know that blood vessels have vitamin D receptors. The active form of vitamin D will enhance contraction of the heart muscle and improve vascular smooth-muscle function. We know that activated vitamin D alters inflammatory activity, which is a major factor in the development of atherosclerosis. And there is evidence that the active form of vitamin D regulates the major blood-pressure-regulating hormone rennin in your kidneys. The gathering evidence on vitamin D’s active role in regulating blood pressure has prompted numerous studies lately, as researchers continue to look for clues to conquering this silent killer.
Because of vitamin D’s actions in the body, sun exposure has a dramatic effect on heart and circulatory disease. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a very serious condition that is the main cause of stroke and heart attack. If you live in s sunny climate, you are less likely to have high blood pressure than if you live somewhere with less sunlight at certain times of the year. People tend to have healthier blood pressure during the summer than during the winter because there’s more sunlight available – and thus more vitamin D in the body. When exposed to the same amount of sunlight, people with fairer skin have levels of vitamin D (the darker your skin, the more melanin there is in it, and consequently the more difficult it is for you to produce vitamin D from the sun). There’s now specific evidence that people who live in sunnier climates have fewer heart attacks. Heart failure is also associated with vitamin D deficiency.
Hypertension: The Silent Killer
One in four adult Americans – fifty million in all – suffers from hypertension, the main sign of which is high blood pressure. More than half of Americans older than sixty have hypertension. It’s expected to affect 1.6 billion people worldwide by the year 2025. Despite its prevalence, high blood pressure is often ignored or undiagnosed because it has no symptoms. However, hypertension is a prime risk factor for heart disease and stroke, the first and third leading causes of death in this county. It’s a chief factor in our nation’s struggle with chronic disease, disability, and even death. Because it is an insidious and deadly disease, hypertension is sometimes called the silent killer.
We know that blood vessels have vitamin D receptors. The active form of vitamin D will enhance contraction of the heart muscle and improve vascular smooth-muscle function. We know that activated vitamin D alters inflammatory activity, which is a major factor in the development of atherosclerosis. And there is evidence that the active form of vitamin D regulates the major blood-pressure-regulating hormone rennin in your kidneys. The gathering evidence on vitamin D’s active role in regulating blood pressure has prompted numerous studies lately, as researchers continue to look for clues to conquering this silent killer.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Vitamin D Q & A
Should children who do not drink much milk and who wear sunscreen get their blood levels of 25-vitamin D checked?
It’s not unreasonable to have your children tested if you are concerned about their being vitamin D deficient because they don’t drink milk or wear sunscreen all the time. This will help convince you and the pediatrician that the child is vitamin D deficient and requires vitamin D treatment. However, because this test is rather costly, it is recommended that children simply take 1,000 IU of vitamin D a day along with a multivitamin containing 400 IU of vitamin D a day.
Does time of day matter for recommended sun exposure?
The time of day does matter, because the angle of the sun is different. It’s very difficult to make vitamin D in the early morning or late afternoon, even I the summer, and you will make more vitamin D between noon and 2:00 P.M. than you will either make at 10:00 A.M. or 3:00 P.M.
Are there any vitamin D-stimulating lightbulbs for humans?
Vitamin D will not be produced by exposure to incandescent lightbulbs. You need to be exposed to a vitamin D-producing lamp that emits UVB radiation. Tanning beds that have fluorescent lamps also emit UVB radiation.
Does it matter whether I wear sunglasses when I expose myself to the sun?
It is recommended some face protection and sunglasses or other eye protection to reduce the risk of cataracts.
Does boiling cow’s milk destroy vitamin D?
Boiling cow’s milk will not destroy vitamin D. Vitamin D is heat stable at least up to a temperature of about 300F.
Is vitamin D better absorbed from fortified dairy or from fortified juice?
Vitamin D is equally bioavailable from fortified juice, fortified milk, and vitamin D supplement capsules.
I’ve heard that vitamin D in skim or nonfat milk isn’t as bioavailable. Is this true?
