The Acerola fruit is rich in natural vitamin C

As I’ve already talked about, I prefer to buy whole food vitamin C over ascorbic acid. As I’ve discussed elsewhere on my blog, ascorbic acid is only a partial component of the entire natural form of the vitamin C complex. Many say it doesn’t matter, because they claim the reduced form (ascorbic) is the active part of the component.

I personally – as well as many credible researchers – believe that all the components of the natural vitamin C form (which include the terrosenase enzyme and vitamins J, K, P) might work together in synergy. So although ascorbic acid is the main component, and the others may seem unimportant separately, it’s possible that together they work differently. Regardless, wouldn’t you rather be consuming natural vitamin C instead of ascorbic acid that is created in a laboratory?

What is whole food vitamin C?
No, this has nothing to do with the store of the similar name! Whole food vitamin C refers to that which has been derived directly from whole food sources. They moisture and excess pulp is removed, which makes it possible to pack a small capsule with a decent amount of the vitamin. Since vitamin C is destroyed by heat and pasteurization, this process does not involve heating.

Where does whole food vitamin C come from?
In order to collect adequate supplies and still keep the supplement normal size, they collect the whole food vitamin C from the fruits and vegetables which are most rich in this nutrient. Most of them are exotic fruits that are found in remote parts of South America and other regions and the odds are, you’ve probably never ate them fresh before. Examples include the acerola fruit, rose hips, and camu camu berry. Reportedly, these contain 30 to 60x the amount of vitamin C as oranges do (when comparing equal volumes of each).

How much does whole food vitamin C cost?
As you can imagine, this is not quite as cheap as the factory created ascorbic acid. Fortunately though, it’s not that expensive if you know where to look. As a resident in LA, I checked all around town at the stores that sell natural health supplements… their prices were expensive. However I was able to buy whole food 100% organic vitamin C online in higher strengths and greater quantity, for less than half what the local stores were charging per bottle. So if you buy natural supplements via the web, the prices are very reasonable.

Since many vitamins use artificial, lab created forms, I have a feeling natural vitamin C as well as many others will become very popular in the years to come.

Q: What are immune system vitamins?

A: This an informal name that refers to vitamins which are said to help support our immune systems. Most people consider vitamin C, A, D, E, and the B complex to make up this category. Additionally, there are minerals like zinc which are often included in immune system supplements.

What we all need to understand though is that these supplements are not intended to treat, cure, or prevent any disease. They also should not be used in place of vaccines. For example, there are some manufacturers out there whom claim their products offer flu protection – the government is taking action against unproven claims like this.

So although there are many claims out there which are unsubstantiated, there is something we know for sure…. a number of vitamins are needed for our bodies to function properly. And as we all know, if you are in good overall health, you are probably less susceptible to catching a bug.

With that being said, let’s take a look at a few of ingredients typically used in immune system vitamins:

Vitamin C: The synthetic form of this is known as ascorbic acid and that is what is usually used in supplements. The natural form can be obtained through fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as natural vitamins. It’s important to note that heat destroys vitamin C so cooked food is not the same. It is water soluble so it doesn’t stay in our systems very long.

Vitamin E: Acting as an antioxidant, this nutrient helps combat free radicals in our bodies. It’s fat soluble so it stays in our system longer.

Vitamin A: This nutrient reportedly plays a role in our immune system, health of our skin, vision, and many other functions. This is also fat soluble.

Vitamin D: This one has been largely ignored for years but lately this one has gotten a lot of buzz. There is evidence which points to vitamin D contributing to our immune system function in a number of ways. It is fat soluble and our body produces it naturally through our skin’s exposure to sunlight. It has been said that we produce it so efficiently, we only need around ten minutes of sunlight a day to make what we need. However if we work in an office or live in regions which don’t get a lot of sun, then this may be difficult to do.

