The human body does not produce vitamin C, so all of this important nutrient's requirements must be obtained through our diets, which are frequently deficient in vitamins. Lifestyle factors such as smoking, environmental pollutants and food-processing techniques can impact the level of vitamin C in your body. In addition, vitamin C is not stored in the body, so it must be replaced daily.

Vitamin C benefits many systems in our bodies, particularly the cardiovascular system. It is integral to the production of collagen molecules that provide the stability necessary for proper cardiovascular function. Bio-C provides a balance of high-potency vitamin C formulated with four select forms of this important antioxidant nutrient plus bioflavonoids to promote absorption.*

Formulated to assure disintegration and dissolution to meet and exceed all standards, Bio-C does not contain sugar, starch, salt or preservatives.

RESEARCH BRIEF

Vitamin C is widely touted for benefiting the immune system, but it also offers significant benefits for cardiovascular function.

First, it aids in the production of collagen and elastin, which are the reinforcement rods of the body. Current clinical evidence suggests that the lack of adequate amounts of vitamin C over a period of years results in a breakdown of the collagen and elastin structure of the blood vessel walls. This breakdown leads to tiny, microscopic cracks or fissures in the walls. Cholesterol globules, surrounded by sticky lipoprotein (a) molecules, lodge in these cracks forming a sort of natural "plaster cast" to prevent blood leakage. This natural repair system eventually overshoots and the buildup of atherosclerotic deposits results. These fat deposits in the arteries of the heart can cause heart attacks and strokes.

Q. There are so many different types of vitamin C. Which one is the most easily assimilated and absorbed by the body?
A. A composition of different forms of vitamin C helps optimize your body's usage of this nutrient. Ascorbic acid and ascorbic salts are very important along with ascorbyl palmitate, a fat-soluble form of vitamin C that remains active in the body for about 24 hours and is very well absorbed. Bio-C contains all of these, along with citrus bioflavonoids, which work with vitamin C to increase its biological efficacy in your body.

Q. My multivitamin contains vitamin C. Why do I need to take Bio-C in addition to a multivitamin?
A. Most multivitamins offer a number of beneficial nutrients. To provide the variety and quantity of vitamin C offered in Bio-C, a multivitamin would be too large to swallow easily. Multivitamins are beneficial, but you can enhance your nutritional program by also including Bio-C.

Q. If I take Bio-C and a multivitamin, will I be consuming too much vitamin C?
A. No. This important nutrient is water-soluble, so your body can naturally eliminate excess supplies. Because of its water-soluble nature, vitamin C must be replaced in your body daily.

Q. In addition to increasing my vitamin C intake through supplements, what are some food sources from which I can obtain beneficial amounts of this nutrient?
A. Many fruits - including oranges, cantaloupe, kiwi, blueberries, strawberries and honeydew melon - are good sources of vitamin C. Red and green bell peppers, broccoli, cauliflower and tomatoes also contain vitamin C.