Vitamin D is just as bioavailable from skim and nonfat milk as it is from whole milk. Fat is not needed to efficiently absorb vitamin D.
Isn’t Vitamin D fat soluble? Is there a water-soluble form of vitamin D that is used to fortify orange juice and skim milk?
The vitamin D that is used in orange juice is in a micronized form that makes it water soluble. The vitamin D in skim milk is the same vitamin D that is in whole milk and is perfectly bioavailable.
Will I wash off the vitamin D I produce in my skin if I take a bath or shower within thirty minutes of being exposed to sunlight?
No. Vitamin D is made in living cells in the skin. You cannot wash it off!
USANA’s Vitamin D supplement helps to prevent vitamins D deficiency
It’s not unreasonable to have your children tested if you are concerned about their being vitamin D deficient because they don’t drink milk or wear sunscreen all the time. This will help convince you and the pediatrician that the child is vitamin D deficient and requires vitamin D treatment. However, because this test is rather costly, it is recommended that children simply take 1,000 IU of vitamin D a day along with a multivitamin containing 400 IU of vitamin D a day.
Does time of day matter for recommended sun exposure?
The time of day does matter, because the angle of the sun is different. It’s very difficult to make vitamin D in the early morning or late afternoon, even I the summer, and you will make more vitamin D between noon and 2:00 P.M. than you will either make at 10:00 A.M. or 3:00 P.M.
Are there any vitamin D-stimulating lightbulbs for humans?
Vitamin D will not be produced by exposure to incandescent lightbulbs. You need to be exposed to a vitamin D-producing lamp that emits UVB radiation. Tanning beds that have fluorescent lamps also emit UVB radiation.
Does it matter whether I wear sunglasses when I expose myself to the sun?
It is recommended some face protection and sunglasses or other eye protection to reduce the risk of cataracts.
Does boiling cow’s milk destroy vitamin D?
Boiling cow’s milk will not destroy vitamin D. Vitamin D is heat stable at least up to a temperature of about 300F.
Is vitamin D better absorbed from fortified dairy or from fortified juice?
Vitamin D is equally bioavailable from fortified juice, fortified milk, and vitamin D supplement capsules.
I’ve heard that vitamin D in skim or nonfat milk isn’t as bioavailable. Is this true?
Vitamin D is just as bioavailable from skim and nonfat milk as it is from whole milk. Fat is not needed to efficiently absorb vitamin D.
Isn’t Vitamin D fat soluble? Is there a water-soluble form of vitamin D that is used to fortify orange juice and skim milk?
The vitamin D that is used in orange juice is in a micronized form that makes it water soluble. The vitamin D in skim milk is the same vitamin D that is in whole milk and is perfectly bioavailable.
Will I wash off the vitamin D I produce in my skin if I take a bath or shower within thirty minutes of being exposed to sunlight?
No. Vitamin D is made in living cells in the skin. You cannot wash it off!
USANA’s Vitamin D supplement helps to prevent vitamins D deficiency
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Green Tea – Fighting Bacteria and Viruses
In 2007, researchers reported that green tea catechins fight bacteria by attacking DNA gyrase, an enzyme necessary for bacterial reproduction and the target of many antibiotics. Other studies demonstrate more specific antibacterial applications for green tea. At a 2005 symposium of the American Chemical Society, researchers provided evidence that green tea extract kills several common food-borne bacteria, including salmonella. The results of a 2001 study in the Journal of Medical Microbiology show that green tea fights streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus bacteria, both of which contribute to tooth decay. And in 2003, researchers reported using green tea to inhibit the growth of bacteria responsible for strep throat and tooth decay.
Green tea also has antiviral properties. Researchers investigated the effects of green tea catechins on the influenza virus. According to the results of their study, published in 2005 in the journal Antiviral Research, two catechins, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and epicatechin gallate (ECG), inhibited viral reproduction. In 2008, Chinese researchers published a study in the same journal showing that green tea extract inhibited the hepatitis B virus in laboratory settings.
