Ester-C 1000 mg, 90 tablets

Ester-C, the non-acidic vitamin C

After intake of vitamin C into the body it is converted into specific metabolites (intermediate or end products). Threonic acid appears to be the most important metabolite. Ester-C® is a patented vitamin C formulation consisting of calcium ascorbate and has already been partially converted, thereby containing certain natural metabolites such as threonic acid. Threonic acid and the other vitamin C metabolites promote the absorption and metabolism of vitamin C in the body. In addition, threonic acid appears to be able to mobilise vitamin C already stored in the body.

Benefits of Ester-C

Studies have identified the following advantages of Ester-C compared with ascorbic acid:

• enters the bloodstream twice as fast and remains in the body twice as long
• reduces urinary excretion of oxalates to one quarter
• The loss of ascorbate via urine is six times lower.
• Improved incorporation of vitamin C into leucocytes and longer retention
• is well tolerated by the digestive tract even in high amounts
• poses no risk to tooth enamel

Ester-C® is produced in the USA by The Ester C Company using a patented manufacturing process.

Bioflavonoids

Bioflavonoids are water-soluble substances that, together with vitamin C, occur mainly in fresh fruit and vegetables. Bioflavonoids are regarded as enhancers of vitamin C. They support the bioavailability of vitamin C.

Effects of vitamin C

Vitamin C is perhaps the most frequently mentioned vitamin for its well-known positive effect on the body's resistance. The immune system is supported by vitamin C, especially during intense physical activity or in cold conditions. However, this vitamin also plays a role in a variety of other processes.

In the body vitamin C acts as a water-soluble antioxidant and is crucial for defence against free radicals. It is part of a complex network of endogenous antioxidants, dietary antioxidants and antioxidant enzymes that depend on and interact with one another. In this role it helps protect DNA, protein and lipids from oxidative damage, thereby contributing to the maintenance of healthy cells and tissues. Vitamin C is also required as a cofactor for three different enzymes involved in the synthesis of collagen (the most abundant structural protein in the human body). Normal collagen formation is important for bones, cartilage, gums, skin, tendons and blood vessels, among other things.

For dopamine-β-monooxygenase (DBM), the enzyme that converts dopamine into noradrenaline and adrenaline, vitamin C is a necessary cofactor. Since both act as neurotransmitters and hormones in the body, vitamin C has a positive influence on nervous system function and supports normal psychological function. Vitamin C is indispensable for two enzymes involved in the synthesis of carnitine, which is needed to transport long-chain fatty acids into the mitochondria for energy production.

Thus vitamin C contributes to energy levels. It may also be helpful in cases of exhaustion. Furthermore, many people do not get enough iron from their diet — in particular women of childbearing age, pregnant women and (young) children. Dietary absorption of iron is improved by vitamin C. This concerns non-haem iron, which occurs in both plant and animal foods. The absorption of haem iron (which occurs only in animal products) is not affected by vitamin C. Around 90% of the iron in the diet is non‑haem iron; only 10% is haem iron. Vitamin C acts as an electron donor and can therefore convert oxidised vitamin E back into its active, reduced form, thereby preserving the vitamin's effect.

As the human body is unable to produce vitamin C itself, it is entirely dependent on dietary intake.

Nutritional properties

• Vitamin C contributes to the normal function of the immune system during and after intense physical exercise (this effect occurs only with an additional intake of 200 mg vitamin C).
• Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of blood vessels, bones and cartilage as well as skin and teeth.
• Vitamin C contributes to normal energy metabolism, to the normal function of the nervous system and to normal psychological function, as well as to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
• Vitamin C contributes to the normal function of the immune system and increases iron absorption.
• Vitamin C contributes to the regeneration of the reduced form of vitamin E and helps protect cells from oxidative stress.

Nutritional information

*Reference value according to Regulation (EU) No. 1169/2011

Active ingredients

* No reference intake specified according to the FIC.

Ingredients

Calcium ascorbate, citrus bioflavonoid complex, bulking agent (microcrystalline cellulose [cellulose gel]), rice starch (Oryza sativa), citrus bioflavonoid complex, coating agents (hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, stearic acid, glycerol, carnauba wax).

Recommended intake

Take 1 tablet per day with water at a meal.

Notes from EnergyVital

According to current scientific knowledge, the body can absorb a maximum of 500 mg of vitamin C at once; excess is excreted in the urine. Therefore we recommend splitting the tablet and spreading the intake over the day, unless the therapist's instructions explicitly state to take it whole.
This is also advantageous for people with swallowing difficulties, as the 1 g tablets are quite large. There is nothing to prevent crushing them in a mortar or, if none is available, simply with a wooden meat mallet; you can also add them as a powder to food.

Storage instructions

Store in a cool, dry, dark place (do not refrigerate).

Legal notice

The recommended daily intake should not be exceeded. Food supplements are not a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. Keep out of reach of small children.