C Extra 500 mg Plus 250 mg Bioflavonoids

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 and the damage they cause. Vitamin C protects LDL cholesterol from oxidation and also helps to regenerate vitamin E.

As a water-soluble vitamin, the body does not 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, which produces 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.

Bioflavonoids (vitamin-like molecules that are found in the peel of citrus fruits and other fruits and vegetables) enhance the activity of vitamin C and may improve the body's ability to hold and absorb vitamin C by 35 per cent.

Ingredients

Each capsule contains:
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) ............................................500 mg
Non-medicinal ingredients:
Citrus bioflavonoids ....................................................250 mg
Rutin ............................................................................50 mg
Rosehips ......................................................................25 mg
Hesperidin ....................................................................25 mg

Non-medicinal Ingredients

Gelatin capsule (gelatin, purified water), vegetable grade magnesium stearate (lubricant).

Recommended Adult Dose

1 capsule daily or as directed by a health care practitioner. Keep out of 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.
• 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. These enzymes are what your body uses 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. This increases 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.