PureBulk

What is Calcium Ascorbate Buffered Vitamin C?

Calcium ascorbate is a buffered form of Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid). It is used as a nutritional supplement and food additive and is more gentle for people with sensitive gastrointestinal tracts. To produce this product, calcium is reacted with ascorbic acid, decreasing the acidic nature of this vitamin substantially.

Combining calcium and ascorbic acid delivers the vital benefits of both supplements.

Health Benefits of Calcium Ascorbate Buffered Vitamin C

Calcium ascorbate couples ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) with calcium carbonate. As the calcium salt of ascorbic acid, calcium ascorbate is hydrolyzed in the stomach, yielding calcium and an ascorbate ion. Stomach acid changes the ascorbate ion to ascorbic acid with no net increase in stomach acid levels.

Ascorbic acid facilitates calcium absorption, making it more bioavailable to the cells.

Ascorbic acid is important in many other critical functions such as the absorption of iron, stimulation of immune system and as an antioxidant to strengthen the immune system.

Vitamin C as an Antioxidant - Vitamin C is one of many antioxidants that block damage caused by free radicals, byproducts of our bodies transforming food into energy. Vitamin C neutralizes potentially harmful reactions in the watery parts of the body, such as blood and fluid both inside and surrounding cells.

Vitamin C and Connective Tissue - As a participant in hydroxylation of proline, vitamin C is needed for the production of collagen, a protein substance which all fibrous tissue integrity depends on. These fibers are found throughout the body, providing firm but flexible structure. Collagen is the "glue" that strengthens many parts of the body like the muscles and blood vessels. It is needed to develop and maintain healthy teeth, bones, gums, cartilage, vertebrae discs, joint linings, skin and blood vessels. By supporting collagen production, vitamin C is essential for the healing of wounds and for the repair of these tissues.

Vitamin C and Immune System - Vitamin C may be useful as an immune stimulator and modulator in some circumstances. Vitamin C promotes resistance to infection through the immunologic activity of leukocytes, the production of interferon, and maintaining mucous membranes.

Humans have only three of the four enzymes necessary for internal production of ascorbic acid and must satisfy the need for the vitamin through eating vitamin C-rich foods or nutritional supplementation.

Purity and Concentration of Calcium Ascorbate Buffered Vitamin C

This Purebulk product contains no fillers, additives or anti-caking agents. Each molecule of calcium ascorbate buffered vitamin C yields 90% actual vitamin C and 10% calcium.

Potential Side Effects of Calcium Ascorbate Buffered Vitamin C

Calcium ascorbate is generally nontoxic and side effects rarely occur. High amounts (more than 2,000 milligrams daily) of vitamin C may cause diarrhea, gas, or stomach upset. Any side effects from supplementation generally are reduced or disappear with a decrease in use.

High intake of ascorbic acid may reduce copper levels in the body. This could be a problem for individuals with an existing copper deficiency or marginal copper stores. People with iron storage diseases such as hemochromatosis should consult a physician before taking vitamin C supplements since vitamin C increases iron absorption. Pregnant women should consult their prenatal care professional when using vitamin C supplements since infants born to mothers taking high amounts of vitamin C could develop rebound scurvy (ascorbic acid deficiency disease) due to a sudden drop in vitamin C levels after birth. This is generally only seen when the mother has been consuming more than 6,000 mg of vitamin C.

Suggested Use of Calcium Ascorbate Buffered Vitamin C

The suggested daily serving size for calcium ascorbate is 300 milligrams (1/16 tsp) to 1000 milligrams (a scant 1/4 tsp) up to three times daily, or as directed by a physician. You can see the full bulk density/volumetric conversion chart for Calcium Ascorbate here.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends a Daily Value (DV) of 60 milligrams (mg) Vitamin C for adults and children four or more years of age, and for pregnant and lactating women. A serving of 1000 milligrams Calcium Ascorbate Buffered Vitamin C will provide 1370% of the recommended daily value of Vitamin C.

According to data from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, five to seventeen percent of adults in the United States were vitamin C deficient. Especially at risk were smokers, those who did not use supplements, and black males. Mexican American people had a reduced risk for ascorbic acid deficiency.

While it is known that the daily value for ascorbic acid is adequate to prevent deficiency it is not known whether this amount is sufficient to promote optimal health and well-being.

Increased intake of vitamin C is required to maintain normal plasma levels under acute emotional or environmental stress such as trauma, fever, infection, or elevated environmental temperatures.

Bioavailability, Mixing and Solubility of Calcium Ascorbate Buffered Vitamin C

Calcium ascorbate has a neutral pH and is easier for the body to absorb and use. This product mixes well with food or in a glass of juice or water. Stir well and drink immediately.

References and Further Research

Vitamin C Deficiency and Depletion in the United States: The Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1988 to 1994

WebMD: The benefits of Vitamin C

University of Maryland: Vitamin C overview

The Bioavailability of Different Forms of Vitamin C

NOTE: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

The information at Purebulk.com is NOT a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not use any dietary supplement as a replacement for conventional care, or as a reason to postpone seeing a doctor about a medical problem. Tell all your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates herbal and other dietary supplements differently than conventional medicines. The standards for supplements are found in the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA), a federal law that defines dietary supplements and sets product-label­ing standards and health claim limits. To learn more about DSHEA, visit the FDA Web site.