Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a key antioxidant, protecting cells throughout the body from free radical damage.* It plays an integral role in the production of cellular energy, and is essential for the proper metabolism of carbohydrates and the synthesis of fats and proteins.* Vitamin C also helps break down cholesterol, promotes wound healing, and helps maintain healthy immune function.* Thorne’s Vitamin C with Flavonoids contains ascorbic acid and citrus flavonoids. The flavonoids are a mixture of naturally-occurring flavonoids, including rutin, hesperidin, and quercetin. And there is no corn starch contained in this supplement, as it is in many other vitamin C supplements. Although ascorbic acid will work in the body without flavonoids, it works better when accompanied by flavonoid molecules, because the bioflavonoids spare vitamin C, thus providing greater antioxidant capacity.*
Vitamin C is an essential, water-soluble antioxidant that can enhance collagen stabilization.* A vitamin C deficiency can result in poor collagen cross-linkage and weaker connective tissue.* Vitamin C promotes wound healing because it is a cofactor in the synthesis of collagen and other connective tissue components.*
Because bioflavonoids have some of the same mechanisms of action as vitamin C, they can potentiate the effect of ascorbic acid.* Vitamin C and bioflavonoids both support immune function, connective tissue formation, cellular energy production, and antioxidant activity.* Factors dictating a need for higher vitamin C intake include smoking, alcohol ingestion, stress, diabetes, environmental toxicity, and the use of certain medications.*
Vitamin C also serves as a cofactor in the synthesis of important neurotransmitters in the body, such as dopamine and norepinephrine.*