Protecting Against Cognitive Impairment
In a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2006, researchers surveyed a group of 1,003 subjects over the age of 70 about their green tea consumption. After comparing the survey data against the rate of cognitive decline experienced by the study’s participants, the authors wrote, “The prevalence of cognitive impairment decreased with increasing frequency of tea consumption”. They concluded that “higher consumption of green tea is associated with lower prevalence of cognitive impairment in humans”. While more research needs to be done in this area, initial results are promising.
The Bottom Line
Because of the wide-range health benefits of green tea on so many different systems in the body, it makes sense to drink green tea and take green tea supplements to promote and preserve good health.
Green Tea Fast Facts
Uses and Benefits: Green tea acts as an antioxidant, helps protect against cancer, fights bacterial infections and tooth decay, lowers cholesterol levels and may delay the onset of atherosclerosis.
Sources: The most common source of green tea is an infusion made from tea bag or loose tea leaves. Green tea extracts and capsules are also widely available.
Special Considerations: Drink green tea without milk, which may bind with some beneficial compounds in the tea and make them unavailable to the body. Some experts suggest drinking four to 10 cups of green tea a day; if this seems like too much, consider a green tea supplement. Be aware that green tea contains small quantities of caffeine.
Black tea does not offer the same health benefits as green tea. Unlike green tea leaves, which are gently steamed, black tea is fermented, a process that destroys polyphenols.
USANA’s powerful bioflavonoid supplement combines the highest quality grape-seed extract with vitamins C (as Poly C®) for additional antioxidant protection
Green tea also has antiviral properties. Researchers investigated the effects of green tea catechins on the influenza virus. According to the results of their study, published in 2005 in the journal Antiviral Research, two catechins, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and epicatechin gallate (ECG), inhibited viral reproduction. In 2008, Chinese researchers published a study in the same journal showing that green tea extract inhibited the hepatitis B virus in laboratory settings.
Protecting Against Cognitive Impairment
In a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2006, researchers surveyed a group of 1,003 subjects over the age of 70 about their green tea consumption. After comparing the survey data against the rate of cognitive decline experienced by the study’s participants, the authors wrote, “The prevalence of cognitive impairment decreased with increasing frequency of tea consumption”. They concluded that “higher consumption of green tea is associated with lower prevalence of cognitive impairment in humans”. While more research needs to be done in this area, initial results are promising.
The Bottom Line
Because of the wide-range health benefits of green tea on so many different systems in the body, it makes sense to drink green tea and take green tea supplements to promote and preserve good health.
Green Tea Fast Facts
Uses and Benefits: Green tea acts as an antioxidant, helps protect against cancer, fights bacterial infections and tooth decay, lowers cholesterol levels and may delay the onset of atherosclerosis.
Sources: The most common source of green tea is an infusion made from tea bag or loose tea leaves. Green tea extracts and capsules are also widely available.
Special Considerations: Drink green tea without milk, which may bind with some beneficial compounds in the tea and make them unavailable to the body. Some experts suggest drinking four to 10 cups of green tea a day; if this seems like too much, consider a green tea supplement. Be aware that green tea contains small quantities of caffeine.
Black tea does not offer the same health benefits as green tea. Unlike green tea leaves, which are gently steamed, black tea is fermented, a process that destroys polyphenols.
USANA’s powerful bioflavonoid supplement combines the highest quality grape-seed extract with vitamins C (as Poly C®) for additional antioxidant protection
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Health Benefits of Soy
Antioxidant
The antioxidant properties of isoflavones may help LDL (“bad”) cholesterol resist oxidation and prevent free radical damage to DNA. Antioxidants may also defend against cancer. Studies show that genestein has greater antioxidant activities than the other isoflavones. Genestein may also increase the production of antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase.
Bone Health
Researchers around the world are excited about soy’s ability to strengthen bones, increase bone mass and prevent osteoporosis. Soy is a great dietary source of calcium, and calcium is essential for healthy bones and proper development of the musculoskeletal system. Additionally, genistein and daidzein appear to inhibit the breakdown of bones. One study showed that soy isoflavones helped fortify bones found in the lumbar spine and also prevented the development of dowager’s hump, which is commonly seen in postmenopausal women. Another study showed that genistein was equal to prescription doses of estradiol for retaining bone mineral mass.
