Product Information

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is one of the most well known nutrients worldwide. Such recognition is deserved, considering its role in nutritional biochemistry. Not only is vitamin C a key antioxidant, protecting cells throughout the body from free radical damage, this water-soluble vitamin serves as a cofactor in the synthesis of important neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and norepinephrine, and plays an integral role in the production of cellular energy.* Vitamin C is essential for proper metabolism of carbohydrates and synthesis of fats and proteins.* It helps break down cholesterol and also helps maintain healthy immune function.* Vitamin C promotes wound healing because it is a cofactor for the synthesis of collagen and other connective tissue components.*

The term ascorbic acid refers to vitamin C in its purest form, not bound to any other compound. Thorne's Vitamin C with Flavonoids contains ascorbic acid and citrus flavonoids (a mixture of naturally-occurring flavonoids, including rutin, hesperidin, and quercetin), and is 100 percent pure. Unlike many vitamin C supplements from other companies, Thorne's vitamin C supplements contain no corn starch. Although it is not true that ascorbic acid will not work in the body without flavonoids, vitamin C does work better when accompanied by flavonoid molecules, as their presence in cells spares vitamin C and provides greater antioxidant activity.*

Vitamin C is an essential, water-soluble antioxidant for collagen stabilization.* A deficiency can result in poor collagen cross-linkage and weaker connective tissue.* Bioflavonoids have some of the same mechanisms of action, potentiating the effect of ascorbic acid.*

In addition to immune support, connective tissue support, and its role in cellular energy production, antioxidant activity is one of the primary reasons for vitamin C supplementation.* In addition to strong antioxidant activity, flavonoids support other key functions in the body.* Factors dictating higher vitamin C include smoking, alcohol ingestion, stress, diabetes, pregnancy, environmental toxicity, and the use of certain drugs.*