B Complex: This actually refers to the eight different B vitamins which are essential for humans. They are essential for energy metabolism at the cellular level. They support our immune systems as well as many other bodily processes.

Zinc: This is what is known as an essential trace element. It has frequently included in supplements but recently (June 2009) the FDA state that consumers should not use zinc cold products which are intranasal (i.e. sprays) because they can allegedly cause a loss of smell. However that does not mean you should not consume iron – it just means don’t consume it in that way. Consuming the recommended daily allowance is what is currently advised, which is 11 mg daily for men and 8 mg daily for women. Even though it is an essential nutrient, taking excess amounts can lead to toxicity.

The above ingredients are some you will typically find in immune system vitamins. Some also include other ingredients like garlic supplements and astragalus.

Q: What is an ascorbic acid flush?

A: This is a so-called flush which involves consuming a large quantity of ascorbic acid – such as 1000mg or more – which allegedly flushes out your system. The truth of the matter is they might be nothing more than a fad. In fact, many have reported adverse reactions like watery stools and other side effects. This is a nutrient your body needs, but not in excess amounts. Just stick with quality organic vitamin C supplements instead!

Some even claim that this flush may be harmful to your health. The digestive problems can lead to dehydration – which messes with your body’s delicate balance of healthy bacteria. More seriously, excessive dosages of ascorbic acid have been linked to the formation of stones in the kidneys – not only are these extremely painful, but removal is not cheap. There are even other bad things I read… with all these negatives… I think I’ll pass on an ascorbic acid flush!

Other Important Words of Caution
Nowadays it seems that everywhere we turn there is someone peddling a supplement which they claim to cure a serious disease. While it’s true that most vitamins are extremely beneficial – some even necessary for human life – these claims have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. Is it possible some of those wild claims are true? Sure. But if they are presenting the suspected benefits as fact, be wary.
The truth of the matter is we don’t have all the answers. And now more than ever, more and more companies are hopping on the supplement bandwagon to get rich. So for example, if an ascorbic acid flush claims it can cure a flu or some other substantial claim, the fact is that claim has not been proven.

The Vitamins That You Actually Need
As mentioned, vitamins and supplements are extremely important to healthy living. But rather than deciphering alleged product claims, why not instead just focus on getting adequate amounts of these nutrients?

And here’s where there’s a big difference between supplements sold – most use synthetic versions of vitamins. For example, an ascorbic acid flush uses the artificial form (ascorbic acid) of vitamin C. I knew this acid was synthetically created, but what I didn’t know (until recently) was that it is not identical to the vitamin C complex in its natural form!

This is why I now use organic multi vitamins. Instead of creating the vitamins in a lab, they source them directly from foods. The benefits of using them are not just phony-bologna… it is fact that the synthetic versions of many vitamins are only a fragment of the natural complex form. So I don’t always buy into the whole organic hooplah, but when it comes to organic supplements, I now realize why they’re so much better.

One of the arguments that I often hear for using the pure form is because of how it is manufactured. Allegedly there is only one manufacturer left in the United States and roughly 80% of the world’s supply is now made in China. Not only is that disappointing, but potentially dangerous in my opinion, considering that country’s track record for cutting corners and providing us unsafe products.

Because there are so few who make ascorbic acid, pretty much every supplement brand is not making their own. That means they are buying it in a bulk elsewhere, sometimes from China. The worst part is the ingredient label may not say where they’re getting it… so you could unknowingly be taking it.

Buy Ascorbic Acid Directly
When you buy pure ascorbic acid directly, since it’s the only ingredient, odds are they will disclose where it is made. This puts the quality control in your own hands; you can choose to buy only that which is made domestically.

Pure Ascorbic Acid Benefits
The other argument many make for using it in its pure form is for the alleged benefits associated with it. Some believe it is more beneficial to take the pure form, instead of mixing it up with other additives, preservatives, and substances. Whether this is true or not, I don’t know, but there are many out there who if for no other reason, simply prefer getting their dose in this form.