Heart Health
Numerous studies have shown that soy and soy isoflavones can benefit the cardiovascular system in many ways. And so impressive are its heart-healthy attributes that in 2000, the FDA allowed soy food products to carry a health claim stating that soy is effective in fighting coronary heart disease. While results have been mixed, there is promising research surrounding both genistein and daidzein and their complementary effect in fighting heart disease.
Reducing Cholesterol Levels
It is well established in controlled trials that increased soy protein intake has the potential to lower LDL-cholesterol levels and thus may also reduce the risk of heart disease, particularly in postmenopausal women.
Even More Health Benefits
Aside from the benefits surrounding hormone-related conditions in women, heart disease and cancer, soy and its principal components are showing promise in helping other areas, including the following:
Fighting bacterial and fungal infections
Acting as a diuretic
Improving kidney function
Relieving effect of type 2 diabetes
Preventing gallstones
The Bottom Line
Soy is a nutritious, affordable and widely available source of complete protein. The fact that soy may provide so many more health benefit is all the more reason to add soy to our daily diet.
Soy Fast Facts
Uses and Benefits: Soy is a natural, meat-free source of complete protein. Soy may also provide nutritive support for women’s health and cardiovascular health.
Sources: Soy foods include tofu, soy milk, natto, tempeh, miso and soy sauce. Soy protein powder is widely available, as are supplements containing soy extracts.
Special Considerations: Soy and soy foods are widely considered to be safe. However in some cases soy isoflavones have been reported to impair thyroid activity. Discuss any concerns you may have with your physician before increasing the amount of soy in your diet.
USANA Products SoyaMax is not only a great source of protein, it is naturally low glycemic and has only one gram of fat per serving as well as other USANA Vitamins.
The antioxidant properties of isoflavones may help LDL (“bad”) cholesterol resist oxidation and prevent free radical damage to DNA. Antioxidants may also defend against cancer. Studies show that genestein has greater antioxidant activities than the other isoflavones. Genestein may also increase the production of antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase.
Bone Health
Researchers around the world are excited about soy’s ability to strengthen bones, increase bone mass and prevent osteoporosis. Soy is a great dietary source of calcium, and calcium is essential for healthy bones and proper development of the musculoskeletal system. Additionally, genistein and daidzein appear to inhibit the breakdown of bones. One study showed that soy isoflavones helped fortify bones found in the lumbar spine and also prevented the development of dowager’s hump, which is commonly seen in postmenopausal women. Another study showed that genistein was equal to prescription doses of estradiol for retaining bone mineral mass.
Heart Health
Numerous studies have shown that soy and soy isoflavones can benefit the cardiovascular system in many ways. And so impressive are its heart-healthy attributes that in 2000, the FDA allowed soy food products to carry a health claim stating that soy is effective in fighting coronary heart disease. While results have been mixed, there is promising research surrounding both genistein and daidzein and their complementary effect in fighting heart disease.
Reducing Cholesterol Levels
It is well established in controlled trials that increased soy protein intake has the potential to lower LDL-cholesterol levels and thus may also reduce the risk of heart disease, particularly in postmenopausal women.
Even More Health Benefits
Aside from the benefits surrounding hormone-related conditions in women, heart disease and cancer, soy and its principal components are showing promise in helping other areas, including the following:
Fighting bacterial and fungal infections
Acting as a diuretic
Improving kidney function
Relieving effect of type 2 diabetes
Preventing gallstones
The Bottom Line
Soy is a nutritious, affordable and widely available source of complete protein. The fact that soy may provide so many more health benefit is all the more reason to add soy to our daily diet.
Soy Fast Facts
Uses and Benefits: Soy is a natural, meat-free source of complete protein. Soy may also provide nutritive support for women’s health and cardiovascular health.
