Here are some things to keep in mind when taking vitamin C:
The cheapest and most popular
form of vitamin C is ascorbic acid, which is synthesized in laboratories.
Manufacturers make it, then supply it to various companies, who often
combine it with natural products like rose hips and acerola cherries,
mostly for marketing reasons. Research has shown that natural and
synthetic ascorbic acid are chemically identical. There are no known
differences in their biological availability or activity, as shown in
human studies.
Since ascorbic acid can
damage tooth enamel and cause GI upset, buffered C’s such as calcium and
sodium ascorbate were developed as gentler forms. Ester-C is a popular
brand name of buffered C, and therefore less acidic. Mineral
ascorbates,such as potassium ascorbate, are often recommended to people
who experience abdominal pain or diarrhea with plain ascorbic acid. Sodium
ascorbate is probably not the best choice for those who suffer from
hypertension.
While it is true that excess
vitamin C is excreted in the urine, its very presence in the urinary tract
exerts a protective effect on the system. Still, if you are taking larger
doses, it’s advisable to take divided doses. Taking them with food can
help avoid GI discomfort.
While the bioavailability of
ascorbic acid appears equivalent whether it is in the form of powder,
chewable tablets, or non-chewable tablets, the bioavailability of ascorbic
acid from slow-release preparations is less certain.