Organic Vitamins
Alternately, there are many who try and avoid ascorbic acid all together. Why? Because it is a laboratory recreation of the real thing. It is said to be a fragment of the complete vitamin C structure in its natural state. However whatever form it’s in, this is a nutrient which is essential to human life, so you need to get it from somewhere. But many are now opting for organic vitamin C and organic supplements instead, which use the natural form.

Q: What is the typical ascorbic acid dosage for an adult?

A: The National Institute of Health has recommended a vitamin C dosage of 90 mg per day for males and 75 mg for females. However many people believe those figures are far outdated, especially for those who are under extra physical and mental pressure. Some recommend vitamin C supplements of up to 2,000 milligrams per day.

An extra 35 milligrams per day is often recommended for those whom smoke. Just to reiterate, the above figures are for adults age nineteen years and older. The recommended dietary allowance is lower for those whom are younger:

Age 14 to 18: 65 mg for females, 75 mg for males
Age 9 to 12: 45 mg
Age 4 to 8: 25 mg
Age 1 to 3: 15 mg

However you should first speak with a doctor to confirm that these doses are right for you or your child.

Mega Vitamin C Therapy
There are some, both medical professionals and everyday people, who believe that mega ascorbic acid dosage is more beneficial. These people typically consume anywhere from a few hundred milligrams all the way up to a couple thousand milligrams or more per day.

A study of more than 11,000 adult males in the United States, from 25 to 74 years of age, were used in a study conducted by the University of California Los Angeles. The study – which lasted a full decade – concluded that males who consumed 60 milligrams per day had a lifespan which was an average of six years less than those whom consumed 800 milligrams per day. However the results were highly scrutinized since supposedly the average ages in each group were different and other factors like diet were apparently not equal between the two.

Ascorbic Acid Overdose
Because it is a water soluble vitamin, it is not stored by our bodies. Rather, excess vitamin which is not needed leaves our body through urine. This is in contrast to those that are fat-soluble (like vitamin E) because our body can store them for long periods of time, therefore the chances of an overdose with a fat-soluble vitamin is much, much greater.

Because C is water soluble, it is unknown just how much would cause an overdose. Unofficially, 2000 mg per day is generally considered to be safe. Many state that excess ascorbic acid will probably not hurt most people, but it won’t give you any additional benefits either. In fact, taking super massive doses may cause digestive issues, like diarrhea. When around 10,000 or more milligrams is consumed per day, it has also been known to cause indigestion. Because it increases your absorption of iron, consuming too much has been known to contribute to an iron overload. There are other suspected conditions massive ascorbic acid dosages have been associated with also.

Not All Vitamin C Supplements Are Created Equal
Ascorbic acid is actually an artificial, fractional reproduction of vitamin C in it’s natural state (like found in fruits/veggies). Therefore, because it’s only a fraction of the natural vitamin, many speculate as to whether or not it truly works the same way. There has been compelling research which supports these claims. Because of this, more and more are turning to organic whole food supplements and all natural vitamins instead.

Now ascorbic acid is used to fortify a wide array of supplements and foods. However some are concerned as to whether it is being digested properly. Because it is said to be more absorbable, many people are now turning to pure ascorbic acid powder.

In recent years, there have been numerous products which have come out that incorporate ascorbic acid powder. One of the most notable would be those fizzy vitamin C drink mix products like Emergen-C. Presently there are a number of different companies which sell similar powder supplements. Often times, they also include other vitamins, minerals, and nutrients in their formula to allegedly enhance the benefits. One complaint though people have about these supplements are that they are often expensive. Many opt to buy a tub of the powder to make their own instead.

What is vitamin C powder?
Well, some argue there are two different answers to this question. For decades now, the FDA has allowed companies in the US to market ascorbic acid as vitamin C. However it should be noted this acid is a synthetically created, partial-version of vitamin C in its natural form. Currently the consensus among most is that this acid offers the same advantages.