Sources: Soy foods include tofu, soy milk, natto, tempeh, miso and soy sauce. Soy protein powder is widely available, as are supplements containing soy extracts.
Special Considerations: Soy and soy foods are widely considered to be safe. However in some cases soy isoflavones have been reported to impair thyroid activity. Discuss any concerns you may have with your physician before increasing the amount of soy in your diet.
USANA Products SoyaMax is not only a great source of protein, it is naturally low glycemic and has only one gram of fat per serving as well as other USANA Vitamins.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is perhaps the most widely known and most popular of all nutrients. Also called ascorbic acid, vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin and a powerful antioxidant. Vitamin C is involved in hundreds of body processes, including collagen production, immune system regulation, blood vessel maintenance, cell repair and hormone production.
Most animals synthesize vitamin C from glucose and other sugars, but humans do not have this ability. All human vitamin C requirements must be met through diet or supplementation. Since vitamin C is water soluble, the body stores only small amounts and excretes excess quantities in the urine. Because of this, everyone should ensure an adequate daily intake of foods rich in vitamin C. Vitamin C is a highly unstable compound that rapidly deteriorates in storage and food preparation, so fresh fruits and vegetables are the best sources.
Vitamin C is well known today, but its discovery was surprisingly recent. The Hungarian biochemist Albert Szent-Gyorgi first isolated vitamin C in 1928 and won the Nobel Prize in 1938 for his discovery. But while vitamin C itself was unknown before 1938, a lack of vitamin C – manifest as the disease scurvy – has plagued humankind for millennia. The first known record of scurvy dates from the sixteenth century BCE and describes classic symptoms such as gum inflammation, tooth decay, lack of energy and bleeding problems. It wasn’t until the seventeenth century CE – over 3,000 years later – that the British surgeon James Lind discovered that lemons and limes could prevent and cure the deadly disease. Scurvy was common among sailors, and after Lind’s discovery, British ships began to carry limes for the sailors to eat, earning British sailors the nickname “limeys”. While scurvy is rare in Western industrialized society today, it is still a problem in developing areas of the world.
Functions of Vitamin C
Antioxidant
Because of its powerful antioxidant properties, vitamin C plays an important role in neutralizing free radicals throughout the body. In addition, vitamin C protects the fat-soluble antioxidants vitamins A and E from excessive oxidation. Scientists theorize that reducing free radical activity in the body can help prevent cell death, protect against cancer and other diseases and slow the aging process.
Building Connective Tissue
The body requires vitamin C to manufacture collagen, a protein that binds the body’s cells together. Collagen is the most abundant tissue in the body and is needed to build and maintain skin, tendons, ligaments, muscles and joints. Collagen is also essential in healing wounds, fractures and other injuries.
Building Strong Teeth and Bones
Vitamin C is needed for calcification, the process of forming bones, and for the manufacture of dentin, a major component in teeth.
Immune System Function
Vitamin C supports healthy immune system function in several ways. It enhances the function of phagocytes, cells that destroy foreign invaders; it assists in the production of lymphocytes, white blood cells that help fight infection; it helps produce antibodies, substances that protect against bacteria and viruses; and it supports the thymus, and important part of the immune system.
Metabolism
The body needs vitamin C to properly metabolize fats and some proteins, including tyrosine, which is used to produce adrenaline, dopamine and tryptophan. Vitamin C is also critical for metabolizing folic acid.
Sources of Vitamin C
The best food sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits (such as lemons, limes, oranges, tangerines, grapefruit, pomelos, clementines and mandarin oranges), citrus juices, cantaloupe and other melons, strawberries, kiwi, mango, papaya, pineapples, red and green bell peppers, tomatoes and tomato juice, Brussels sprouts, cabbage and broccoli. Since vitamin C is such a fragile vitamin, concentrations are highest in fresh, uncooked servings of these foods.
Vitamin C is also available in multivitamins and other dietary supplements. As a single nutrient, vitamin C is available in tablet, capsule, powder, liquid, effervescent and even chewing gum forms. Many people choose to take a daily vitamin C supplement to ensure that their basic dietary needs are met and to help protect against disease.