What are the benefits of ascorbic acid?
There are many companies out there who make some pretty wild claims as to how this ingredient can benefit you. However you should realize those claims have not been validated or endorsed by the FDA. The reason for this is because in 1994 the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act was passed. This changed the rules…. for the most part, as long as product is not sold to “treat/cure/prevent a disease” and it is sold as a “dietary supplement,” then the FDA would not evaluate the product’s claims. This means that a manufacturer can make various claims and hide behind that protection… whether their claims are true or not is largely dependent upon their honesty and integrity.

Now that I’ve got out of the way, I can talk about some of the alleged benefits some have claimed ascorbic acid offers. The most common of course is with the immune system. Many claim that it helps boost the immune system and some take that a step further to even claim that it can help fight off infections and they even go so far as to say it can help with cancer, asthma, blood clotting, and an array of other diseases. They shouldn’t be saying it can be used as a treatment for anything, since that is not allowed.

So I’m not going to comment on those alleged benefits since I am not qualified to do so, but I will say that vitamin C is something people can’t live without it. It is essential to human life. So for that reason alone, it is extremely important that we make sure we get enough of it.

Is natural vitamin C the best choice?
Because ascorbic acid is synthetically created and it is only a partial piece of the form which is found in plants, many favor using a natural plant-derived form of it instead. Typically this can be acquired from whole food vitamin C and some organic supplements.

What happens if you don’t get vitamin C?
This is a necessary antioxidant which humans need to survive. It is needed for your body’s production of collagen, bone tissue, would healing, and other intercellular material.

Without it for extended periods of time, you will get scurvy disease; a condition which causes bleeding mucus membranes, neurological problems, and many other nasty things. Centuries ago, people would get this during the year when produce was not available. If left untreated and you do not get vitamin C, it will kill you. Fortunately today, in developed countries like the US, scurvy is extremely rare. When it does occur, it’s usually the result of an excessively poor diet.

The problem with vitamin C in prepared foods…
Unfortunately, heat destroys vitamin C. Nowadays, virtually all juice and prepared foods are pasteurized (boiled to kill bacteria) and therefore, the vitamin is destroyed.  So when you boil that broccoli or heat up that spaghetti sauce, it’s gone. By the way, this is especially important to remember with baby formula – if you microwave it to warm it up, you are killing off the vitamin C!

So how does orange juice, soup, and all kinds of other foods contain vitamin C? Well after the pasteurization process, a synthetic form is added to it known as ascorbic acid (L ascorbic acid).

What is ascorbic acid made from?
A chemical reaction is used to create this acid. It is synthesized from glucose. Ascorbic acid is not 100% identical to natural vitamin C in chemical structure; rather it is a synthetic component of the vitamin C structure. It is generally accepted that synthetic ascorbic acid fulfills the same function as natural vitamin C.

Is ascorbic acid just as good as natural vitamin C?
Most say it is, but there are some whom believe it is not equivalent. They say that because ascorbic acid is only one component of the full natural structure (vitamin C), it is not the same. In a sense, they are right, since it is not the full structure. Most believe it still gives the same benefits, however there is evidence out there which suggests otherwise.

Are your vitamins synthetic versions?  THE SHOCKING TRUTH…
Virtually every supplement sold at the store uses ascorbic acid, not a natural vitamin C form. So do foods and beverages which fortify their ingredients. But what I was surprised to learn is that, not only is the common form of vitamin C synthetic, but so are many other vitamins, including most in the “B” family.

If you want natural vitamins, it’s highly unlikely you will find them at any chain store. You may be able to get them from a specialty vitamin shop, but not even they always carry them. I buy mine online because it’s so much cheaper. The supplements which use natural vitamin C are known as whole food vitamins (not to be confused with the grocery store of the same name). Whole food multivitamins use camu camu, amla extract, and other natural vitamin C sources.