USANA's Poly C® stands above the rest. Formulated with a unique blend of highly bioavailable mineral ascorbates, all of which have potent vitamin C activity, USANA Poly C® maintains higher blood levels of vitamin C than absorbic acid alone. With USANA Poly C®, you'll receive superior vitamin C protection.
Most animals synthesize vitamin C from glucose and other sugars, but humans do not have this ability. All human vitamin C requirements must be met through diet or supplementation. Since vitamin C is water soluble, the body stores only small amounts and excretes excess quantities in the urine. Because of this, everyone should ensure an adequate daily intake of foods rich in vitamin C. Vitamin C is a highly unstable compound that rapidly deteriorates in storage and food preparation, so fresh fruits and vegetables are the best sources.
Vitamin C is well known today, but its discovery was surprisingly recent. The Hungarian biochemist Albert Szent-Gyorgi first isolated vitamin C in 1928 and won the Nobel Prize in 1938 for his discovery. But while vitamin C itself was unknown before 1938, a lack of vitamin C – manifest as the disease scurvy – has plagued humankind for millennia. The first known record of scurvy dates from the sixteenth century BCE and describes classic symptoms such as gum inflammation, tooth decay, lack of energy and bleeding problems. It wasn’t until the seventeenth century CE – over 3,000 years later – that the British surgeon James Lind discovered that lemons and limes could prevent and cure the deadly disease. Scurvy was common among sailors, and after Lind’s discovery, British ships began to carry limes for the sailors to eat, earning British sailors the nickname “limeys”. While scurvy is rare in Western industrialized society today, it is still a problem in developing areas of the world.
Functions of Vitamin C
Antioxidant
Because of its powerful antioxidant properties, vitamin C plays an important role in neutralizing free radicals throughout the body. In addition, vitamin C protects the fat-soluble antioxidants vitamins A and E from excessive oxidation. Scientists theorize that reducing free radical activity in the body can help prevent cell death, protect against cancer and other diseases and slow the aging process.
Building Connective Tissue
The body requires vitamin C to manufacture collagen, a protein that binds the body’s cells together. Collagen is the most abundant tissue in the body and is needed to build and maintain skin, tendons, ligaments, muscles and joints. Collagen is also essential in healing wounds, fractures and other injuries.
Building Strong Teeth and Bones
Vitamin C is needed for calcification, the process of forming bones, and for the manufacture of dentin, a major component in teeth.
Immune System Function
Vitamin C supports healthy immune system function in several ways. It enhances the function of phagocytes, cells that destroy foreign invaders; it assists in the production of lymphocytes, white blood cells that help fight infection; it helps produce antibodies, substances that protect against bacteria and viruses; and it supports the thymus, and important part of the immune system.
Metabolism
The body needs vitamin C to properly metabolize fats and some proteins, including tyrosine, which is used to produce adrenaline, dopamine and tryptophan. Vitamin C is also critical for metabolizing folic acid.
Sources of Vitamin C
The best food sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits (such as lemons, limes, oranges, tangerines, grapefruit, pomelos, clementines and mandarin oranges), citrus juices, cantaloupe and other melons, strawberries, kiwi, mango, papaya, pineapples, red and green bell peppers, tomatoes and tomato juice, Brussels sprouts, cabbage and broccoli. Since vitamin C is such a fragile vitamin, concentrations are highest in fresh, uncooked servings of these foods.
Vitamin C is also available in multivitamins and other dietary supplements. As a single nutrient, vitamin C is available in tablet, capsule, powder, liquid, effervescent and even chewing gum forms. Many people choose to take a daily vitamin C supplement to ensure that their basic dietary needs are met and to help protect against disease.
USANA's Poly C® stands above the rest. Formulated with a unique blend of highly bioavailable mineral ascorbates, all of which have potent vitamin C activity, USANA Poly C® maintains higher blood levels of vitamin C than absorbic acid alone. With USANA Poly C®, you'll receive superior vitamin C protection.
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